A Simple Guide To Applying For A Pan Card

Applying for a PAN card is a simple process that can be done online or offline. PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is a nationalised identity card issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric and unique account number with lifetime validity. It is essential to carry out any financial transaction in India. The online process is the most hassle-free way of obtaining a PAN. Applicants can fill and submit the online application form along with the processing fee. Copies of the required documents can then be sent by post for verification. Alternatively, applicants can choose the offline method and submit the form and documents by post or in person at a nearby TIN NSDL/UTIITSL centre.

How to apply for a PAN card online

Applying for a PAN card online is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PAN card online:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Start by visiting the official website of the Income Tax Department (ITD) of India. The website address is https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/.

Step 2: Select the Correct Form

On the ITD website, look for the 'Forms' section and select the correct form for your application. For Indian citizens, the form number is 49A, and for foreign citizens, it is 49AA.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Fill out the selected form with the required details. This includes personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, and other relevant details. Make sure to fill in the form accurately and completely.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Along with the filled-out form, you will need to provide supporting documents. These documents serve as proof of your identity, address, and date of birth. The specific documents required may vary, but typically, you will need a copy of your passport, address proof, and birth certificate or another valid proof of your date of birth.

Step 5: Payment of Fees

After submitting your application and supporting documents, you will need to pay the required processing fee. The fee amount may differ for Indian and foreign addresses, so refer to the official website for the latest fee structure.

Step 6: Submission and Tracking

Finally, submit your application, and you will receive an acknowledgement receipt. Keep this receipt safe as it will allow you to track the status of your PAN card application.

It is important to note that having more than one PAN card can result in a penalty as per the Income Tax Act, 1961. Additionally, if you are an Indian citizen and have selected your communication address as an office, you will need to submit proof of both your office and residential addresses.

By following these steps, you can conveniently apply for your PAN card online and receive updates on its processing status.

How to apply for a PAN card offline

Applying for a PAN card offline is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Download Form 49A

Visit the NSDL e-Gov website and download Form 49A, which is the application form for a PAN Card. You can also obtain a physical copy from the agents of the NSDL/UTIITSL office.

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

Complete the application form by providing all the necessary details. Ensure that the information is accurate and legible.

Step 3: Attach Your Photograph and Signature

Affix your recent photograph and provide your signature in the designated spaces on the application form.

Step 4: Submit the Form and Required Documents

Submit the completed application form along with the necessary documents to the local PAN centre or an agent providing the PAN application service. You will need to pay the applicable charges, including the PAN issuing charge and any administrative/service fee.

Step 5: Receive the Acknowledgment and Track Your Application

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgment number that you can use to track the status of your PAN card application. The NSDL/UTIITSL department typically issues the PAN card within 15 days of receiving your application.

Documents required for a PAN card

When applying for a new PAN card, you will need to submit several documents as proof of identity, address, and date of birth. The specific documents required may vary depending on the applicant's residential status, age, and citizenship. Here is a detailed list of the documents needed for each category:

Documents Required for Indian Citizens:

• Proof of Identity: Ration card with the applicant's photo, Photo ID card issued by the government, Pensioner card copy with the applicant's photograph, Bank certificate containing the applicant's photo and bank account number, Central government health scheme card, etc.
• Proof of Address: Landline connection bills, Voter ID card, Bank account statements, Passbook of the post office account, Latest property tax assessment order, Domicile certificate allotted by the government, Property registration documents, etc.
• Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate, Matriculation certificate, Marriage certificate, Pension payment order, Affidavit stating the date of birth signed before a magistrate, Photo identity card issued by the government, etc.

Documents Required for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs):

• Proof of Identity: OCI card allotted by the Government of India, PIO card, Citizenship ID Number, National ID Number, or Taxpayer ID Number (attested by the Indian Embassy or Consulate), Bank account statements from the applicant's home country, etc.
• Proof of Address: PIO card, OCI card, Non-resident external bank account statements in India, Registration certificate issued by the Office of Foreigners' Registration reflecting the Indian address, Visa granted by any foreign country, etc.

