Get Your Digital Pan Copy: Quick Guide

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals, businesses, and entities. It is used for tracking financial transactions and ensuring compliance with Indian tax regulations. Every taxpayer must have a PAN card, and it is mandatory for all tax-paying entities. The e-PAN card is the digital version of a physical PAN card, serving as a virtual PAN card that can be used for electronic verification. It can be downloaded from the NSDL or UTIITSL portals, or by using your Aadhaar number on the income tax e-filing website. In this paragraph, we will discuss the process of obtaining a digital copy of your PAN card and the benefits of having an e-PAN card.

Downloading a digital copy of your PAN card

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a unique, ten-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals, businesses, and entities. It is primarily used for tracking financial transactions and ensuring compliance with Indian tax regulations. Every taxpayer must have a PAN card, and it is mandatory for all tax-paying entities.

The e-PAN card is the digital version of the physical PAN card, serving as a virtual PAN card that can be used for electronic verification. It contains all the details on a physical PAN card and can be stored on a computer or smartphone. The e-PAN card is accepted in place of a physical PAN card for various purposes, such as opening a bank account, filing income tax returns, and applying for a credit or debit card.

How to Download an e-PAN Card:

You can download an e-PAN card through the NSDL, UTIITSL, or the Income Tax e-filing portal. Here is a step-by-step guide for each method:

Downloading e-PAN card using the NSDL Portal:

The NSDL e-PAN download service allows individuals to obtain a digital copy of their PAN card online through the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) portal. The process is slightly different depending on whether your PAN was allotted in the last 30 days or more than 30 days ago.

For PAN allotted in the last 30 days:

• Visit the official website of the NSDL Protean portal.
• Click on 'Download e-PAN card (For PAN allotted in the last 30 days)'.
• Enter the Acknowledgment Number and Captcha Code.
• Select one of the options to receive the OTP (one-time password).
• Enter the OTP and click 'Validate'.
• Click on 'Download PDF' after successful validation.

For PAN allotted older than 30 days:

• Visit the official website of NSDL.
• Click on 'Download e-PAN card (For PAN allotted older or more than in last 30 days)'.
• Provide the following details: the month and year of birth, and GSTN (if applicable).
• Click 'Submit'.
• The e-PAN card can now be downloaded.

Downloading e-PAN card via UTIITSL:

Only certain applicants can download their e-PAN card using UTIITSL, including those who have applied for a fresh PAN or the latest PAN changes through UTIITSL, and those who have registered a valid and active mobile number or email ID with their PAN record with the Income Tax Department. If you meet these criteria, follow these steps:

• Go to the official UTIITSL portal.
• Scroll down and click the 'Click to Download' option under the 'Download e-PAN' tab.
• Enter your PAN number, date of birth, GSTIN number (if required), captcha code, and click the 'Submit' button.
• A link will be sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
• Click on the link and enter the OTP to download the e-PAN card.

Downloading e-PAN card via Income Tax E-Filing Website or Aadhaar Number:

The facility to download an e-PAN through the Income Tax e-filing website is available for applicants who have applied for an instant e-PAN card using their Aadhaar number on the e-filing website. There are no charges for this service. Here are the steps:

• Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website.
• Click the 'Continue' button under the 'Check Status/ Download PAN' tab.
• Enter your Aadhaar Number and click 'Continue'.
• Enter the Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile number and click 'Continue'.
• Your e-PAN's status will be displayed. Once the new ePAN is allotted, click the 'Download e-PAN' button to download the copy.

Important Notes:

• It is important to note that downloading an e-PAN card is typically free of cost if done within 30 days of issuance or update of the PAN card. However, if you are downloading it after 30 days, a small fee of INR 8.26 may be applicable.
• The downloaded e-PAN card will be in PDF format and is usually password-protected, with the password being your date of birth in the DDMMYYYY format.
• You can also download your e-PAN card using mobile applications such as the Digilocker app.

How to download your PAN card via NSDL

The e-PAN card is the digital version of a physical PAN card, serving as a virtual PAN card that can be used for electronic verification. It is a Permanent Account Number card with a unique, ten-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals, businesses, and entities. It is primarily used for tracking financial transactions and ensuring compliance with Indian tax regulations.

Steps to Download e-PAN Card through NSDL:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the NSDL Protean portal.

Step 2: Under 'Quick Links', select 'PAN-New facilities'.

Step 3: From the dropdown, select 'Download e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted in the last 30 days)' or 'Download e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted prior to 30 days)', as applicable. You will be redirected to a new page.

Step 4: On the next page, you can choose between the 'Acknowledgement Number' and 'PAN' options.

• If you choose the 'PAN' option, enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, date of birth/incorporation, GSTN (if applicable), and captcha code, then click the 'Submit' button.
• If you choose the 'Acknowledgement Number' option, enter the Acknowledgement number, date of birth/incorporation, and captcha code, then click the 'Submit' button.

Step 5: Choose any one option, tick the declaration, and click the 'Generate OTP' button.

Step 6: Enter the OTP and click on the 'Validate' button.

Step 7: Click the 'Download PDF' button. If your free download of e-PAN is exhausted, you will receive a message on the screen. Click on the 'Continue with paid e-PAN download facility'. Select the payment option, pay the fee, and click the 'Download PDF' button.

Your e-PAN card will be downloaded in PDF format. It is secured with a password, which is your birth date.

