Batam, Riau Island (ANTARA News) - Batam city`s tax receipts in the first quarter of 2012 reached Rp91.5 billion, accounting for 24.4 percent of the target of Rp375 billion for this year.

"The first-quarter tax receipts meet our expectation. We are optimistic that the tax receipt target of Rp375 billion for 2012 can be achieved," the head of the Batam city income office, Jefridin said on Sunday.

The tax receipts of Rp91.5 billion came from fees on land and building titles (BPHTB), tax on public road lighting (PPJU), tax on hotels, restaurant, and amusement centers, and tax on minerals C, parking and advertisements, he said.

"The greatest chunk of the tax receipts came from BPHTB, PPJU and hotel tax," he said.

The higher number of hotels in Batam city had given significant contributions to the city`s income, he noted.

"We also hope that other sectors such as tourism will also have a great impact on the city`s income," he said.

The Batam city administration called on taxpayers to pay their taxes before the maturity date to avoid fines on late payments, he said.

"We always make every effort to remind taxpayers of their obligation to pay taxes. We will also give appreciation to compliant taxpayers on May 25, 2012. This is merely to increase the public awareness," he said.

With the delegation of authority to regions to manage land and building taxes in 2013, the city`s income would increase by more than Rp24 billion.

"We believe land and building tax receipts may outstrip the central government-set target," he said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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