PAN card must to purchase jewellery worth over Rs 5 lakh

BANGALORE: In an attempt to combat black money, the Centre has made it compulsory to submit permanent account number (PAN) for purchase of jewellery or bullion exceeding Rs 5 lakh . The rule of quoting PAN will also apply to those who avail debit cards from banks . The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Income Tax Department have issued a notification amending the rules.

This amendment will come into effect from July 1, 2011. The CBDT and IT department has already sent a communication to all jewellery dealers, bullion traders, nationalised and private banks which are distributing debitcards.

CBDT has now incorporated four new transactionsunder Rule114Bof theIncome Tax Act which will require PAN for these transactions. The rule also stated that the PAN number is necessary for use of debit card, insurance payments exceeding Rs 50,000 a year, buying jewellery or bullion exceeding Rs 5 lakh.

As per the old act PAN was compulsory for getting a credit card. The new amended provision under rule 114B (ii) was inserted for issue of a credit or debit card after quoting PAN. At present any withdrawal of more than Rs 50,000 in a single purchase or issue of cheque for Rs 50,000 needed PAN. Now payment of Rs 50,000 or more in a year as life insurance premium will also require PAN. "It is good from the view point of the country's economic development but we fear the new rule will create inconvenience for our business and daily transactions," S Venkatesh Babu , secretary , Bangalore Jewellery Association, said .