PAN Card - Types, Eligibility & How to Apply for Pan Number
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Pan Card

PAN Card (Permanent Account Number)

As a citizen of India who contributes to the country’s economy, having a PAN card is an essential. The Government officially introduced the PAN card under the Section 139A of the Income Tax Act of 1961. It was introduced to avoid the numerous disadvantages of the General Index Register (GIR) as it did not provide unique numbers to taxpayers that often lead to confusion and tax evasion.

PAN, which stands for Permanent Account Number, is a government document that contains all financial details of all financial transactions carried out by an individual or an organisation. Also, used to open a bank account, file your income tax return, invest in financial products, take out a loan or credit card or any finance related activity. The PAN search identifies the individual for taxation purposes and contains all the relevant financial data of the individual in its storage.

Table of Contents

What is a PAN Card

A PAN card is a physical representation. It contains a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code. This code is computer-generated and is unique to the holder of the card and is valid for the lifetime. It is a document that you must have to file your taxes and serves as a proof of identity.

PAN Card Contents

Contents that a PAN card contain are as follows:

  1. Name of the Cardholder: Name of the Individual, partnership firm, LLP or company.
  2. Name of the Parent: Applicable for Individual cardholders. The father’s or mother’s name (in case of single parent) will be printed.
  3. Date of Birth: The cardholder’s date of birth in the case of an individual or the date of registration in the case of a company or firm.
  4. PAN Number: It is a 10-digit alphanumeric number. Each character represents information about the cardholder. 
  5. Signature: Applicable only for individual cardholders. PAN card also acts as proof of the individual’s signature required for financial transactions.
  6. Photograph of the Individual: PAN acts as a photo identity proof of the individual. In the case of companies and firms, no photograph is present on the card.
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Structure of Permanent Account Number (PAN)

PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number and each character has a distinct information of the cardholder.

The first 3 letters- These are purely alphabetical in nature and contain three- letters of the alphabet from A to Z.

The 4 letter- The fourth letter is an alphabet that represents the category of the taxpayer. The various entities and their respective characters are as follows:

  1. A- Association of Persons
  2. B- Body of Individuals
  3. C- Company
  4. F- Firms
  5. G- Government
  6. H- Hindu Undivided Family
  7. L- Local Authority
  8. J- Artificial Judicial Person
  9. P- Individual
  10. T- Association of Persons for a Trust

The 5 letter- The fifth letter is the first letter of the individual’s surname

The next 4 letters- The next 4 characters are purely numerical in nature and are numbers between 0-9.

The last letter: The last letter is an alphabet.

Types of PAN Cards

A PAN card can be availed by both individuals and entities, different types of PAN cards required to apply through different variants of Form 49 issued by the government. Below mentioned are the types of PAN cards and the different forms used for availing the same:

  1. PAN card for Individuals: This is the most common variant of the PAN card that is issued to individuals. This card is applied through Form 49A available online through the NSDL and UTIITSL websites. Individuals include any resident Indian including minors and students as they are also eligible for a PAN card.
  2. PAN card for Non-Residential Indians or Persons of Origins: NRIs or PIOs can avail a PAN card for the purpose of taxation in India. They too would have to submit Form 49A for availing the card.
  3. PAN card for Foreign Entities paying Tax in India: Firms or corporates which are registered outside India but pay tax in India by virtue of their business operations conducted in India can also avail a PAN card. They would also have to fill and submit Form 49AA as part of the PAN card application process.
  4. PAN card for OCI and NRE: Overseas Citizens of India and Non-Resident Entities can also apply for a PAN card. The relevant form that should be filled out by them when applying for the PAN card is Form 49AA.
  5. PAN card for Indian Companies: Firms and corporate entities registered as well as working in India can also apply for a PAN card for their financial and tax-related transactions.

