PAN mandatory for entities in transaction over Rs 2.5 lakh

Seeking to widen the tax base, the Budget for 2018-19 today provided for making PAN mandatory for any entity entering into a financial transaction of Rs 2.5 lakh or more with effect from April 1.

The 10-digit Permanent Account Number (PAN) would be used as Unique Entity Number for non-individuals, said the memorandum to the Finance Bill 2018.

"It is proposed that every person, not being an individual, which enters into a financial transaction of an amount aggregating to Rs 2.50 lakh or more in a financial year shall be required to apply to the Assessing Officer for allotment of PAN," it said.

Besides, in order to link the financial transactions with the natural persons, the Finance Bill has also proposed that the managing director, director, partner, trustee, CEO, founder or any person competent to act on behalf of such entities shall also apply to the Assessing Officer for allotment of PAN.