
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identity issued by India's income tax department. It is illegal for an individual or company to have more than one PAN card, and doing so may result in a financial penalty or jail time. If you have two PAN cards, you must surrender the additional card immediately to avoid legal or financial repercussions. This can be done through the NSDL or UTIITSL websites, or by filling out a form and submitting it at a PAN service centre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of possessing two PAN cards | Illegal |
| Penalty for possessing two PAN cards | Fine of Rs. 10,000, potential jail time, blacklisting, credit problems |
| How to surrender duplicate PAN cards | Online, offline |
| Online process for surrendering duplicate PAN cards | Visit NSDL or Protean eGov Technologies Limited website, select 'Changes or Correction in existing PAN data/Reprint of PAN card' option, fill in details, upload documents, pay fees, submit form |
| Offline process for surrendering duplicate PAN cards | Fill Form 49A for Change or Correction in PAN, submit form to nearest PAN centre, write a letter to the Assessing Officer of your jurisdiction |
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What You'll Learn

It is illegal to hold multiple PAN cards
In India, it is illegal for an individual or company to hold multiple PAN cards. PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is a unique, 10-digit alphanumeric identity issued as a laminated card by the Income Tax Department. It serves as an identity proof and is essential for taxpayers when filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, and conducting high-value transactions. The main purpose of the PAN card is to ensure that all taxable financial activities of an individual or entity are efficiently tracked.
The Indian government has implemented strict rules to prevent tax evasion and maintain a transparent financial system. Possessing multiple PAN cards can lead to serious legal repercussions and financial penalties. Under the Income Tax Act, the penalty for having more than one PAN is Rs 10,000. The Income Tax Department can take legal action or impose financial penalties on those found to have multiple PAN cards.
There are several reasons why an individual may accidentally obtain multiple PAN cards. One reason could be that when a person wants to make a correction to their PAN card, they apply for a new one instead of correcting the existing one. Another reason could be that an individual applies for a PAN card and does not receive it within a reasonable time, leading them to reapply and result in multiple PAN cards. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) may also end up with multiple PAN cards due to the maximum transaction limit without a PAN card. When NRIs return to the country after a long period and need to make transactions beyond the limit, they often reapply for a PAN card, accumulating multiple cards over time.
If an individual finds themselves in possession of multiple PAN cards, it is important to take immediate steps to surrender the additional card(s). This can be done both online and offline. To surrender a PAN card online, one must visit the official website of the Income Tax Department or the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). The process involves filling out an online form for PAN correction or changes, providing details of both PAN cards, and submitting the form electronically along with any necessary documents. The offline surrender of a PAN card can be done by visiting a PAN service centre or the nearest NSDL office and submitting Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for foreign citizens).
By surrendering any additional PAN cards, individuals can avoid legal complications, financial confusion, discrepancies in financial records, and negative impacts on their credit profiles. It is important to remain compliant with Indian tax laws and maintain transparency in the financial system.
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How to check for duplicate PAN cards
It is illegal for an individual to hold multiple PAN cards, and it may attract a penalty. A person may end up with two PAN numbers due to a lack of awareness, multiple applications, or applying for a new PAN card after marriage.
To check for duplicate PAN cards, you need to visit a PAN service centre or contact NSDL/UTIITSL directly. When you log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal and check ‘My Profile’, you can see your registered PAN details such as number, name, and DOB. However, this will not show if you have multiple PANs.
If you find that you have multiple PAN cards, you can surrender the additional card(s) both online and offline. Here are the steps to surrender a duplicate PAN card:
- Fill and submit the 'Changes or Correction in existing PAN data/ Reprint of PAN card' application on the NSDL website.
- Under the contact details in the PAN card correction form, select the check box in the left margin and mention the additional PANs that you want to surrender/cancel.
- Upload the required documents, pay the fees, and submit the form.
- An acknowledgement slip will be generated upon successful payment.
- You can also surrender your PAN card offline by filling up Form 49A for Change or Correction in PAN, mentioning the PAN number to be surrendered, and submitting the form to the nearest PAN centre.
- You can also write a letter addressed to the Assessing Officer of your jurisdiction.
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Negative impacts of possessing multiple PAN cards
It is illegal for an individual to hold multiple PAN cards in India, and it may attract a penalty. The PAN card is a crucial document for Indians as it is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identity allotted by the income tax department and serves as an identity proof. However, every person should possess only one PAN number. Here are some negative impacts of possessing multiple PAN cards:
Financial Process Complications
Having multiple PAN cards can complicate one's financial processes. The PAN card is essential for tasks like filing income tax returns and opening bank accounts. Having multiple PAN cards can create issues for applicants, disrupting their financial activities.
