A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is essential for various financial transactions, including filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, and purchasing assets above specified limits.
Eligibility and Age Criteria
Individuals: No age restriction; even minors can apply for a PAN card.
Minors: Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of minors. The card will not have a photograph or signature of the minor until they turn 18.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Foreign Citizens: Eligible if they conduct business or earn income in India.
Companies, Firms, Trusts, and HUFs: Required for tax and financial transactions.
Required Documents for PAN Application
The documents vary based on the applicant’s category:
For Individuals and HUFs
Proof of Identity (POI): Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License.
Proof of Address (POA): Aadhaar card, Passport, Utility bills (not older than 3 months), Bank statement.
Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate, School leaving certificate, Passport.
For Minors
POI and POA of Parent/Guardian.
Proof of Date of Birth of the Minor: Birth certificate or school certificate.
For NRIs and Foreign Citizens
Proof of Identity: Passport, OCI/PIO card, National ID attested by the Indian Embassy.
Proof of Address: Passport, Bank statement in the country of residence, NRE bank statement in India.
For Companies, Firms, and Trusts
Companies: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Board resolution.
Firms (Including LLPs): Registration certificate, Partnership deed.
Trusts & NGOs: Trust deed or registration certificate.
PAN Application Procedure
Online Application
You can apply through Protean (formerly NSDL eGov) or UTIITSL:
Visit:
Protean PAN Services
UTIITSL PAN Portal
Choose the appropriate form:
Form 49A (For Indian citizens, including NRIs)
Form 49AA (For foreign citizens)
Fill in the details and select a submission mode:
Physical Submission: Print the form, affix photographs, sign, and send it with documents.
e-KYC/e-Sign: Authenticate with Aadhaar OTP (no need to send physical documents).
₹101 (within India)
₹1,011 (for overseas dispatch)
Track your PAN status using the acknowledgment number.
Offline Application
Obtain Form 49A or 49AA from a PAN service center or download it online.
Fill in the form, affix photographs, and attach documents.
Submit the form at the nearest PAN service center and pay the fee.
Special PAN Card Services
Instant e-PAN
Available for individuals with Aadhaar linked to a mobile number.
Apply via the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
e-PAN is issued instantly or within 48 hours.
PAN Correction or Update
For corrections or updates, submit the Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes in PAN Data form.
Available on Protean (NSDL) and UTIITSL portals.
Lost or Damaged PAN
Apply for a duplicate PAN card using the same process as a new application.
PAN Card Usage & Importance
Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR).
Opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and credit cards.
Purchasing property worth ₹5 lakh or more.
Depositing ₹50,000 or more in a bank account in a single transaction.
Investing in securities, stocks, or mutual funds above ₹50,000.
Linking PAN with Aadhaar
As per government directives, PAN must be linked with Aadhaar.
Check status or link Aadhaar via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
Processing Time for PAN Card
Physical PAN Card: 15-20 days.
e-PAN (Aadhaar-based): Instantly or within 48 hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mismatch in Name & DOB: Ensure your details match Aadhaar.
Incorrect Category Selection: Choose the correct category (Individual, Firm, Trust, etc.).
Multiple PANs: Illegal and can result in a ₹10,000 fine under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.
Non-linking with Aadhaar: PAN may become invalid if not linked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a person have two PAN cards?
No, it is illegal to hold multiple PANs.
How can I check my PAN card status?
.Use your acknowledgment number on the Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL website
What if I make a mistake in my PAN application?
Submit a PAN correction request online.
Is PAN necessary for NRIs?
Yes, if they earn taxable income or conduct financial transactions in India.
Can I get a PAN card without Aadhaar?
Yes, but Aadhaar-based e-KYC makes the process faster.
Useful Links
ApplyforPAN(ProteanNSDL): https://www.protean-tinpan.com/services/pan/pan-index.html
Apply for PAN (UTIITSL): https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN/index.html
IncomeTaxe-FilingPortal(fore-PAN&Aadhaarlinking): https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal
Applying for a PAN card is a simple and essential process for financial and tax-related activities in India. Ensure that you have the correct documents and details to avoid delays. Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory for seamless usage. If you’re eligible, consider applying for an instant e-PAN for faster processing.
