The Income Tax Department has issued a crucial attention notice to Tax Deductors and Collectors, notifying them of the implications of PAN status marked as 'Inoperative' on TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source) rates. The department emphasizes compliance with the provisions of Section 206AA/206CC of the Income Tax Act and directs stakeholders to refer to CBDT's Notification No. 15/2023 and Circular No. 3/2023 dated March 28, 2023, for comprehensive details.
Key Points of the Attention Notice
1. Impact on TDS/TCS Rates
- Deductees/Collectees with PAN status marked as 'Inoperative' will now be subject to higher TDS/TCS rates, in accordance with the provisions outlined in Section 206AA/206CC of the Income Tax Act. This change underscores the importance of maintaining an active PAN status to avoid increased tax deductions.
2. Reference to CBDT's Notifications
- The notice directs stakeholders to refer to CBDT's Notification No. 15/2023 and Circular No. 3/2023 dated March 28, 2023, for a detailed understanding of the amended TDS/TCS rates and the specific provisions associated with 'Inoperative' PAN status.
3. Verification of PAN Status
- The Income Tax Department provides a user-friendly solution for Tax Deductors/Collectors by introducing a quick verification process. Stakeholders can click on the link 'Verify PAN Status,' available under the quick links section, to confirm the current status of the PAN in question.
4. Importance of Active PAN Status
- The notice underscores the significance of maintaining an active PAN status to ensure accurate and compliant TDS/TCS deductions. This proactive measure is crucial for both the deductors/collectors and the deductees/collectees to avoid unintended financial consequences.
5. Deadline for PAN Verification
- The Income Tax Department encourages prompt action from stakeholders and advises them to verify the PAN status at the earliest to avoid any disruptions in TDS/TCS processes. Non-compliance may result in higher tax deductions, impacting both parties involved.
Conclusion
The attention notice from the Income Tax Department serves as a critical alert for Tax Deductors and Collectors regarding the implications of 'Inoperative' PAN status on TDS/TCS rates. With reference to CBDT's recent notifications, stakeholders are urged to promptly verify the PAN status using the provided link to maintain compliance with the amended provisions of the Income Tax Act. This timely action will ensure smooth and accurate tax deductions, preventing any unintended financial consequences for both deductors and deductees.