Eligibility for PAN Card

All the Indian Citizens and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible to apply for a PAN card. All infrastructural entities, such companies, firms, association persons, Hindu Undivided Families, etc are eligible to apply for a PAN card. However, a PAN card is compulsory for all persons who pay taxes in India and carry out financial transactions in India.

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How to Apply for PAN Card

Applicants can apply for a PAN card through both online and offline mode of application process. Applicants applying through an online process can visit the NSDL or the UTIITSL portal to apply for the PAN card. The following two parts will discuss both the methods to apply for a PAN card.

Process to Apply for PAN card Online

Below are the following steps to apply for PAN card online:

Step 1: Visit the website of NSDL or UTTIITSL for online application for PAN Card.

Step 2: Select the option ‘New PAN’

Step 3: Choose the PAN Form 49A which should be selected for individuals whether Indian citizens, NRE/NRI or OCI individuals.

Step 4: This form should be filled with the individual’s details

Step 5: The applicant will be required to pay the processing fee online or through a demand draft after submitting the form to initiate the processing of the form

Step 6: After paying the fees and submitting the PAN Form 49A, an acknowledgement slip is generated containing the 15-digit acknowledgement number.

Step 7: You can e-Sign the application using Aadhaar OTP authentication or send the application with required documents to the NSDL PAN office UTIITSL office by courier within 15 days of online submission of Form 49A.

Step 8: After the acknowledgement form is couriered to the concerned office, PAN No. verification is done and the card is generated after the NSDL/UTIITSL PAN verification. The physical PAN card is sent to the customer’s address as mentioned in the form within a period of 15 days.

Process to Apply for PAN Card Offline

The process to apply for PAN card via offline mode is as follows:

  1. Download the PAN card application form 49A from the NSDL or UTIITSL website or collect a copy from UTIITSL agents/NSDL office.
  2. Enter the details on the form, attach the recent photograph and signature.
  3. Attach the required details with the application.
  4. Visit the nearest PAN centre, submit the form along with all the documents and the pay the required fees.

Duplicate PAN Card

One can apply for a duplicate PAN card through an online process, if you have lost your PAN card. The process to apply for it is as follows:

  1. Visit the NSDL or the UTIITSL website.
  2. Enter the required details such as PAN, Aadhaar number, date of birth, GST (if applicable), captcha code and submit it.
  3. Enter the OTP, pay the required fees and submit it.
  4. The printed PAN card will be sent to the applicant’s address.

Documents Required for a PAN Card

While availing for a PAN card, some key documents are also required to be submitted along with the PAN application Form of 49A or 49AA or the acknowledgment form for PAN verification process. The requirement of PAN documents vary across different applicant types. Here are some key documents required according to the applicant types.

1. For an Individual Applicant

  1. Proof of Identity: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Ration Card,  Arm’s licence, Pensioner card, Government photo identity card, Central Government Health Scheme Card
  2. Proof of Address: Aadhaar, Passport of self/spouse, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Post Office or bank passbook, utility bills, property tax order, Domicile certificate, Property registration document, Employer certificate
  3. Proof of Date of Birth: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Matriculation certificate or marksheet, Birth certificate, Government photo identity card, Domicile certificate, Marriage certificate.

2. For a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

  1. An affidavit issued by the Karta of the HUF stating the name, address and Father’s name of every coparcener as the date on which the application is made.
  2. Identity proof, Address proof, Date of Birth proof as in case of an individual for the Karta of the HUF.
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3. For a Company Registered in India

A copy of the Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies.

4. For Firms and Limited Liability Partnership formed or registered in India

  • A copy of the Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Firms or Limited Liability Partnerships.
  • A copy of the Partnership Deed.

5. For an Association of Persons

Copy of Agreement/Certificate of Registration Number from Registrar of Co-operative Society or Charity Commissioner or other competent authority or any document issued by the Central/State Government which shows identity and address of the applicant.