Important Points to Note:

• The NSDL PAN card download facility is categorized into two options: PAN allotted in the last 30 days and PAN allotted older than 30 days.
• The e-PAN card can be downloaded free of cost within 30 days of PAN card allotment or confirmation from the income tax department. After 30 days, a fee of Rs. 8.26 is applicable.
• The NSDL e-PAN download service is only available for PAN holders whose latest application was processed through Protean.
• The e-PAN card is equally valid as the physical PAN card and can be used for various financial and government activities.
• The e-PAN card can be downloaded either by using the Acknowledgement Number or the PAN number.
• The e-PAN card is password-protected, and the password is your Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format.
• It is illegal to possess more than one PAN card.

How to download your PAN card via UTIITSL

To download your PAN card via UTIITSL, you must first check if you fall into one of the two categories of applicants:

• If you are an NRI whose PAN is still inoperative, you must intimate your NRI status along with supporting documents to your respective jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO).
• If you have obtained an Instant ePAN from the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal, you can apply for the printing of your PAN card using the Reprint PAN Card option through the UTIITSL portal.

Once you have confirmed that you fall into one of these two categories, you can proceed to download your PAN card by following these steps:

• Visit the official website of UTIITSL: https://www.utiitsl.com/.
• Look for the option related to PAN card services and select the "Download e-PAN card" option.
• You will be redirected to a new page where you need to enter your PAN number, date of birth, and other required details.
• Complete the captcha verification and click on the "Submit" button.
• Follow the instructions provided on the subsequent pages, which may include making the necessary payments.
• Finally, you will be able to download your e-PAN card as a PDF file, which you can save and print for future use.

Please note that there may be specific requirements or additional steps depending on your specific situation. It is always recommended to refer to the official website and guidelines provided by UTIITSL for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

How to download your PAN card via the Income Tax E-Filing Website or Aadhaar Number

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the income tax department. A PAN card is compulsory for all taxpayers in India. When you apply for a PAN card, you will receive it at your registered address or email ID. You can also download a digital copy of your PAN card online. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to download your PAN card using the Income Tax E-Filing Website or your Aadhaar Number:

Downloading PAN Card via the Income Tax E-Filing Website:

• Visit the official income tax e-filing website.
• Under the 'Check Status/ Download PAN' tab, click the 'Continue' button.
• Enter your 'Aadhaar Number' and click 'Continue'.
• Enter the 'Aadhaar OTP' sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number and click 'Continue'.
• The status of your e-PAN will be displayed. When the new e-PAN has been allotted, click the 'Download e-PAN' button to download your e-PAN copy.

Downloading PAN Card using your Aadhaar Number:

• Go to the e-Filing portal homepage and click on 'Instant e-PAN'.
• On the e-PAN page, click on 'Get New e-PAN'.
• On the 'Get New e-PAN' page, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, select the 'I confirm that' checkbox, and click 'Continue'.
• On the OTP validation page, click 'I have read the consent terms and agree to proceed further'. Then, click 'Continue'.
• On the next page, enter the 6-digit OTP received on your mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Select the checkbox to validate your Aadhaar details with UIDAI and click 'Continue'.
• On the 'Validate Aadhaar Details' page, select the 'I Accept that' checkbox and click 'Continue'.
• On the 'Current status of your e-PAN request' page, you will be able to see the status of your e-PAN request. If the new e-PAN has been generated and allotted, click 'View e-PAN' to view or 'Download e-PAN' to download a copy.

Note: It is important to ensure that your Aadhaar card is active and linked to a valid mobile number before initiating the PAN card download process. Additionally, the PAN card download is free of cost within 30 days of its allotment. After that, a minimal fee of Rs. 8.26 is applicable.

How to retrieve a lost e-PAN card online

If you've lost your PAN card, you can apply for a duplicate PAN card to the income tax department. The application can be filed on the official website, i.e. TIN-NSDL, or if in paper form, it must be addressed to the PAN services unit or Protean eGov Technologies Limited of NSDL.

• Visit TIN-NSDL and select the application type as "Changes or correction in existing PAN data/Reprint of PAN card (No changes in existing PAN data)".
• Fill in the mandatory information and then submit it.
• A token number will be sent to your email, which you should note for future reference and continue with the application filing.
• Fill in the necessary details in the "Personal Details" section, along with selecting the mode of submission of your PAN application form. The following modes are available:

• Forward application documents physically: Print and sign the acknowledgement form generated after payment. Attach copies of the required documents and send them by registered post to the NSDL Protean eGov Technologies Limited address.
• Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-sign (paperless): This option requires an Aadhaar and all the details given in your Aadhaar should be used in the duplicate PAN card application. An OTP will be sent to the Aadhaar-registered mobile number for authentication. No need to upload a photo, signature, or any other documents. However, a digital signature (DSC) will be required to e-sign the form.
• Submit scanned images through e-sign: This option also requires an Aadhaar, but you will have to upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and other documents. Only an OTP will authenticate the application form.

• Choose whether you need a physical PAN card or an e-PAN card. If you select an e-PAN card, provide a valid email address to receive the digitally signed e-PAN card.
• Fill in the details in the "Contact & other details" and "Document details" sections, then submit the application.
• You will be directed to the payment page. After making the payment, an acknowledgment will be generated.
• You can check the status of your duplicate PAN card using the 15-digit acknowledgment number.

Alternatively, you can download a duplicate PAN card from the IT department's e-filing portal:

• Visit the website incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal.
• Click on the "Instant e-PAN option" and select "New e-PAN".
• Enter your PAN card number (or Aadhaar number if you've forgotten your PAN number).
• Go through the "Terms and Conditions" and click "Accept".
• You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP, check all the details, and hit "Submit".
• The PAN will be sent in PDF format to your registered email address. Download this PDF, and from it, your PAN card.

Frequently asked questions