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Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below
Goals upto 80% faster?

Car Side View

Dream Home

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Car Side View

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Motorcycle Side View

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Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below
Goals upto 80% faster?

Car Side View

Dream Home

Car Side View

Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

auto rikshaw

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Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below Goals upto 80% faster?

Car Side View

Dream Home

Car Side View

Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

auto rikshaw

1st Crore

Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below Goals upto 80% faster?

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PAN Card - What is PAN Card, Overview, Importance, Types and Eligibility

PAN Card - What is PAN Card, Overview, Importance, Types and Eligibility

Aug 5, 2024

Overview of PAN Card

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier assigned to all taxpayers in India. This identification system records all tax-related information of an individual or entity against a single PAN number, serving as the primary key for storing such information. This ensures that no two tax-paying entities can have the same PAN.

Key Details About PAN Card

Issuing Authority: Income Tax Department, Government of India

Customer Care Number: 020 – 27218080

Inception: 1972

Validity: Lifetime

Cost: ₹66 - ₹1,017

Application Mode: Online and Offline

What is a PAN Card?

A PAN card, issued by the Income Tax Department, contains a unique 10-digit PAN that serves as a crucial identity proof for individuals and entities for various purposes. It consolidates all tax-related information of a person or entity, linking it to the PAN number.

The PAN card, introduced in its current format by the Income Tax Department on January 1, 2017, includes a Quick Response (QR) code with the cardholder’s details for data verification. It also features the cardholder's name, father's name, date of birth, and signature.

Contents of a PAN Card

A PAN card includes the following details:

Name of the Cardholder: This could be the name of an individual, partnership firm, LLP, or company.

Father’s Name: Applicable for individual cardholders; the father's or mother's name (in case of a single parent) will be printed.

Date of Birth: For individuals, this is their birth date; for companies or firms, it is the date of registration.

PAN Number: A unique 10-digit alphanumeric number where each character has specific significance.

Signature: Only applicable to individual cardholders, also serving as proof of the individual's signature for financial transactions.

Photograph: A photo ID proof for individuals. No photograph is present on cards issued to companies and firms.

Structure of PAN

The 10-digit alphanumeric PAN is structured as follows:

First 3 letters: Alphabetical characters (A-Z).

Fourth letter: Indicates the category of the taxpayer (e.g., P for Individual, C for Company).

Fifth letter: The first letter of the individual’s surname.

Next 4 characters: Numeric (0-9).

Last character: An alphabet.

Types of PAN Cards

Different types of PAN cards are issued to various entities, including:

Individuals (including minors and students)

Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

Companies

Partnership Firms

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)

Trusts

Societies

Associations of Persons (AOP)

Bodies of Individuals (BOI)

Foreigners

PAN Card Application Forms

There are three types of PAN card application forms:

Form 49A: For Indian citizens, including minors, NRIs, entities located outside India, Indian companies, Indian firms, and Indian BOI/AOP.

Form 49AA: For all foreign citizens.

Changes or Corrections: For making updates or reprinting existing PAN cards.

Eligibility for PAN Card

All Indian citizens, including NRIs and various artificial entities like companies, firms, and HUFs, are eligible for a PAN card. It is mandatory for all taxpayers and those engaging in financial transactions in India.

How to Apply for a PAN Card

Online Application (NSDL)

Visit the official NSDL portal.

Select the application type and category, enter the details, and submit.

You will receive a Token Number. Continue with the PAN application form.

Select the mode of submission and fill out the form, uploading the required documents.

Pay the processing fee and take a printout of the acknowledgment number.

If physical submission is chosen, send the documents to the Income Tax PAN Services Unit of Protean eGov Technologies Limited.

Online Application (UTIITSL)

Visit the UTIITSL website.

Click on the relevant tab for Indian or foreign citizens.

Select ‘Apply for New PAN Card’.

Fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the fees.

Send the form and documents to UTIITSL PAN PDC Incharge offices if physical submission is chosen.

Offline Application

Obtain the PAN card application form from PAN centers or download it online.

Fill out the form, attach a recent photograph, and sign it.

Submit the form with required documents at the nearest PAN center and pay the fees.

Documents Required for PAN Application

Individual Applicants

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.

Proof of Address: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, utility bills, etc.