6. For Individuals who are not Indian Citizens

  1. Proof of Identity: Passport, PIO/ OCI card, Citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number duly attested by “Apostille” or the Indian Embassy or High Commission or Consulate.
  2. Proof of Address: Passport, PIO/ OCI card, Bank account statement, Certificate of Residence in India, Registration certificate issued by the Foreigner’s Registration Office or visa granted and copy of appointment letter from Indian Company.
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PAN Card Fees

The PAN card fees for a new or updated PAN card vary depending on whether you require a physical PAN card or submission of the PAN card application.

PAN card fees for Indian Citizens

ParticularsMode of Submission of PAN card applicationFees (inclusive of applicable taxes)
When a physical PAN card is requiredPAN application is submitted at TIN facilitation centres/ PAN centres or online using physical mode of document submissionRs.107
When a physical PAN card is requiredPAN application is submitted online through paperless modesRs.101
When a physical PAN card is not required (e-PAN)PAN application is submitted at TIN facilitation centres/ PAN centres or online using physical mode of document submissionRs.72
When a physical PAN card is not required (e-PAN)PAN application is submitted online through paperless modesRs.66
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PAN card Fees for Citizens Outside the Country

ParticularsMode of Submission of PAN card applicationFees (inclusive of applicable taxes)
When a physical PAN card is requiredPAN application is submitted at TIN facilitation centres/PAN centres or online using physical mode of document submissionRs.1,017
When a physical PAN card is requiredPAN application is submitted online through paperless modesRs.1,011
When a physical PAN card is not required (e-PAN)PAN application is submitted at TIN facilitation centres/PAN centres or online using physical mode of document submissionRs.72
When a physical PAN card is not required (e-PAN)PAN application is submitted online through paperless modesRs.66

How to Check PAN card Status Online

Once you have submit the PAN card application, you can track the PAN application status by following the process mentioned below:

  1. Visit the NSDL or the UTIITSL website.
  2. Enter the acknowledgment number or the application number and captcha code and click ‘Submit’.
  3. The status of the PAN card application will be displayed on the screen.

How to Download PAN card Online

When the PAN card is processed and generated, you can download the PAN card in digital form, i.e e-PAN card, by following the steps mentioned below:

Download PAN card via NSDL

The facility to download e-pan card through the NSDL Protean portal is available for all the applicants. A new or updated PAN card downloaded free of cost within 30 days of PAN allotment or confirmation from the income tax department, otherwise you need to pay extra charges of Rs. 8.26.

Step 1: Go to the official website of the NSDL Protean portal.

Step 2: Under ‘PAN Service Links’ click on the ‘Download e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted in last 30 days)’ or ‘Download e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted prior to 30 days)’, as applicable. You will be redirected to a new page.

Step 3: On the next page, you can choose ‘Acknowledgement Number’ or ‘PAN’ option. When you choose the ‘PAN’ option, enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, date of birth and GSTN (optional), and captcha code and click the ‘Submit’ button. In case you choose the ‘Acknowledgement Number’ option, enter the acknowledgement number, date of birth, captcha code and click on the ‘Submit’ button.

Step 4: Choose any one option, tick the declaration and click the ‘Generate OTP’ button.

Step 5: Now, enter the OTP and click on the ‘Validate’ button.

Step 6: Click the ‘Download PDF’ button. If your free download of e-PAN is exhausted, you will receive a message on the screen. Click on the ‘Continue with paid e-PAN download facility’. Select the payment option, pay the fee and click the ‘Download PDF’ button.

Your e-PAN card will be downloaded in the PDF format. It is secured with a password, i.e your date of birth.

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Download PAN card via UTIITSL

The steps to download PAN card via UTIITSL are given below:

Step 1: Go to the official UTIITSL portal.

Step 2: Scroll down and click on ‘Click to Download’ option under the ‘Download e-PAN’ tab.

Step 3: You will be redirected to a new page. Enter the PAN number, date of birth, GSTN number if required, captcha code and click the ‘Submit’ button.

