Steps To Achieving The Perfect Pan 8 Score

A PAN card is a Permanent Account Number card, which is a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax department of India to identify every taxpayer in the country. It is highly beneficial as it is used to file income tax returns, get rebates, track business transactions, and open a bank account. It also acts as a photo ID proof. To apply for a PAN card, you can either apply online through the NSDL or UTIITSL website or offline by visiting a nearby TIN NSDL/UTIITSL centre. The application process involves filling out a form, submitting proof of identity, address, and date of birth, and paying the applicable fees. The PAN card will then be delivered to the residential address mentioned in the application form.

How to get a PAN card for free

The Indian government has made it possible for individuals to apply for a PAN card for free. The process is entirely paperless and does not require the applicant to upload any documents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a PAN card for free:

Step 1: Visit the e-Filing Portal

Go to the Income Tax Department's e-Filing portal homepage and click on "Instant e-PAN" under the Quick Links section.

Step 2: Click on "Get New e-PAN"

On the e-PAN page, you will find the "Get New e-PAN" button. Click on it to proceed.

Step 3: Enter Your Aadhaar Number

Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and select the "I confirm that" checkbox. Then, click on "Continue."

Step 4: Agree to the Consent Terms

On the OTP validation page, click on "I have read the consent terms and agree to proceed further." Then, click on "Continue."

Step 5: Enter the OTP

Enter the 6-digit OTP that you received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Select the checkbox to validate your Aadhaar details with UIDAI and click on "Continue."

Step 6: Accept the Terms

On the Validate Aadhaar Details page, select the "I Accept that" checkbox and click on "Continue."

Step 7: Receive the Acknowledgement Number

Upon successful submission, a success message will be displayed, along with an Acknowledgement Number. Keep this number for future reference, as it will be required to check the status of your application. You will also receive a confirmation message on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Important Prerequisites:

• The applicant must not have been allotted a PAN before.
• The applicant must have a valid Aadhaar card with updated KYC details and a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar.
• The applicant must not be a minor.
• The applicant must not be covered under the definition of Representative Assessee u/s 160 of the Income Tax Act.

About PAN Cards:

PAN stands for Permanent Account Number. It is a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax Department of India to identify every taxpayer in the country. The process of applying for a PAN card has been simplified, and individuals can now apply for a fresh PAN online or offline. Additionally, those who have lost their PAN card can apply online for a reprint or obtain an e-PAN from NSDL or UTIITSL.

How to apply for a PAN card online

Applying for a PAN card online is a simple process. You can choose to apply through the NSDL or UTIITSL portal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PAN card online:

Applying for a PAN Card through NSDL

• Visit the official NSDL website and navigate to the PAN section under 'Services' to apply online.
• Fill in the details such as application type (Form 49A for Indian citizens), category (individual), title, name, date of birth, and contact details. Enter the CAPTCHA code and click 'Submit'. Note the token number generated.
• You will be redirected to a page with three options for submitting documents: digital submission through e-KYC & e-Sign (paperless), scanned image submission through e-Sign, or physically forwarding documents. Choose your preferred option and click 'Next'.
• Decide if you want a physical PAN card or a digital one via email. The application fee varies based on your choice.
• Enter your Aadhaar number, name, gender, date of birth, and parents' names, then click 'Next'.
• Provide details of your income sources, communication address, residential address, and office address (if required for your income source). Include your phone number and email ID, then click 'Next'.
• Enter your Assessing Officer (AO) code and click 'Next'.
• Upload the necessary documents, complete the declaration, and submit the form.
• After submitting your application, proceed to the payment page and make the payment. An acknowledgment with a 15-digit number will be generated.
• If you chose to forward your application documents physically, print the acknowledgment, attach your photo and signature, and send it with the required documents to the NSDL office.

Applying for a PAN Card through UTIITSL

• Visit the UTIITSL website and locate the ''PAN Services' section.
• Click on either 'PAN Card for Indian citizen/NRI' or 'PAN Card for a foreign citizen', depending on your status.
• Select the 'Apply for New PAN Card' tab.
• Choose the mode of submission of documents and your status as an 'Individual'. Select the PAN card mode and click 'Submit'.
• Once your request is registered, you will receive a reference number. Click 'OK' to proceed.
• Fill in your personal details, document information, contact and parents' details, address details, and any other required information. Click 'Next Step'.
• Upload the necessary documents and carefully review all the details before submitting the form.
• Proceed to the payment page and choose your preferred mode of online payment. Complete the transaction and you will receive a confirmation message.
• After payment, remember to print out the form for your records.