Negative Impact on Credit Profile
Possessing multiple PAN cards can negatively affect one's credit profile. Banks view individuals with multiple PANs as potential fraudsters, making them hesitant to approve loans. Financial institutions doubt the ability and intention to repay loans, often resulting in blacklisting and significant credit problems, even with a good CIBIL score.
Legal Consequences
Engaging in financial transactions using two or more PAN cards can lead to legal complications. Using different PAN cards to conceal income can result in severe tax evasion charges.
Impact on Credit Score
Having multiple PAN cards can lead to discrepancies in financial records, potentially affecting one's credit score.
If you find yourself in possession of multiple PAN cards, it is crucial to surrender the extra PAN card(s) immediately. This can be done both online and offline.
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How to surrender a duplicate PAN card online
In India, it is illegal for an individual to hold multiple PAN cards, and doing so may result in a financial penalty or even imprisonment. Therefore, if you have a duplicate PAN card, you must surrender it.
Step 1: Visit the official website of Protean eGov Technologies Limited.
Step 2: Click on the 'Services' tab on the homepage. Then, select the 'PAN' option from the drop-down menu and choose the ''Apply Online' feature.
Step 3: On the next page, select the 'Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data/Reprint of PAN Card (No changes in existing PAN Data)' option.
Step 4: Fill in the required details under the ''Applicant Information' section and submit the form. You may be asked to enter your contact details, mention any additional PAN cards you want to surrender, and provide supporting documents.
Step 5: After submitting the form, you will be redirected to a new page with a token number. Click on the ''Continue with PAN Application Form' tab.
Step 6: On the next page, choose the option to submit scanned images through e-sign and enter the details of the PAN number you wish to retain.
Step 7: Provide the required details and click 'Next'.
Step 8: Fill in your 'Address for Communication' and mention any other Permanent Account Numbers (PANs) inadvertently allotted to you. Provide details of the duplicate PAN cards you want to surrender.
Step 9: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and any other necessary documents.
Step 10: Submit the completed form and print the acknowledgement slip. Send this acknowledgement, along with any necessary documents, to the NSDL Office Address mentioned on the form.
Alternatively, you can surrender your duplicate PAN card by filling out Form 49A for 'Change or Correction in PAN' and submitting it to the nearest PAN centre.
It is important to note that the PAN card serves as a valid form of identification and is required for financial activities. Therefore, it is generally recommended that individuals do not surrender their PAN cards unless absolutely necessary.
If a PAN cardholder passes away, their relatives must write a letter to the Income Tax Officer of their jurisdiction, providing the reason for surrender and including the death certificate. This process also applies to the demise of non-Indian residents and foreign nationals.
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How to surrender a duplicate PAN card offline
It is illegal for an individual or company to have more than one PAN card in India. If caught, the Income Tax Department can take legal action or impose a financial penalty. If you have two PAN cards, you must surrender the additional one.
To surrender a duplicate PAN card offline, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Download Form 49A for 'Change or Correction in PAN' from the NSDL website or the Protean eGov Technologies Limited website. You can also get this form from a PAN centre.
Step 2:
Fill in the form with the necessary details, including the PAN number you want to surrender. If you are filling out the form offline, you will need to manually enter your personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, and PAN card number to be retained. You will also need to provide details of the duplicate PAN card being surrendered.
Step 3:
Submit the completed form to the nearest PAN centre. You can also author a letter addressed to the Assessing Officer of your jurisdiction, which can be found on the Income Tax e-filing portal. Remember to retain a copy of the acknowledgment for future reference.
Step 4:
Provide the acknowledgement slip, along with the copy/copies of the PAN cards that you want to surrender, to the assessing officer of the jurisdiction under which you fall.
Step 5:
Keep the acknowledgement received for your records. This serves as proof of your PAN card surrender.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is illegal for an individual or company to have more than one PAN card.
If the Income Tax Department discovers that a taxpayer has more than one PAN, they may pursue legal action or impose a financial penalty of Rs. 10,000. Banks view individuals with multiple PANs as potential fraudsters, making them hesitant to approve loans.
You should surrender the additional PAN card(s) immediately to prevent any legal or financial implications. This can be done both online and offline.
To surrender your additional PAN card(s), you can follow the steps outlined below:
- Visit the official website of NSDL (National Securities Depositories Limited) or Protean eGov Technologies Limited.
- Select the 'PAN Services' section and click 'Apply' under 'Changes or Correction in PAN Data'.
- Complete the PAN correction form with accurate details, including your PAN number and the corrections you want to make.
- Submit supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or gazette notification for a name change, depending on the required correction.
- Pay the fee for PAN card correction by using online methods like credit/debit cards, net banking, or demand drafts.
- Use the Aadhaar OTP to authenticate your details during correction.
- After completion, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a 15-digit number. Use this number to track your PAN card correction application.




































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