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This is an archive article published on March 1, 2015

First steps to curb generation of black money in realty

The government seeks to discourage cash payments, promote card-based transactions.

In order to tackle the black money menace, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced in his budget that cash transactions of more than Rs 20,000 in purchase of immovable property will not be allowed. Quoting the Permanent Account Number, or PAN, has been made mandatory for real estate transactions of more than Rs1 lakh.

“The Finance Bill includes a proposal to amend the Income Tax Act to prohibit acceptance or payment of an advance of Rs 20,000 or more in cash for purchase of immovable property. Quoting of PAN is being made mandatory for any purchase or sale exceeding the value of Rs 1 lakh,” Jaitley said.

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Market experts say that the intent of the government is good and looks to reduce the black money transaction in the sector but it may be tough to implement it. While home buyers will have to make all payments exceeding Rs 20,000 by way of cheque, experts feel that it is tough to track them.

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“It is practically very tough to stop such transactions. It will be difficult for the government to produce evidence against such transactions,” said a real estate expert who did not wish to be named.

In another move to curb the flow of black money, the government is looking to announce steps that will discourage cash transactions and encourage card-based transactions.

“Now that a majority of Indians have or can have a RuPay debit card, I propose to introduce soon several measures that will incentivise credit or debit card transactions, and disincentivise cash transactions,” said Jaitley.

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