Akshay wants people to pay their taxes on time

Akshay Kumar to feature in a TV commercial appealing to citizens to pay their taxes honestly and on time

Akshay Kumar to feature in a TV commercial appealing to citizens to pay their taxes honestly and on time

Akshay Kumar was the highest taxpayer for the financial year 2008-2009. The actor had paid over Rs 30 crore last year and had beaten fellow B-Towner Shah Rukh Khan (who pipped him to the post by paying more tax than him this year).

I want you... to pay your taxes: What Akshay Kumar wants you to do!u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Imaging by Abrahamu00a0K John

Diligent payer
A source close to Akshay reveals that after the actor had paid a huge amount as taxes last year, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) decided to rope him in to feature in a TV ad urging people to pay taxes honestly and on time. "The CBEC was of the opinion that no other B-Town star could convey the message of tax compliance better than Akshay who for the last four years has been diligently paying his service tax in advance."

The source adds, "Akshay has a sturdy dependable imageu00a0-- professionally and personallyu00a0-- which people relate to. While his image at the box office is successful, his image as a father and family man too has been excellent. Akshay has always been meticulous when it comes to paying his taxes and is willing to help in encouraging fellow citizens to do the same."

Says Additional Commissioner, Customs & Central Excise, CBEC, "In 2008-2009, Akshay Kumar emerged the highest Bollywood tax payer. We approached Mru00a0 Kumar to feature in the ad since to us he was someone who could represent the message of paying one's taxes on timeu00a0-- something that is every citizen's duty. He has great appeal and being a superstar, he can really help encourage people to pay taxes honestly and on time."
The CBEC, which is responsible for collection of customs, central excise and service tax, released the advertisement on the March 21.