An audit report has revealed that the total outstanding taxes, penalties and interest that the Inland Revenue Department had been unable to recover as of 30 June 2024 amounted to Rs. 961.4 billion.

As of 30 June 2024, income tax accounted for the largest share of outstanding tax arrears. Value Added Tax (VAT) accounted for the second-largest share.

Another significant finding highlighted in the report is that outstanding taxes, penalties and interest increased by more than Rs. 18 billion during the period from 30 June 2023 to 30 June 2024.