A Quick Guide To Getting Your Pan Card

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax department of India to identify every taxpayer in the country. It is required for several financial activities such as opening a bank account, applying for loans, and purchasing property. PAN can be obtained by submitting an application to TIN-FC or an NSDL PAN centre, or online through the NSDL or UTIITSL website. The application process involves filling out personal and contact details, submitting proof of identity and address, and making the required payment. The process typically takes around 15 working days.

How to apply for a PAN card online

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a nationalised identity card. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric and unique account number issued by the Income Tax Department of India to identify every taxpayer in the country.

Who needs a PAN Card?

Without a PAN, you will not be able to carry out any financial transactions in India. This applies to individuals, companies, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and other tax-paying entities.

The online process is the most hassle-free way of obtaining a PAN. The applicant is only required to fill and submit the online application form along with online payment of the respective processing fee. Copies of required documents can then be sent by post for verification purposes.

Online Application via the Income Tax Portal

Individuals with a valid Aadhaar number can apply for an e-PAN instantly without filling out any application form. Here are the steps to apply for an instant PAN card:

• Go to the Income Tax portal and click on 'Instant e-PAN'.
• On the next page, click on 'Get New e-PAN'.
• Enter your Aadhaar number and click 'Continue'.
• Tick the checkbox and accept the terms and conditions. Click on the 'Continue' button.
• Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number, tick the checkbox and click 'Continue'.
• You will see your personal details as per your Aadhaar card. Click on 'Validate Email' to validate your email, tick the checkbox, and click 'Continue'.

You will receive an acknowledgement number and a confirmation message on your mobile number. Once e-PAN is allotted, you will be intimated on the same. Usually, the e-PAN card will be generated within 10 minutes and you can download the same from the Income Tax portal.

Please note, the instant e-PAN card facility is only available to individual Indian citizens above 18 years of age with a valid Aadhaar number and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Online Application via the NSDL Website

• Select the application type as 'New PAN - Indian Citizen (Form 49A)' or 'New PAN - Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA)'.
• Select the applicable category and title, enter the last name, first name, middle name, date of birth/ incorporation, email and mobile number.
• Tick the checkbox, validate the captcha and click 'Submit'.
• You will receive a Token Number on your email ID. Click on the 'Continue with PAN Application Form' button.
• Read the detailed instructions before filling in the details on the PAN card application form.
• Select the mode of submission of PAN card documents and if you require a physical PAN card.
• Fill out the required details on the form, such as personal details, contact details, and AO code, and upload the documents.
• After submitting the PAN card application, the payment page will appear. Select the mode of payment and pay the required fees. Payment can be made through credit/debit card, demand draft or net banking.

Upon successful payment, an acknowledgment will be displayed and sent to your email ID.

Online Application via the UTIITSL Website

• Click the 'Click to Apply' under the 'PAN Card for Indian Citizen/ NRI' tab or 'PAN Card for Foreign Citizen' tab.
• Select the 'Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49A)' tab or 'Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49AA)' tab.
• Select the mode of submission of documents, status of the applicant, the PAN card mode and click the 'Submit' button.
• You will receive a reference number. Click 'OK'.
• Enter the required details on the form, such as personal details, document details, contact and parent details, address details and other details. Upload the required documents and submit the form.
• Make the payment of the application fee. On successful payment, an acknowledgment will be displayed and sent to your email ID.

Documents Required for a PAN Card

The documents required for a PAN card vary depending on the type of applicant. Here is a list of documents that may be required:

• Registration certificate in case of companies, firms, HUFs and associations of persons
• Proof of identity, address and date of birth for individuals
• Affidavit of the HUF issued by the head of HUF along with POI/POA details for Hindu Undivided Families
• Certificate of Registration for partnership firms
• Copy of Trust Deed or a copy of the Certificate of Registration Number for trusts
• Copy of the agreement or copy of the Certificate of Registration Number for AOP, BOI, Local Authority, or Artificial Juridical Person
• Proof of identity and address for foreigners

How to apply for a PAN card offline

Applying for a PAN card offline is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Download Form 49A

Visit the NSDL e-Gov website and download Form 49A, which is the application form for a PAN card. This form is for Indian citizens, including minors and students. If you are a foreign citizen, you will need to fill out Form 49AA.

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

Complete the application form by providing all the necessary details, such as your name, address, date of birth, contact information, and other required information. Ensure that the information you provide is accurate and legible.

Step 3: Attach Your Photograph and Signature

Affix your recent passport-size photograph on the application form in the designated space. Also, don't forget to sign the form in the appropriate section.

Step 4: Submit the Form and Required Documents

Submit the completed application form along with the necessary documents to the nearest PAN centre or an authorised agent. The required documents typically include proof of identity, address, and date of birth. You will also need to pay the applicable fees at the PAN centre.

Step 5: Receive Acknowledgment and Track Application Status

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

By following these steps, you will be able to apply for your PAN card offline without any hassle. Make sure to provide accurate information and submit all the required documents for a smooth application process.

How to apply for a PAN card for free

A PAN Card, or Permanent Account Number Card, is a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax department of India to every taxpayer in the country.

