Get Your Pan Card: A Guide For Nepal

The Nepalese government has made it mandatory for all salaried workers to obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) to keep track of the taxes paid by citizens and revenue leakages. The PAN is issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and is used to identify taxpayers in Nepal. The process of obtaining a PAN involves several steps, including accessing the Tax Payer Portal on the IRD website, completing the Application for Registration, submitting the necessary documents, and visiting the nearest IRD office.

How to apply for a personal permanent account number (PAN) in Nepal

The government of Nepal has made it mandatory for all salaried workers of both private and government firms to obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN). This is done to keep track of the taxes paid by citizens and prevent revenue leakages. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a personal PAN in Nepal:

Step 1: Visit the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website

Go to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website at www.ird.gov.np. Then, select the Services' tab and click on the Tax-Payer Portal' link.

Step 2: Navigate to the 'Registration' tab

On the left side of the page, under the Online E-services' section, click on the 'Registration (PAN, VAT, EXCISE)' tab. Be sure to click on the '+' sign to expand the vertical menu.

Step 3: Complete the 'Application for Registration'

Now, locate and select the 'Application for Registration' tab. Fill in the required information, and in the Verifying Offices' section, select the IRD office closest to your location. A unique submission number will be generated once you have completed this step.

Step 4: Complete the PAN application e-form

After receiving your submission number, click on the 'Continue' button. The PAN application e-form will appear on the screen. Fill out the form in the Nepali language (Nepali Unicode) and upload your photo and any required documents. Click on the Save' button when you have completed the form. If you need to make any changes, you can log in using your registration details (username, password, and submission number).

Step 5: Submit the printed application form to the IRD office

After submitting the online application form, print it out and take it to the nearest IRD office, along with the following documents:

• Citizenship certificate
• Two passport-size photos
• Any other valid identification document (for foreigners)

At the IRD office, your application will be verified, and once approved, you will be issued your PAN card. The entire process typically takes a few hours to two days.

It is important to note that obtaining a PAN card in Nepal is free of cost and does not require any fees. Additionally, a PAN card cannot be changed or renewed once it has been issued.

Documents required for a PAN card in Nepal

The process of applying for a PAN card in Nepal is relatively straightforward and can be done online through the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website. Here is a detailed list of the documents required for a PAN card application:

• Copy of the applicant's citizenship certificate.
• Two passport-size photos.
• For foreigners: Citizenship or any other authentic identification document.
• Business registration certificate (for businesses).
• Company registration certificate (for companies).
• Two photos of the businessman or CEO/Managing Director.
• In the case of a partnership firm:
• Photocopy of citizenship of all partners.
• Two photos of each partner.
• Location map of the proposed industry or trading business.
• Estate ownership document/rental contract (if the business is in a rented property).
• Landlord's address and details.
• Recommendation letter from the local Chamber of Commerce.

It is important to note that the PAN card application process is free of cost, and the form must be filled out in the Nepali language (Nepali Unicode). Once the online application is completed and submitted, applicants need to visit the nearest IRD office to verify their details and obtain their PAN card.

The process of obtaining a PAN card in Nepal

Step 1: Visit the Inland Revenue Department Website

Go to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website at www.ird.gov.np. Here, you will find the Tax Payer Portal, which serves as the gateway to various online services provided by the IRD.

Step 2: Access the Registration Portal

On the left side of the page, under the 'Online E-services' section, click on the 'Registration (PAN, VAT, EXCISE)' tab. This will expand the vertical menu, where you should select the 'Application for Registration' tab.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

A comprehensive registration form will appear on the screen. Fill in all the required details, including your personal information and, in the 'Verifying Offices' section, select the IRD office closest to your location. Once completed, a unique submission number will be generated.

Step 4: Submit the PAN Application E-Form

After receiving the submission number, click on 'Continue' to access the PAN application e-form. Upload a recent photograph and any necessary supporting documents as specified. Once finished, click 'Save'. If any changes are needed, you can log in using your registration details (username, password, and submission number) to make amendments. Finally, click 'Submit' and don't forget to generate a printout by clicking 'Print'.

