Getting A Pan Card: A Simple Guide For Indians

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India to taxpayers. It is used to identify the income of a taxpayer or PAN cardholder. PAN is mandatory for conducting financial transactions such as filing income tax returns, opening a bank account, buying mutual funds, etc. Obtaining a PAN card is a simple process that can be done online or offline. To apply for a PAN card, individuals must fill out an application form (Form 49A or Form 49AA) and submit it with the necessary documents, including proof of identity, address, and date of birth.

How to apply for a PAN card

Applying for a PAN card in India is a simple process that can be done online or offline. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PAN card:

Identify the Correct Application Form:

There are two types of PAN applications:

• Form 49A: To be filled by Indian citizens.
• Form 49AA: To be filled by foreign citizens.

Gather the Required Documents:

Along with the application form, you will need to submit proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of date of birth. Here are some documents accepted as proof:

Proof of Identity:

• Copy of passport or Voter's ID card.
• Copy of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card issued by the Government of India.
• Copy of other national or citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number attested by the appropriate authorities.

Proof of Address:

• Proof of identity documents that bear the address of the applicant.
• Copy of a bank account statement in the country of residence.
• Copy of a non-resident external (NRE) bank account statement in India.
• Copy of a certificate of residence or residential permit issued by the state police authorities.
• Copy of the registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Office showing the Indian address.

Submit the Application:

You can submit your application either online or offline.

Online Submission:

• Visit the website of the authorized PAN agency of your district, such as Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited) or UTIITSL.
• Register yourself by providing the required details.
• Fill out the application form and submit it along with scanned copies of the required documents.
• Make the payment of the applicable fees.
• Download and keep a copy of the signed form for your reference.

Offline Submission:

• Visit a PAN Service Centre or a Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov) centre.
• Fill out the application form and submit it along with physical copies of the required documents.
• Make the payment of the applicable fees.
• You will receive an acknowledgement receipt.

Receive the PAN Card:

After submitting the application, it typically takes around 10 to 20 days to receive your PAN card. You will be informed about the status of your application through email or SMS. In some cases, you may need to visit the PAN centre to collect your PAN card.

It is important to note that PAN card details can be checked and updated online through the Income Tax Department's website. Additionally, PAN cards can be obtained in the form of a laminated card or a PDF file (e-PAN) from the website of the Indian Income Tax Department.

Documents required for a PAN card

To get a PAN card in India, you must submit documents as proof of identity, address, and date of birth. The specific documents required vary depending on the type of applicant (i.e., individuals, companies, students, minors, etc.). Here is a detailed list of the documents required for each category:

Documents Required for PAN Card Application by Individuals (Indian Citizens):

• Proof of Identity: This can include a ration card with a photograph, a photo ID card issued by the central or state government, a bank certificate containing the applicant's photo and account number, a pensioner card copy with the applicant's photograph, or a birth certificate issued by a municipal authority, among other documents.
• Proof of Address: Recent utility bills (not more than three months old), voter ID card, bank account statements, post office passbook, property registration documents, or a domicile certificate allotted by the government are all acceptable proofs of address.
• Proof of Date of Birth: This can be established through a birth certificate, matriculation certificate, marriage certificate, pension payment order, affidavit stating the date of birth and signed by a magistrate, or a photo identity card issued by the central or state government.

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

• Proof of Identity: OCI or PIO card issued by the Indian Government, or other identification documents such as a Taxpayer ID number, National ID number, or Citizenship ID number, duly attested.
• Proof of Address: OCI or PIO card, foreign bank account statements, NRE bank account statement in India, or a registration certificate issued by the Office of Foreigners' Registration reflecting the Indian address.

Documents Required for PAN Card Application by Companies:

For companies with an office in India:

Proof of Identity and Address: Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies, Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of LLPs/Firms, or a copy of the partnership deed.

For companies without an office in India:

• Proof of Identity: Company registration certificate issued in the country where the applicant resides, duly attested.
• Proof of Address: Certificate of Registration issued in the country of residence, duly attested, or a registration certificate issued in India permitting the company to set up an office.

Documents Required for PAN Card Application by Students and Minors:

Proof of Address and Identity: Aadhar card, driving license, passport, bank account statement, utility bills, voter ID card, government-issued domicile certificate, or original certificate of address attested by a Gazetted officer.

It is important to note that the same set of documents is required for both online and offline PAN card applications. Additionally, applicants are not required to submit their original documents unless applying offline, where the originals may be required for verification.

How to check your PAN card status

There are several ways to check the status of your PAN card application. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Tracking via Telephone:

You can track the status of your PAN application by calling the TIN call center at 020-27218080 between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM. You will need your 15-digit acknowledgement number, provided at the time of your PAN application.

Utilizing WhatsApp Services:

Alternatively, you can send your 15-digit acknowledgement number via WhatsApp to 8096078080 to check your PAN application status.

Online Tracking:

You can also track your PAN application's progress online via the NSDL PAN status application. This allows you to monitor the status of your application from the comfort of your home. Here are the steps to follow:

• Visit the official National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) website.
• Choose the application type as "PAN - New/Change Request" from the options list.
• Type your acknowledgment number, then enter the provided code and press "Submit". Your PAN application status will be displayed on the screen.

If you applied through the UTIITSL portal, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the official UTIITSL website.
• Scroll down and click on the “Track PAN Card” tab.
• Type in your application coupon number and birth date, then hit "Submit". The UTI website will retrieve the PAN card status based on the provided information.

Checking PAN Card Status without an Acknowledgement Number:

If you do not have your acknowledgement number, you can still check your PAN card status by following these steps:

• Visit the TIN-NSDL Website.
• Select "PAN – New/Change Request" in the Application Type section.
• Choose the "Name" option to verify the PAN card status without the acknowledgment number.
• Provide your personal details, including Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, and Date of Birth.
• Click "Submit" to obtain the PAN card status.

