New Delhi, Feb 21 Deposits in foreign banks, paintings, sculptures and expensive watches may come under the wealth tax net as part of the government's drive to unearth black money.
The proposal to expand the ambit of the Wealth Tax forms part of the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) Bill which is being scrutinised by a Parliamentary Standing Committee. Some of the proposals are likely to be incorporated in the Budget for 2012-13, pending approval of the DTC.
The Wealth Tax, as per the proposal, will be levied at one per cent on taxable assets (specified under Wealth Tax Act) exceeding Rs 1 crore. The current limit is Rs 30 lakh. "For the purpose of levy of wealth tax, taxable assets
have been defined to include deposits in banks located outside India in case of individual, unreported bank deposits in case of others...," the Finance Ministry said in a note, adding this is one of "specific new measures for unearthing black money".
The other assets which would be included for computing the wealth tax liability are - cars, yacht, helicopters, aircraft, jewellery, bullion, archaeological collections, paintings and sculptures. Watches exceeding Rs 50,000 apiece
and cash in excess of Rs 2 lakh would also attract the Wealth Tax.
As regards the real estate, the DTC makes it clear that wealth tax will not be levied on residential houses, commercial premises and those immovable property which is rented out for a minimum of 300 days in a financial year.
The value of other properties, including urban land and farm houses located within 25 kilometers of any municipal or Cantonment Board  will be included while computing the tax liability on this count.