Overview of PAN Card

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a distinctive 10-digit alphanumeric code given to all taxpayers in India. This system tracks all tax-related information under a single PAN, ensuring no duplication among taxpayers.

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, serves as a vital identity proof for individuals and entities, consolidating all tax information linked to the PAN.

Updated on January 1, 2017, the PAN card includes a Quick Response (QR) code for data verification and contains the cardholder’s name, father's name, date of birth, and signature.

Contents of a PAN Card

• Name of the Cardholder: Individual, firm, company, etc.
• Father’s Name: For individual cardholders.
• Date of Birth: For individuals; registration date for companies.
• PAN Number: Unique 10-digit number with specific characteristics.
• Signature: Proof for financial transactions, applicable to individuals.
• Photograph: ID proof for individuals; firms and companies do not have photos on their PAN cards.

Structure of PAN

The 10-digit alphanumeric PAN comprises:

• First 3 letters: Alphabetical characters (A-Z).
• Fourth letter: Indicates taxpayer category (e.g., 'P' for Individual).
• Fifth letter: First letter of the surname.
• Next 4 characters: Numeric (0-9).
• Last character: Alphabet.

Types of PAN Cards

Issued to entities including:

• Individuals (minors, 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

• Form 49A: For Indian citizens and entities.
• Form 49AA: For foreign citizens.
• Changes or Corrections: For updates or reprints.

Eligibility for PAN Card

All Indian citizens, NRIs, and entities like companies are eligible. PAN is mandatory for taxpayers and financial transactions in India.

How to Apply for a PAN Card

Online Application (NSDL/UTIITSL): Access NSDL/UTIITSL websites, fill out forms, and submit documents online. Pay fees, and physical submissions can be sent to their respective offices if needed.

Offline Application: Download or obtain a form, fill it, attach documents, and submit it at the nearest PAN center. Pay applicable fees.

Documents Required for PAN Application

• Individuals: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc., for address, identity, and birth proof.
• HUF: HUF affidavit by the head with POI/POA.
• Companies: Certificate of Registration.
• Trusts: Trust Deed or Registration Certificate.
• Foreigners: Passport, PIO/OCI card for identity and address proof.

Fees for PAN Card Application

• India: ₹107 for physical PAN
• Outside India: ₹1,017 for physical PAN
• e-PAN: ₹66 - ₹72

Tracking PAN Card Status

Check the status on NSDL or UTIITSL websites using acknowledgment or application number.

Downloading e-PAN Card

Post processing, download the e-PAN from the NSDL or UTIITSL sites using respective details.

Updating/Correcting PAN Details

Submit changes through NSDL/UTIITSL with appropriate forms and document uploads.

Do's and Don'ts for Filling PAN Form

• Use English, provide complete and correct information.
• Avoid abbreviations unless specified.
• Attach self-attested documents.

Duplicate PAN Card

For lost or damaged PANs, apply online at NSDL/UTIITSL, pay fees, and receive a duplicate.

Importance of PAN Card

Essential for:

• Identity and address proof
• Tax filing and registrations
• Bank and investment accounts
• High-value transactions

PAN for e-KYC

Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory for e-KYC, simplifying document management and verification, making the process cost-effective and secure.

Related PAN Content

• PAN Card Download
• Instant PAN Through Aadhaar
• PAN Fraud Prevention
• Minor PAN Card
• Tracking PAN Status by Mobile

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is PAN card creation online? Yes, via NSDL/UTIITSL websites.
• Submission location? NSDL or UTIITSL addresses based on submission method.
• Correction process? Online through the "Changes in existing PAN Data" form.
• Penalty for dual PAN? ₹10,000 fine for multiple PANs.
• Is PAN-Aadhaar linking mandatory? Yes, necessary for financial activities.
• PAN card fees? ₹66 to ₹1,017, based on card type and mode.
• PAN download? Use NSDL or UTIITSL platforms for e-PAN download.

In summary, the PAN card is indispensable for all taxpayers in India, integral for financial compliance, identity verification, and various legal transactions, mandating its acquisition and upkeep by eligible individuals and entities.