Quoting of father's name in PAN application forms will not be mandatory in cases where mother of the applicant is a single parent, the income tax department said on Tuesday. The income tax rules were amended by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) through a notification, which said the application forms would give an option to the applicant as to whether mother is a single parent and if the applicant wishes to furnish the name of mother only.
As per the current rule, it is mandatory to furnish the father’s name for the allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN).
The new rules would come into effect from December 5.
The concerns of those whose mother is a single parent were addressed by the tax department, said Nangia Advisors LLP Partner Suraj Nangia, adding it would want to get their mother’s name printed on PAN cards instead of the estranged/ deceased father.
The notification has also made it mandatory for entities that have made financial transactions worth Rs 2.5 lakh or more in a financial year to apply for a PAN card.
The application has to be filed on or before May 31 of the assessment year for which such income is assessable.
The resident entities now shall have to obtain PAN even if the total sales/ turnover/ gross receipts are not or are not likely to exceed Rs 5 lakh in a financial year, Nangia said.
“This will help the income tax department track financial transaction, broaden its tax base and prevent tax evasion," Nangia added.