Proof of Date of Birth: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Birth certificate, etc.

Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

An affidavit of the HUF issued by the head of HUF along with POI/POA details.

Companies and Firms

Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies or Firms.

Trusts

Copy of Trust Deed or Certificate of Registration Number issued by a Charity Commissioner.

Foreigners

Proof of Identity: Passport, PIO/OCI card, Citizenship Identification Number, etc.

Proof of Address: Passport, PIO/OCI card, Bank account statement, etc.

Fees for PAN Card Application

The fees for PAN card application vary based on the mode of submission and the type of card (physical or e-PAN):

Physical PAN Card in India: ₹107

Physical PAN Card outside India: ₹1,017

e-PAN Card: ₹66 - ₹72

Tracking PAN Card Status

After submitting the PAN card application, you can track its status by:

Visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Entering the acknowledgment or application number and captcha code.

Viewing the status displayed on the screen.

Downloading e-PAN Card

Once the PAN card is processed, you can download the e-PAN by:

Visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Entering the required details such as acknowledgment number or PAN, and date of birth.

Entering the OTP, paying the fees (if applicable), and downloading the e-PAN.

Updating or Correcting PAN Details

To update or correct details on your PAN card:

Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Fill out the "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data" form.

Upload the required documents and submit the form.

Pay the processing fee.

Receive the updated PAN card within 15 days.

Do's and Don'ts for Filling PAN Form

Fill the form in English.

Provide current and relevant details.

Ensure the address is complete for dispatch.

Avoid abbreviations in names unless specified.

Attach relevant documents with self-attested signatures or thumbprints.

Duplicate PAN Card

In case of loss or damage, you can apply for a duplicate PAN card by:

Visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Entering the required details such as PAN, Aadhaar number, and date of birth.

Entering the OTP, paying the fees, and submitting the form.

Receiving the duplicate PAN card at your address.

Importance of PAN Card

A PAN card is essential for various identity and financial purposes, including:

Proof of Identity and Address

Mandatory for Filing Taxes

Business Registration

Opening and Operating Bank Accounts

Phone and Gas Connections

Mutual Fund Investments

Bank Deposits above ₹50,000

Purchase of Property and Vehicles

Transactions over ₹10,000

PAN for e-KYC

Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory for e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, which is required for various services. Benefits of e-KYC include:

Paperless Process: Easy management of documents.

Secure Information Sharing: Tamper-proof digital documents.

Cost-Effective and Time-Saving: Eliminates physical document movement.

Related PAN Content

PAN Card Download

Link Aadhaar to PAN

Duplicate PAN Card

PAN Card Status

PAN Card Password

Check PAN Card Status by Mobile Number

Instant PAN Card Through Aadhaar

PAN Card Apply Online

PAN Card Customer Care Number

PAN Card Fraud

e-PAN Card

What to do if you have two PAN cards

PAN Card Form 49A

Aadhaar Card PAN Card Link Status

PAN Aadhaar Link Penalty

Minor PAN Card

Landlord’s PAN Mandatory for HRA Exemption

Link PAN Card with Bank Account Number

PAN Card for Students

Surrender PAN Card or PAN Card Cancellation

Check PAN Active Or Inactive

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a PAN card be made online?

Yes, you can apply for a PAN card online through the official NSDL or UTIITSL websites by filling out the required form, submitting documents, and paying the processing fee. The PAN card will be dispatched within 15 days.

Where should the PAN card application be submitted?

Submit the PAN card application with affixed photographs and signatures along with all relevant documents to the respective address of NSDL or UTIITSL, depending on where the application was made.

Can I correct the information on my PAN card?

Yes, you can correct information on your PAN card by visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website and filling out the "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data" form.

Is it an offence to have more than one PAN card?

Yes, having more than one PAN card is a punishable offense with a penalty of ₹10,000. Each individual or entity is allowed only one PAN.

Is it mandatory to link PAN-Aadhaar?

Yes, linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory. If not linked, the PAN will become inoperative and cannot be used for financial transactions or filing income tax.

What is the fee for a PAN card?

The fee for a PAN card varies from ₹66 to ₹1,017, depending on the mode of submission and whether a physical or e-PAN card is required.

How to download PAN card easily?

