Transgenders to be recognised as independent gender category in PAN form
Transgenders recognised as independent gender category in PAN form Transgenders will now be recognised as an independent category of applicants for obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for their tax-related transactions. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued a notification on Monday that provides a new tick box for the transgenders to apply for the PAN. Under Sections 139A and 295 of the Income Tax Act, specifies the new application process for obtaining a PAN number by an individual. “Individuals from the transgender community were facing hassles in obtaining a PAN card and this problem was further magnified as Aadhaar had the third gender category but not PAN. Hence, the transgenders were not able to link their PAN with their Aadhaar due to this anomaly,” the official said. The amendment will now be reflected in Form 49A (PAN application form for Indian citizens) and 49AA (PAN application form for individuals not a citizen of India), the official added. PAN is a 10-digit unique alphanumeric number allotted by the I-T department to individuals and entities. Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act says every person having PAN as on July 1, 2017, and eligible to obtain Aadhaar, must intimate his Aadhaar number to the tax authorities. -PTC News