Documents Required for Companies:

The documents required for companies may vary depending on the company type and whether they have an office in India. Here are the general categories:

• Indian Registered Company: Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies, Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnership, Partnership deed, etc.
• Association of Persons (Trusts) in India: Trust deed or Certificate of Registration Number issued by the Charity Commissioner.
• Company Registered Outside India: Registration Certificate issued in India or approval to set up an office in India, Certificate of Registration from the applicant's country (attested by the Indian Embassy or Consulate).
• Firm Registered Outside India: Similar to the requirements for companies registered outside India.

Documents Required for Students and Minors:

• Proof of Address: Aadhar card, Driving license, Passport, Bank account statement (last 3 months), Electricity, gas, or telephone bill, Voter ID card, etc.
• Proof of Identity: Aadhar card, Voter ID card, Passport, Driving license, Ration card, Original identity certificate attested by a Gazetted officer, Bank certificate signed by the branch manager, etc.

Fees for a PAN card

The fees for a PAN card vary depending on whether you require a physical PAN card or not, the mode of submission of the PAN card application, and your country of residence.

Fees for Indian Residents

The PAN card application fee for Indian residents is Rs. 91 (excluding Goods and Services Tax). If you require a physical PAN card, the total cost is Rs. 107, including taxes. For those who don't need a physical card, the cost is Rs. 72, including taxes.

Fees for Citizens Outside the Country

For citizens outside the country, the PAN card application fee is Rs. 862 (excluding Goods and Services Tax). The total cost for a physical PAN card is Rs. 1,017, including taxes. If you don't need a physical card, the cost is Rs. 66 to Rs. 72, including taxes.

Reprint Fees

For reprinting a PAN card, the fees are Rs. 50 for delivery within India and Rs. 959 for delivery outside India.

Modes of Payment

The PAN card fee can be paid through various modes, including demand draft, online payment, e-wallets, cheque, or cash. If you're paying through a demand draft, it should be made in favour of "NSDL-PAN" and payable in Mumbai. For online payments, the NSDL and UTIITSL websites accept credit cards, debit cards, or net banking.

It's important to note that the PAN card fees are non-refundable, so ensure that you provide accurate information and pay the exact fee amount.

How to make corrections to a PAN card

Making corrections to your PAN card can be done online or offline. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make those changes:

Online Method:

• Visit the official website of NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) through the Protean portal. NSDL is one of the authorised entities for PAN card issuance and correction.
• Navigate to the ''PAN Services' section and select the 'Apply' option under the 'Changes or Correction in PAN Data' category.
• You will be directed to the PAN correction form. Provide accurate details, including your PAN number and the corrections you want to make. Ensure that the information entered is correct, especially if you are changing your name, updating your address, or correcting your date of birth.
• Depending on the type of correction, you may need to submit supporting documents. For instance, if you are changing your name, you will likely need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate or gazette notification.
• Pay the applicable fee for the PAN card correction. The payment can be made online using credit/debit cards, net banking, or demand drafts. The fee varies depending on whether the PAN card is being delivered within India or internationally.
• To enhance security, authenticate your details using Aadhaar OTP.
• After completing the above steps, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a 15-digit acknowledgement number.

Offline Method:

• Download the 'Request For New PAN Card Or/ And Changes Or Correction in PAN Data' application form.
• Fill in the details in the application form.
• Attach your signature and photograph to the application.
• Submit the form and the required documents to your nearest NSDL collection centre.
• Pay the fees for the PAN card update/correction.
• You will receive an acknowledgement number to track the status of your PAN card update application.

Additional Information:

• The PAN card correction fees vary depending on the method of application and whether you require a physical copy of the updated PAN card.
• For offline submissions, the fee is Rs.110, and for international dispatch, an additional fee of Rs.910 is charged.
• For online submissions, the fees range from Rs.50 to Rs.1,017, depending on the delivery method and location.
• The processing time for corrections typically ranges from 15 to 45 days, but this may vary.

It is important to ensure that your PAN card details are accurate and up to date to avoid any issues with financial transactions and tax-related activities.

Frequently asked questions