The Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday felicitated 15 business firms and an individual for their contribution to paying taxes in the fiscal year 2020-21.

Vijaya Kumar Shah, chairman of the Jawalakhel Group of Industries, the manufacturer and distributor of alcoholic beverages, topped the list among individual taxpayers.

Nepal Telecom, the state-owned telecommunications service provider, was honoured as the country’s largest income taxpayer.

They were honoured amid a programme organised to commemorate the 11th National Tax Day.

Surya Nepal, the manufacturer of varied products ranging from cigarettes, safety matches and incense sticks to confectionery, was felicitated for contributing the highest inland revenue among companies.

Shree Shiv Shakti Ghee Industries, the producer of refined oil and vegetable ghee, was honoured as the highest taxpayer in the export category, according to the statement issued by the Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday.

Rajesh Metal Crafts topped the special industries category, and OCB Foods and Feeds, the importers of raw material for poultry feed, topped among the agriculture and livestock industries.

Nabil Bank was honoured as the highest taxpayer in the bank and financial institutions category. Chhimek Microfinance topped the list of cooperative and microfinance segments.

Nepal Re-insurance Company was honoured as the top taxpayer in the insurance category.

Likewise, Biratnagar-based Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital was felicitated as the top taxpayer in the health and education categories.

Manakamana Darshan, the operator of the cable car in Kurintar and Chilime Hydropower were honoured as the highest taxpayers in tourism businesses and energy-oriented industries, respectively.

Nepal Stock Exchange topped the list among medium-scale taxpayers.

IME Limited, the first money transfer company in Nepal, was honoured as the highest taxpayer in the remittance and money transfer category.

Hansraj Hulaschand and Co was honoured for its contribution to the commodity trade sector.

According to the department, Gorkha Brewery, the producer of Tuborg, Carlsberg and Gorkha beers, Somersby Apple Cider and Red Bull energy drink, was announced as the largest contributor in the value-added tax (VAT) category.

In the previous fiscal year 2020-21, the country collected Rs429.27 billion in revenue, against the target of Rs450.34 billion, according to the department.

The department said the total number of taxpayers in the country, including the businesses and individuals holding a permanent account number (PAN) reached 4.04 million as of 2020-21. Among them, 2.47 million are individual PAN card holders.