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Often Use Your Credit Card? 5 New Rules To Know Before April 1
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If you make digital payments amounting to Rs 10 lakh in one year through a credit card, the details may be reported to the Income Tax Department by banks
The new Income Tax draft rules propose recognising recent credit card statements as valid address proof for obtaining a PAN.
From tighter scrutiny of high-value swipes to the possibility of paying taxes with plastic money, sweeping changes may soon reshape how millions use their credit cards. The Income Tax Department has released Income Tax Draft Rules 2026, which are slated to replace the decades-old Income Tax Rules, 1962, once approved. Though still in draft form, the proposed framework introduces five key provisions that directly affect credit card holders and aim to enhance transparency while curbing tax evasion.
The most significant proposal centres on stricter monitoring of high-value transactions. Under the draft norms, if an individual makes digital payments, excluding cash, amounting to Rs 10 lakh or more in a financial year through a credit card, the details may be reported to the Income Tax Department by banks or card issuers.
Cash payments of Rs 1 lakh or more could also come under reporting requirements. While reporting of large transactions is not entirely new, the draft seeks to clarify and tighten the framework, effectively placing big-ticket spending under sharper scrutiny to strengthen tax compliance.
In a move likely to ease documentation hurdles, the draft rules also propose recognising recent credit card statements as valid address proof for obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN). Statements from the past three months may be accepted, provided they clearly display the applicant’s correct and updated address. This could benefit individuals who lack traditional address documents such as utility bills.
Another notable change under consideration is allowing taxpayers to pay income tax dues using a credit card. At present, tax payments are largely restricted to digital modes such as net banking and debit cards. If implemented, the new provision would add flexibility and convenience. However, taxpayers may need to factor in additional costs, as banks could levy processing charges or interest on such transactions, potentially raising the overall expense of paying taxes through credit.
The draft rules also spell out tax treatment for employer-provided credit cards. If a company-issued card is used for personal expenses, the amount may be treated as a “perquisite”, a benefit over and above salary, and taxed accordingly. However, expenses incurred strictly for official purposes, including business travel, client meetings or work-related entertainment, would not attract tax.
Employers would be required to maintain detailed records to substantiate official spending. Any portion paid back by the employee would be deducted while computing the taxable value.
Further tightening compliance norms, the draft makes it mandatory to furnish a PAN while applying for a credit card. Banks and financial institutions would not process applications without it. The objective is to link significant financial transactions directly with tax records and prevent anonymous or fraudulent usage.
While these measures are yet to be finalised, their eventual implementation could have wide-ranging implications for heavy credit card users. With higher reporting thresholds, expanded documentation validity and stricter compliance norms, the draft signals a more transparent and closely monitored credit ecosystem from April 1, 2026, onward.
February 20, 2026, 19:17 IST
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