You can download your PAN card by visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website, entering the required details, and following the instructions to download the e-PAN.

In conclusion, the PAN card is a crucial document for all taxpayers and individuals engaging in financial transactions in India. Its importance extends beyond tax filing to various other legal and financial activities, making it essential for every eligible individual and entity to obtain and maintain a PAN card.

Overview of PAN Card

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier assigned to all taxpayers in India. This identification system records all tax-related information of an individual or entity against a single PAN number, serving as the primary key for storing such information. This ensures that no two tax-paying entities can have the same PAN.

Key Details About PAN Card

Issuing Authority: Income Tax Department, Government of India

Customer Care Number: 020 – 27218080

Inception: 1972

Validity: Lifetime

Cost: ₹66 - ₹1,017

Application Mode: Online and Offline

What is a PAN Card?

A PAN card, issued by the Income Tax Department, contains a unique 10-digit PAN that serves as a crucial identity proof for individuals and entities for various purposes. It consolidates all tax-related information of a person or entity, linking it to the PAN number.

The PAN card, introduced in its current format by the Income Tax Department on January 1, 2017, includes a Quick Response (QR) code with the cardholder’s details for data verification. It also features the cardholder's name, father's name, date of birth, and signature.

Contents of a PAN Card

A PAN card includes the following details:

Name of the Cardholder: This could be the name of an individual, partnership firm, LLP, or company.

Father’s Name: Applicable for individual cardholders; the father's or mother's name (in case of a single parent) will be printed.

Date of Birth: For individuals, this is their birth date; for companies or firms, it is the date of registration.

PAN Number: A unique 10-digit alphanumeric number where each character has specific significance.

Signature: Only applicable to individual cardholders, also serving as proof of the individual's signature for financial transactions.

Photograph: A photo ID proof for individuals. No photograph is present on cards issued to companies and firms.

Structure of PAN

The 10-digit alphanumeric PAN is structured as follows:

First 3 letters: Alphabetical characters (A-Z).

Fourth letter: Indicates the category of the taxpayer (e.g., P for Individual, C for Company).

Fifth letter: The first letter of the individual’s surname.

Next 4 characters: Numeric (0-9).

Last character: An alphabet.

Types of PAN Cards

Different types of PAN cards are issued to various entities, including:

Individuals (including minors and students)

Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

Companies

Partnership Firms

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)

Trusts

Societies

Associations of Persons (AOP)

Bodies of Individuals (BOI)

Foreigners

PAN Card Application Forms

There are three types of PAN card application forms:

Form 49A: For Indian citizens, including minors, NRIs, entities located outside India, Indian companies, Indian firms, and Indian BOI/AOP.

Form 49AA: For all foreign citizens.

Changes or Corrections: For making updates or reprinting existing PAN cards.

Eligibility for PAN Card

All Indian citizens, including NRIs and various artificial entities like companies, firms, and HUFs, are eligible for a PAN card. It is mandatory for all taxpayers and those engaging in financial transactions in India.

How to Apply for a PAN Card

Online Application (NSDL)

Visit the official NSDL portal.

Select the application type and category, enter the details, and submit.

You will receive a Token Number. Continue with the PAN application form.

Select the mode of submission and fill out the form, uploading the required documents.

Pay the processing fee and take a printout of the acknowledgment number.

If physical submission is chosen, send the documents to the Income Tax PAN Services Unit of Protean eGov Technologies Limited.

Online Application (UTIITSL)

Visit the UTIITSL website.

Click on the relevant tab for Indian or foreign citizens.

Select ‘Apply for New PAN Card’.

Fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the fees.

Send the form and documents to UTIITSL PAN PDC Incharge offices if physical submission is chosen.

Offline Application

Obtain the PAN card application form from PAN centers or download it online.

Fill out the form, attach a recent photograph, and sign it.

Submit the form with required documents at the nearest PAN center and pay the fees.

Documents Required for PAN Application

Individual Applicants

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.

Proof of Address: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, utility bills, etc.

Proof of Date of Birth: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Birth certificate, etc.

Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

An affidavit of the HUF issued by the head of HUF along with POI/POA details.

Companies and Firms

Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies or Firms.

Trusts

Copy of Trust Deed or Certificate of Registration Number issued by a Charity Commissioner.

