Total tax revenues in 2014 amounted to €2,747.6 million, implying a tax burden of 34.6 per cent, the National Statistics Office said.

It said total tax revenue last year went up by €260.6 million over the previous year.

Increases were registered in indirect and indirect taxes and social contributions.

The largest rise, €118.5 million, was in indirect taxes. This increase was triggered by higher returns from VAT (€60.1 million) and taxes on products (€50.4 million).

Moreover, other taxes on production and import duties went up by €6.2 million and €1.8 million.

Direct taxes increased by €111.2 million. These amounted to €1,167.3 million, representing 42.5 per cent of total tax revenues.

The rise in direct taxes was mainly the result of added proceeds from other current taxes (€38.2 million), personal income tax (€37.5 million) and corporate income tax (€36.2 million). Capital taxes registered a marginal decline of €0.9 million.

Social contributions represented 17 per cent of total tax revenue, at €468.4 million, an increase of €30.9 million over 2013.

The tax burden in 2014 was 34.6 per cent compared to 33 per cent recorded in 2013.