Checking PAN Card Status through SMS:

You can also check the status of your PAN card application via SMS. Here are the steps:

• Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
• Type 'NSDLPAN' (for NSDL) or 'UTIPAN' (for UTIITSL), followed by a space.
• Enter your 15-digit acknowledgment number.
• Send the SMS to 57575.
• You will receive an SMS with your PAN card application status shortly.

Checking PAN Card Payment Status:

If you have made a payment for your PAN card application and want to check the payment status, follow these steps:

• Visit the UTIITSL Website.
• Under the "Services" tab, choose "PAN."
• Click on the option that says, "Know Status of Your Credit Card / Debit card / Net banking transaction for online application."
• Provide either the transaction number from your payment receipt or the 15-digit acknowledgment number.
• Enter your name and the relevant date of birth or incorporation, as required.
• Click on "Show Status" to view the status of your PAN card payment transaction.

How to update your PAN card details

Updating your PAN card details is a straightforward process that can be completed online or offline. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to update your PAN card details:

Online Process:

You can update your PAN card details online by following these steps:

• Visit the NSDL e-Gov (Protean) Portal (https://www.protean-tinpan.com) or the UTIITSL Portal (https://www.pan.utiitsl.com).
• On the NSDL website, under the "Services" section, click on "PAN". On the UTIITSL website, click on "PAN Card Services" and then "Apply PAN Card".
• Look for the "Change/Correction in PAN Data" option and click on "Apply".
• Select the appropriate "Application Type" from the dropdown menu. For example, choose "Changes or Correction in existing PAN data/Reprint of PAN Card (No changes in Existing PAN Data)".
• Choose the correct "Category" from the dropdown menu. For instance, if the PAN is registered in your name, select "Individual".
• Provide your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number.
• Complete the Captcha and submit the form.
• You will receive a Token Number via email to continue the process.
• Proceed to the PAN card update form and choose the option to submit scanned images through e-Sign.
• Fill in the necessary details, including your father's name, mother's name (optional), and Aadhaar number.
• Update your address on the next page.
• Upload the required documents, including proof of address, proof of age, proof of identity, and a copy of your PAN card.
• Sign the declaration and submit the form.
• Proceed to the payment page and make the payment using net banking, demand draft, credit card, or debit card.
• After successful payment, an acknowledgement slip will be generated. Print this slip and send it to the NSDL e-gov office along with the physical copies of your documents. Don't forget to affix two photographs and sign across them.

Offline Process:

If you prefer to update your PAN card details offline, follow these steps:

• Download the PAN card correction form (Form 49A for Indian citizens or Form 49AA for non-citizens) from the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
• Fill out all the mandatory fields in the form carefully.
• Attach the supporting documents, including proof of identity, proof of address, and passport-size photographs.
• Submit the completed form at the nearest NSDL collection center or PAN center.
• Pay the applicable charges for the PAN card update/correction offline.
• You will receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number to track the status of your PAN card application.

Additional Information:

• It usually takes around 15 days for PAN correction/updates to be processed.
• You will receive a text message on your registered mobile number when your updated PAN card is dispatched via post.
• The address on your PAN card can be updated by filling out the application correction form 49A offline.
• For forms filled online and authenticated using Aadhaar OTP, the address cannot be changed. You must update your address in your Aadhaar card first and then fill out the PAN Card Form 49A again.
• You cannot change your PAN card number; however, you can update other details such as your name, date of birth, photograph, signature, father's name, Aadhaar, gender, address, and contact details.

Importance of having a PAN card

A PAN card is a 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India to each taxpayer. It is important to have a PAN card for several reasons, including:

Valid Proof of Identity

A PAN card serves as a valid identity proof and photo ID for a range of purposes, from getting a gas connection to opening a bank account.

Employment

Most employers require an employee's PAN card details for salary accounting and taxation purposes. It is also mandatory when filing an income tax return.

Banking

A PAN card is mandatory for opening a bank account and for other banking-related financial transactions. It has been made compulsory to prevent fraud and money laundering. Cash deposits exceeding Rs. 50,000 in a single transaction also require PAN card details to be submitted.

Post Office Deposits

PAN details are also required to open post office deposits of amounts exceeding Rs. 50,000.

Payment Wallets

Digital payment wallets also require PAN card details if transactions exceed Rs. 20,000 per month.

Debit/Credit Card Applications

Credit and debit card applications require PAN details to be furnished. Applications may be rejected for not providing PAN card details, which could negatively impact your credit score.

Loan Applications

All loan applications require PAN card details to be submitted.

Buying/Selling Property

PAN card details of both the buyer and seller are required by law for any kind of property transaction if the value of the immovable property is more than Rs. 5 lakh. In the case of joint ownership, the PAN card details of all owners are needed.

Purchasing Jewellery

PAN details must be provided for purchasing any jewellery or bullion exceeding Rs. 5 lakh.

Vehicle Purchase

PAN card details are also needed for the sale or purchase of all vehicles except for two-wheelers.

Share Trading

A PAN card is required to trade shares and must be provided to the broker, the demat and the trading account provider.

Mutual Funds

Investments in bonds, debentures or mutual funds also require PAN card details.

Insurance Premiums

PAN card details must be furnished if your insurance premiums exceed Rs. 50,000 in a financial year.

Tax Deduction

If an individual with annual interest earnings exceeding Rs. 10,000 on savings deposits has not linked their PAN with their bank account, the bank will deduct TDS at a rate of 30% instead of 10%.

Exchange of Foreign Currency

A PAN card is required when exchanging local currency for foreign currency.

Frequently asked questions