Step 4: A link will be delivered to your registered mobile number or email id.

Step 5: Click on the link, and you can download the e-PAN card using the OTP.

Download PAN card via Income Tax e-Filing Website or Aadhaar Number

Here are the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit the official income tax e-filing website.

Step 2: Under the ‘Check Status/Download PAN’ tab click on the ‘Click’ button.

Step 3: Enter ‘Aadhaar Number’ and click on the ‘Continue; button.

Step 4: Enter the ‘Aadhaar OTP’ sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile number and click the ‘Continue’.

Step 5: The status of your e-PAN will be displayed. When the e-PAN has been alloted, click the ‘Download e-PAN’ to download the e-PAN copy.

How to Update/Correction in PAN Card

You can get your PAN card updated by following the details mentioned below:

  • Go to the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
  • Select the Application type as “Changes or Corrections in the existing PAN/Reprint of PAN card”
  • Enter the details which need to change, upload the documents and click on the “Submit” button.
  • Pay the processing fee.
  • PAN will be dispatched within 15 days.

Documents required for PAN card Update

  1. Copy of PAN card
  2. Identity proof, such as Aadhaar card, Voter’s ID, driving licence, ration card, etc.
  3. Address proof, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, property tax receipts, utility bills, etc.
  4. Proof of date of birth, Aadhaar card, Voter ID, birth certificate, matriculation marksheet, etc.
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How to Link PAN card

There are two primary ways in which you can link your PAN card.

  1. Aadhaar Card
  2. Bank Account

How to link PAN card with Aadhaar card

The last date for PAN-Aadhaar linking was 30th June 2023. If the PAN card is not with Aadhaar within the given deadline, it becomes inoperative. However, inoperative PAN card due to non-linking with Aadhaar card can be activated by paying the penalty and requesting to link PAN-Aadhaar. 

Two main steps for linking Aadhaar with your PAN after the deadline of 30th June 2023 are mentioned below:

  1. Payment of Penalty
  2. Submit the Aadhaar-PAN link request

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How to link PAN card with Bank Account

Linking PAN card with Bank Account Through Internet Banking

  1. Open the website of your bank and go to the internet banking login page
  2. Enter your user ID and password and login to your internet banking account
  3. Click on the ‘Services Requests’ option from the range of options on the website
  4. Select the ‘PAN Card Updation’ option
  5. Now enter your PAN, date of birth as mentioned on your PAN card, and registered email address with the bank
  6. Click on the ‘Submit’ button after rechecking the details that you have entered
  7. Your PAN will be linked with your bank account in a couple of days.

Linking PAN card with Bank Account through Phone

  1. Call the customer toll-free customer care number of your bank. You can get these numbers from the bank’s passbook, chequebook and other documents
  2. Go through the IVR options and connect with the PAN card customer care service
  3. Inform the executive that you want to get your PAN linked with your account
  4. You will be asked various questions such as your account number, address, debit card number, etc. to verify your credentials
  5. Tell your PAN to the executive and confirm whether he has marked the correct PAN
  6. Once you registered, your request will take another two days to process and the bank will link your PAN with the bank account.

Linking PAN card with Bank Account through Offline Mode

  1. Visit the home branch where your account is being operated
  2. Ask for the PAN updation form (KYC) and fill it completely. Avoid overwriting or mistakes in the form
  3. Submit documents such as, PAN updation form (KYC), Self-attested copy of your PAN card and a letter addressing the Branch Manager regarding linking PAN with Bank Account
  4. Once submitted, your PAN would be linked with your operational bank account.
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Do’s and Don’ts for filling up PAN form

  1. Make sure to fill the form with relevant and current details.
  2. Write full and complete address is filled for the PAN to be dispatched to the address
  3. Avoid writing abbreviations for your name, instead write the full name of the abbreviations if there are any.
  4. Applicants other than individuals need not fill in the gender, details of parents and residence address section.
  5. Individuals need not fill out the office address if the source of income is not salary, business or profession.
  6. Individuals must leave the registration number section blank.
  7. Attach relevant documents with your signature or thumbprints when self-attesting supporting documents
  8. Incorrect information and lack of support documents will cause the application to be rejected.