Who can apply for a free PAN Card?

Anyone who meets the following criteria can apply for a free e-PAN:

• You have never been allotted a PAN before.
• You have a valid Aadhaar card with an active mobile number linked to it.
• You are not a minor.
• You are not covered under the definition of Representative Assessee u/s 160 of the Income Tax Act.

How to apply for a free PAN Card:

• Visit the e-Filing portal homepage and click on "Instant e-PAN" under the Quick Links section.
• 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 on "Continue".
• Click on "I have read the consent terms and agree to proceed" on the OTP validation page and click on "Continue".
• Enter the 6-digit OTP received on the Aadhaar-linked mobile number, select the checkbox to validate the Aadhaar details with UIDAI and click on "Continue".
• On the Validate Aadhaar Details page, select the "I Accept that" checkbox and click on "Continue".
• Upon successful submission, a success message will be displayed on the screen along with an Acknowledgement Number. Keep a note of this number for future reference. You will also receive a confirmation message on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Please note that the free e-PAN is only a digital PAN card. If you wish to obtain a physical PAN card, you will need to apply through the NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL website and pay the applicable charges.

How to apply for a PAN card for NRIs

A PAN card, or Permanent Account Number, is a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax Department of India to identify taxpayers in the country. It is a crucial document for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) who want to participate in India's economic life. Here is a step-by-step guide on how NRIs can apply for a PAN card:

Choose the application method:

NRIs can choose to apply for a PAN card online or offline. For online applications, visit the official website of TIN-Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL. For offline applications, download and fill out the application form (Form 49A for Indian citizens or Form 49AA for foreign citizens) and submit it along with the required documents and the application fee at the nearest UTIITSL or Protean PAN application centre.

Fill out the application form:

Provide your personal details, such as name, date of birth, contact information, and select 'Non-Resident Indian' in the status section. Ensure that all the information is accurate and matches your passport. Attach a recent, clear photograph that will be used for identification.

Submit the required documents:

Along with the application form, NRIs need to provide a copy of their passport as proof of identity. Additionally, one of the following documents is required as proof of address:

• A copy of the bank account statement in the country of residence
• A copy of the NRE bank account statement showing a minimum of two transactions in the last six months, duly attested by the Indian Embassy/Consular office/high commission or Apostille, or by the manager of the bank in which the account is held. The applicant can also be a joint holder.

Make the payment:

The fee for acquiring a PAN card varies depending on whether you opt for a physical PAN card or an electronic version (e-PAN), and the delivery location. For an overseas address, the charge is ₹994, while for an address within India, the cost is ₹107, including GST. Payment can be made online using internet banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.

Track your application:

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an acknowledgment number. This number is essential for tracking the status of your application online. The process usually takes about 15-20 working days, depending on the verification process and document accuracy.

It is important to note that the PAN card is not automatically issued to NRIs, and they must apply for it if they are involved in any financial transactions or tax-related activities in India. The PAN card is valid for life and does not need to be renewed, even if you change your address.

How to apply for a PAN card for foreign citizens

Foreign citizens/entities can use Form 49AA to apply for a PAN card. The process can be done online and applicants will need to submit proof of identity, address, and date of birth. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Documents

Foreign citizens will need to submit valid ID and address proof along with date of birth proof. Here are some of the documents that can be furnished as proof:

• Passport/PIO card/OCI card
• TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) or CIN (Citizenship Identification Number) attested by the appropriate authorities
• Bank account statement (from the country of residence)
• NRE (Non-resident External) bank account statement held in India
• Certificate showing the residence status in India or residence permit issued in India by the police authorities
• Certificate of registration carrying Indian residential address issued by the Foreigner’s Registration Office
• Copy of visa granted or a contract or letter of appointment given by an Indian company. An address proof letter issued by an Indian employer will also be accepted.

Step 2: Fill out the Application Form

The next step is to fill out Form 49AA. This can be done online through the NSDL (now Protean) website or the UTIITSL portal. The form will ask for personal information such as name, address, and contact details.

Step 3: Make the Payment

After filling out the form, applicants will need to make an online payment of the fees. The price includes the shipping of the PAN card to the applicant's international address.

Step 4: Submit Documents

Once the payment is made, applicants will need to submit proof of name and address. These documents can be sent via email for review.

Step 5: Print, Sign, and Send the Form

After the documents have been reviewed, applicants will need to print out the application form, paste two photos, and sign the form as per the instructions received via email. The signed application form, along with copies of the proof documents, will then need to be sent to India by post or courier. Applicants in the USA or Canada have the option to send the documents to New Jersey for an additional fee.

Step 6: Receive the PAN Card

Once the application is processed, applicants will first receive a digital PAN card by email. This e-PAN is accepted for bank KYC, property registrations, and other purposes. Subsequently, a physical PAN card will be delivered to the applicant's overseas address via international speed post.

Important Notes:

• It is not possible to obtain a PAN number within 24 hours. The process typically takes around 7 to 10 working days.
• Foreign applicants may benefit from using an agent who can submit the application in person and liaise with PAN officials.
• PAN cards are not issued at Indian consulates.

Frequently asked questions