Direct tax collections in the national capital have shown an unprecedented growth of 83.3 per cent and touched Rs 12,180.7 crore as on July 24 this fiscal, against Rs 6,646.2 crore a year ago.

"Looking at the growth of over 83 per cent in Direct Tax collections so far, we are certain to cross the target of Rs 64,590 crore in 2008-09," Delhi Chief Commissioner Income Tax Vijay Bhushan said on Monday.

Direct Tax collections, which include corporate and personal income tax, comprises Rs 8,090 crore tax deducted at source (TDS) mainly by the employers. TDS collection rose by 71.3 per cent over Rs 4,793 crore between April 1 and July 24, against Rs 4,793 crore during the corresponding period last fiscal.

He said to facilitate taxpayers in submiting their returns, 280 counters have been set in Delhi that would be manned by 1,300 officials of the department.

In places like Pragati Maidan, special counters would remain open till July 31, the last date of filing returns, to collect tax returns from taxpayers. Special arrangements have been made for senior citizens and women taxpayers, he said.

Over seven-to-eight lakh taxpayers are expected to submit their returns. Bhushan said taxpayers could also deposit taxes at the counters of Union Bank of India.

In addition, Bhushan said, the taxpayers could also electronically file their returns or deposit taxes.

However, in case of e-filing of returns without digital signatures, they would have to get acknowledgments forms stamped from the assessing officer concerned within 15 days otherwise their returns could be cancelled, he said.