Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara on Wednesday felicitated 14 different companies and an individual for making largest tax contribution in the country.

Among those that were felicitated were Surya Nepal, the largest taxpayer, and Siddhartha SJB Rana, the largest taxpayer among individuals.

They were honoured amidst a programme organised to commemorate the Fifth National Tax Day on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, DPM and Finance Minister Mahara said taxes provide the much-needed financial resources to meet people’s aspirations for sustained development and prosperity.

“So, unless the tax system is robust, the country cannot advance in a desired manner,” he said.

Revenue collection in the country has remained satisfactory over the years. In the last fiscal year, the ratio of gross domestic product to revenue stood at 21.5 percent.

The government is planning to raise Rs565.9 billion through tax and non-tax revenue in the current fiscal year.