Foreigners

Proof of Identity: Passport, PIO/OCI card, Citizenship Identification Number, etc.

Proof of Address: Passport, PIO/OCI card, Bank account statement, etc.

Fees for PAN Card Application

The fees for PAN card application vary based on the mode of submission and the type of card (physical or e-PAN):

Physical PAN Card in India: ₹107

Physical PAN Card outside India: ₹1,017

e-PAN Card: ₹66 - ₹72

Tracking PAN Card Status

After submitting the PAN card application, you can track its status by:

Visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Entering the acknowledgment or application number and captcha code.

Viewing the status displayed on the screen.

Downloading e-PAN Card

Once the PAN card is processed, you can download the e-PAN by:

Visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Entering the required details such as acknowledgment number or PAN, and date of birth.

Entering the OTP, paying the fees (if applicable), and downloading the e-PAN.

Updating or Correcting PAN Details

To update or correct details on your PAN card:

Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Fill out the "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data" form.

Upload the required documents and submit the form.

Pay the processing fee.

Receive the updated PAN card within 15 days.

Do's and Don'ts for Filling PAN Form

Fill the form in English.

Provide current and relevant details.

Ensure the address is complete for dispatch.

Avoid abbreviations in names unless specified.

Attach relevant documents with self-attested signatures or thumbprints.

Duplicate PAN Card

In case of loss or damage, you can apply for a duplicate PAN card by:

Visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Entering the required details such as PAN, Aadhaar number, and date of birth.

Entering the OTP, paying the fees, and submitting the form.

Receiving the duplicate PAN card at your address.

Importance of PAN Card

A PAN card is essential for various identity and financial purposes, including:

Proof of Identity and Address

Mandatory for Filing Taxes

Business Registration

Opening and Operating Bank Accounts

Phone and Gas Connections

Mutual Fund Investments

Bank Deposits above ₹50,000

Purchase of Property and Vehicles

Transactions over ₹10,000

PAN for e-KYC

Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory for e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, which is required for various services. Benefits of e-KYC include:

Paperless Process: Easy management of documents.

Secure Information Sharing: Tamper-proof digital documents.

Cost-Effective and Time-Saving: Eliminates physical document movement.

Related PAN Content

PAN Card Download

Link Aadhaar to PAN

Duplicate PAN Card

PAN Card Status

PAN Card Password

Check PAN Card Status by Mobile Number

Instant PAN Card Through Aadhaar

PAN Card Apply Online

PAN Card Customer Care Number

PAN Card Fraud

e-PAN Card

What to do if you have two PAN cards

PAN Card Form 49A

Aadhaar Card PAN Card Link Status

PAN Aadhaar Link Penalty

Minor PAN Card

Landlord’s PAN Mandatory for HRA Exemption

Link PAN Card with Bank Account Number

PAN Card for Students

Surrender PAN Card or PAN Card Cancellation

Check PAN Active Or Inactive

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a PAN card be made online?

Yes, you can apply for a PAN card online through the official NSDL or UTIITSL websites by filling out the required form, submitting documents, and paying the processing fee. The PAN card will be dispatched within 15 days.

Where should the PAN card application be submitted?

Submit the PAN card application with affixed photographs and signatures along with all relevant documents to the respective address of NSDL or UTIITSL, depending on where the application was made.

Can I correct the information on my PAN card?

Yes, you can correct information on your PAN card by visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website and filling out the "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data" form.

Is it an offence to have more than one PAN card?

Yes, having more than one PAN card is a punishable offense with a penalty of ₹10,000. Each individual or entity is allowed only one PAN.

Is it mandatory to link PAN-Aadhaar?

Yes, linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory. If not linked, the PAN will become inoperative and cannot be used for financial transactions or filing income tax.

What is the fee for a PAN card?

The fee for a PAN card varies from ₹66 to ₹1,017, depending on the mode of submission and whether a physical or e-PAN card is required.

How to download PAN card easily?

You can download your PAN card by visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website, entering the required details, and following the instructions to download the e-PAN.

In conclusion, the PAN card is a crucial document for all taxpayers and individuals engaging in financial transactions in India. Its importance extends beyond tax filing to various other legal and financial activities, making it essential for every eligible individual and entity to obtain and maintain a PAN card.

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