Step 5: Visit the IRD Office

With the printed copy of your submitted application form, visit the IRD office in your locality. Bring your citizenship certificate, two passport-size photos, and any other valid identification documents, especially if you are a foreigner.

Step 6: Verification and Issuance of PAN Card

At the IRD office, your application will undergo verification. Once your details are verified, the IRD office will issue your PAN card. The entire process is free of cost and usually takes a few hours to a couple of days.

Obtaining a PAN card is essential for individuals and businesses in Nepal for taxation purposes and can now be conveniently done through these online means.

The importance of a PAN card for businesses in Nepal

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a crucial identifier for businesses in Nepal, offering a multitude of benefits for effective financial management and transparency. Firstly, PAN serves as a unique code for businesses, enabling the government to efficiently monitor their financial activities. This includes tracking income, calculating tax obligations, and ensuring proper money flow. By having a PAN, businesses can avoid overpayment or underpayment of taxes, promoting fairness and compliance.

Obtaining a PAN card is a straightforward process facilitated by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) of Nepal. The IRD, responsible for handling taxes in the country, provides an online portal for registration. Businesses must complete the Application for Registration, providing essential details such as registration date, number, place, and date of business commencement. The IRD also requires relevant documents, including citizenship certificates, passport-sized photos, and identification documents for foreign businesses. Notably, there are no registration fees involved, making it accessible to all businesses.

Furthermore, PAN cards are essential for maintaining comprehensive financial records. They help businesses keep track of their income, expenses, and tax payments, enabling better financial planning and management. This is particularly useful when applying for loans or seeking investments, as it provides a clear picture of the business's financial standing.

In conclusion, the PAN card is a critical component of doing business in Nepal. It ensures compliance with tax regulations, facilitates financial transactions, and promotes transparency between businesses and the government. By obtaining a PAN card, businesses can benefit from streamlined financial processes, improved record-keeping, and easier access to various economic opportunities. Therefore, it is highly recommended for all businesses in Nepal to register for their PAN card and take advantage of the numerous benefits it offers.

How to register a business PAN in Nepal

Registering for a Business PAN in Nepal is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the Inland Revenue Department Website

Go to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website at www.ird.gov.np. This is the official portal for tax-related services in Nepal. Once there, locate and click on the 'Services' tab, and then select the 'Tax-Payer Portal' link.

Step 2: Navigate to the Registration Tab

On the left side of the page, under the 'Online E-services' section, click on the 'Registration (PAN, VAT, EXCISE)' tab. Be sure to click on the '+' sign to expand the vertical menu.

Step 3: Complete the Application for Registration

Now, you should see the 'Application for Registration' tab. Click on this, and a registration form will appear on your screen. Fill in all the required information, including your business registration date, registration number, place of registration, and date of business commencement. In the 'Verifying Offices' section, select the IRD office nearest to your location. After completing the form, click 'OK', and a unique submission number will be generated.

Step 4: Review and Submit the Application

Click 'Continue' to proceed to the PAN application e-form. Here, you must upload a recent photograph and any necessary supporting documents. Once you have completed the e-form, click 'Save'. If you need to make any changes, you can log in using your registration details (username, password, and submission number) and make the necessary amendments. After you are satisfied with your application, click 'Submit', and don't forget to generate a printout by clicking 'Print'.

Step 5: Visit the Inland Revenue Department Office

With your printed application form, supporting documents, and identification, visit the nearest IRD office. Here, a tax official will review your application and verify your details. If your application is approved, you will be asked to provide your biometric data (fingerprint and facial recognition). Finally, the IRD office will issue your Business PAN registration certificate.

It is important to note that registering for a Business PAN in Nepal is a free process, and there are no associated fees. Obtaining a Business PAN is crucial for tax purposes and for conducting various financial activities, such as opening a bank account.

Frequently asked questions