Dhoni' s highest tax payer in the state.

Ranchi: India's cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who rules the hearts of millions of cricket fans, has also become the darling of the income tax department as he has emerged as the highest individual tax payer in Jharkhand.

According to sources in the income tax department, till Sep this year Dhoni has paid Rs.7.3 million as advance tax.

"Dhoni has emerged as highest tax payer in the current financial year. We expect that he will pay Rs.40 million as tax in fiscal 2007-2008," said an income tax official.

Dhoni is followed by two businessmen of West Singhbhum district.

This year, the income tax department has set a target to collect Rs.5.03 billion in taxes from the state.

According to official sources, the highest corporate taxpayer in the state is public sector unit Central Coalfield Ltd, which has recently been accorded "miniratna" status by the central government.

Jharkhand is meanwhile gearing up to welcome Dhoni home. He is likely to arrive in Ranchi on Wednesday.