Tajikistan: The Tax Man Helps Scofflaws Find Thier Wallets

Zealous tax inspectors in Kulob, a city in southern Tajikistan, have collected $3.28 million in taxes this year, more than $1 million above what had been forecast.

Local tax chief Saidsilom Ismoilov said the increase was due in part to a concerted crack down on the city's "most incorrigible" tax-dodgers, reports news agency Asia-Plus. Ismoilov also attributed the unexpected rise in revenue to improved coordination among local officials and the tax and customs services.

"Since the beginning of this year we have won all 10 cases against tax dodgers," Asia-Plus quoted him as saying on December 16. The funds have since been transferred to the city budget, he added. The highest band of income tax in Tajikistan currently stands at 13 percent according to the World Bank. Kulob has a population of 85,000.