Mandatory requirement of furnishing PAN in all TDS statements u/s. 206AA

The non-quoting of PAN by deductees in many cases have led to delay in issue of refund on account of problems in the processing of returns of income and in granting credit for tax deducted at source.

With a view to strengthening the PAN mechanism, section 206AA provides that any person whose receipts are subject to deduction of tax at source i.e. the deductee, shall mandatorily furnish his PAN to the deductor failing which the deductor shall deduct tax at source at higher of the following rates –

• the rate prescribed in the Act;
• at the rate in force i.e., the rate mentioned in the Finance Act; or
• at the rate of 20%.

For instance, in case of rental payment for plant and machinery, where the payee does not furnish his PAN to the payer, tax would be deductible @20% instead of @2% prescribed under section 194I. However, non-furnishing of PAN by the deductee in case of income by way of winnings from lotteries, card games etc., would result in tax being deducted at the existing rate of 30% under section 194B. Therefore, wherever tax is deductible at a rate higher than 20%, this provision would not have any impact.

Tax would be deductible at the rates mentioned above also in cases where the taxpayer files a declaration in Form 15G or 15H (under section 197A) but does not provide his PAN.

Further, no certificate under section 197 will be granted by the Assessing Officer unless the application contains the PAN of the applicant.

If the PAN provided to the deductor is invalid or it does not belong to the deductee, it shall be deemed that the deductee has not furnished his PAN to the deductor. Accordingly, tax would be deductible at the rate specified in (ii) above.

These provisions will also apply to non-residents where tax is deductible on payments or credits made to them. However, the provisions of section 206AA shall not apply in respect of payment of interest on long-term infrastructure bonds, as referred to in section 194LC, to a non-corporate non-resident or to a foreign company.

Both the deductor and the deductee have to compulsorily quote the PAN of the deductee in all correspondence, bills, vouchers and other documents exchanged between them.