Once your application is received, it will typically be processed within 15-20 days, and your PAN card will be delivered to your registered address.

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 and Print the Form

Download Form 49A from the NSDL or UTIITSL portal and take a printout of it. Form 49A is for Indian citizens, Indian companies, Entities Incorporated in India, and Unincorporated Entities of India. If you are not an Indian resident, you need to fill out Form 49AA instead.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Fill in all the required personal and obligatory details in the form. Make sure that the information you provide is accurate and matches the details on your identity proof and resident proof documents. The form must be filled out in block letters only.

Step 3: Attach Documents and Photographs

Affix two recent passport-size colour photographs to the form. Along with the form, you will need to attach self-attested photocopies of your supporting documents, including identity proof, resident proof, and proof of date of birth.

Step 4: Submit the Form

Submit the completed form, along with the attached documents and photographs, to the nearest NSDL office or UTIITSL PAN service centre. You will also need to pay the application fee of Rs. 94 through DD, cash, or e-payment. Alternatively, you can send the completed application form and fee to the Income Tax PAN Services Unit at the following address:

> Income Tax PAN Services Unit,

> NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited,

> 5th floor, Mantri Sterling,

> Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8,

> Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk,

> Pune – 411016

Once your application is successfully processed, your PAN will be sent to your residential address.

How to check your PAN card application status

To check the status of your PAN card application, you can use any of the following methods:

• Call the TIN call centre: Dial 020-27218080 (7:00 am to 11:00 pm every day) or 08069708080 (24 hours) and provide your 15-digit acknowledgement number of PAN application.
• Send an SMS: Send an SMS of your 15-digit acknowledgement number to NSDL PAN on 57575. You will receive the status update on the same mobile number you entered in the PAN application form.
• WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp on your mobile phone and message 'Hi' to '8096078080'. After receiving a message asking for your consent to receive communication, select 'Yes'. Next, click on the 'Services' option and then 'PAN Application' from the list. Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number to receive the PAN card application status.
• NSDL website: Visit the official TIN NSDL website and select 'PAN – New/Change Request' from the application type drop-down menu. Enter your acknowledgement number, the captcha code, and click 'Submit'. Note that you can only check the status of your PAN card application on the NSDL website after 24 hours of submitting your application.
• UTIITSL website: Visit the UTIITSL website and click on the 'Track PAN Card' tab. Enter your Application/Coupon number and date of birth, then click 'Search'.
• Without an acknowledgement number: Visit the TIN-NSDL website and choose 'PAN – New/Change Request' in the 'Application Type' section. Select 'Name' and fill in your last name, first name, middle name, and date of birth. Finally, click 'Submit' to obtain your PAN card status.

How to track your PAN card delivery status

Once your PAN card has been generated or reprinted, it is sent to the address mentioned in the linked Aadhaar card. You can track your PAN card delivery status online in several ways.

Track PAN Card Delivery Status by Speed Post

Visit India Post's Consignment Tracking Portal and enter the consignment number and security code. Your PAN card delivery status will be displayed on the screen.

Track PAN Card Delivery Status through the UTIITSL Portal

If you have filled the PAN card application online through UTIITSL, visit the UTIITSL PAN Card Status Tracking Portal. Enter the "Application Coupon number" or your "PAN", followed by your date of birth, incorporation, agreement, partnership, or trust deed. Then, enter the security code and click "Search".

Track PAN Card Delivery Status through the NSDL Portal

If you have filled your PAN application through the TIN-NSDL portal, there are two methods to check the application status:

• Visit the TIN-NSDL's PAN Card Tracking Portal. Select "PAN-New/Change Request" from the drop-down list in the "Application Type" option, enter the "Acknowledgement Number", and click "Submit".
• Visit the TIN-NSDL's PAN Card Tracking Portal and select "PAN-New/Change Request" from the drop-down list in the "Application Type" option. Enter your name or the company's registered name, along with the date of birth or date of incorporation/agreement/partnership/trust deed. Then, click "Submit".

Frequently asked questions