PAN for e-KYC (Know Your Customer)

PAN to Aadhaar linking is mandatory for e-KYC and verification to avail services and benefits from respective service providers. PAN for e-KYC is beneficial for both user and the government as:

  1. The e-KYC is a paperless process enabling a service provider to manage documents easily and efficiently.
  2. PAN cardholders can share information with a service provider through a secured channel within minutes, thus eliminating long waiting hours that physical documents usually require.
  3. Information shared between user and service provider is tamper-proof digital documents sent through secured channels, thereby protecting the holder’s information.
  4. Information shared by e-KYC contains authenticated data making it legal and acceptable for both the parties involved in the transaction.
  5. The system is paperless and online eliminating the physical movement of information making it a cost-effective and time-saving process.
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Why do you need PAN?

PAN is not only required for identity and financial purpose but for other reasons which are mentioned below:

  1. Proof of Identity
  2. Proof of Address
  3. Mandatory for filing taxes
  4. Registration of Business
  5. Eligibility to open and operate bank accounts
  6. For phone and gas connections
  7. Beneficial to complete e-KYC for mutual fund investments
  8. Mandatory of bank deposits above Rs. 50,000 in a day
  9. Mandatory for the purchase of property and vehicles (except for 2 wheeler)
  10. Compulsory for all bank transactions more than Rs. 10,000

FAQs

Visit the ‘Track your PAN Application Status’ page directly by clicking on https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html. From the ‘Application Type’ section, select ‘PAN-New/ Change Request’ Input your 15-digit acknowledgement number in the provided field. Verify the status of the PAN by entering captcha code and click ‘Submit’ button to view your NSDL PAN card status on your screen.

A Pan card is valid for life once you have one. It doesn’t require renewal.

Yes, you can use a PAN card as a valid identity in India. It is widely accepted in both government and non-government organisations.

Navigate to the ‘Track your PAN Application Status’ directly by clicking on https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html. From the ‘Application Type’ section, select ‘PAN New/Change Request’. Opt for the name section to access PAN card status without the acknowledgment number. Input your Last name, First Name and middle name and date of birth and click on the ‘Submit’ button to retrieve the PAN card status.

Yes, having more than one PAN card is a punishable offence. If you have two PAN numbers you will have to pay a penalty of Rs.10,000.

Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website. Select the ‘Change/Correction in PAN card details’. Enter the ‘PAN Card’ number, fill in the other details and click the ‘Submit’ button.

There are two types of PAN forms 49A and 49AA.

The application fee for a PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department is ₹93 for Indian Citizens Communication addresses and ₹864 for foreign communication addresses (excluding GST).

Yes, minors can also apply for a PAN card as well. They can avail a number of facilities by furnishing their PAN at relevant offices.

Go to the e-filing portal homepage, click register and then enter your PAN under Register as a Taxpayer option and click validate. In case the PAN is already registered or invalid, an error message will be displayed.

The minimum age for PAN Card application is 18 years. Any individual who fulfils the PAN card age eligibility comes under the following categories such as using a PAN card, a valid id and address proof.

Follow the step mentioned below to check cibil score by pan card:

  1. Visit – CIBIL’s official website
  2. Click on the top right option that says ‘Get Your Credit Score’, or
  3. Visit the credit score page directly
  4. Choose a subscription method, if applicable
  5. Enter your PAN Card number
  6. Enter your e-mail address
  7. Enter Date of Birth
  8. Select the Gender
  9. Enter the captcha code
  10. Acknowledge the terms and condition
  11. Click on ‘Proceed to Payment’
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