Finding Pan Card Numbers: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to every taxpayer in India. It is used for various purposes, such as filing income tax returns, purchasing and selling fixed assets, and opening bank accounts. While there is no way to check your PAN card details using only your name and date of birth, there are several methods to retrieve your PAN card details. This includes using the online PAN verification service provided by the Income Tax Department, logging into the income tax e-filing portal, or contacting the PAN card customer care service. Additionally, you can check your PAN card details through a mobile application or by email.

Using the Income Tax Department's online PAN verification service

The Income Tax Department offers an online PAN verification service that allows users to verify their PAN details. This service is accessible through the e-Filing portal and is available to all users, except External Agencies, who can access it after logging in. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Income Tax Department's online PAN verification service:

• Go to the e-Filing portal homepage. You can access the portal by visiting https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.
• Click on "Verify Your PAN" on the e-Filing homepage.
• On the "Verify Your PAN" page, enter your PAN, full name, date of birth, and mobile number. Then click "Continue.".
• On the Verification page, enter the 6-digit OTP received on the mobile number provided in step 3 and click "Validate.". It's important to note that the OTP is only valid for 15 minutes and you have 3 attempts to enter the correct OTP.
• After successful verification, your PAN status will be displayed.

External Agencies need to follow a slightly different process:

• Log in to the e-Filing portal using your user ID and password.
• Click on "Services" and then select "View PAN details.".
• On the "Verify Your PAN" page, enter the PAN you want to verify, along with the full name and date of birth or date of incorporation. Then click "Continue.".
• Upon successful validation, the PAN status will be displayed.

In addition to the above process, there are three modes of verification offered by Protean eGov Technologies Limited (Protean), which has been authorized by the Income Tax Department to launch an online PAN verification service:

• Screen-based verification: After logging in, users can enter up to five PANs on the screen provided and submit them. The details of the PAN will be displayed on the response screen.
• File and Screen-based Verification: After logging in, users can upload a file containing up to 1000 PANs in the specified file structure. Within 24 hours, a response file containing the PAN details will be made available. If the file format is incorrect, the system will notify of the rejection within 24 hours, and the entity can download the response within 15 days.
• Software (API) based PAN verification: This mode allows users to verify PAN information by accessing the verification site through a software application.

Logging into the income tax e-filing portal

Step 1: Go to the e-Filing Portal homepage

Start by visiting the official website of the Income Tax Department. On the homepage, locate and click on the "Login" button. This will take you to the login page of the e-filing portal.

Step 2: Enter your User ID

On the login page, you will need to enter your User ID. For individuals, the User ID is your Permanent Account Number (PAN). If you are logging in as a tax professional, such as a CA or ERI, your User ID will be different, as mentioned in the previous section.

Step 3: Enter your password and Secure Access Message

After entering your User ID, you will be asked to enter your password. You will also need to confirm your Secure Access Message, which is an additional security feature.

Step 4: Two-factor authentication

In some cases, you may be required to provide a second factor for authentication. This could be in the form of an OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email address, or through Net Banking or Aadhaar authentication. If you have enabled the "e-filing vault higher security" option, you will need to provide one of the additional authentication factors mentioned.

Step 5: Link your PAN with Aadhaar (if applicable)

If your PAN is not linked with your Aadhaar, you may see a pop-up message informing you that your PAN is inoperative. In such cases, it is recommended to link your PAN with your Aadhaar by clicking on the "Link Now" button.

Step 6: Access the e-Filing Dashboard

Once you have successfully logged in and completed the authentication process, you will be taken to the e-Filing Dashboard. From here, you can access various services, such as filing tax returns, checking applicable deductions, and updating your profile details.

It is important to note that you must have a valid User ID and password to log in to the e-filing portal. Additionally, your PAN should be registered on the portal, or you will need to register it. If you enter an incorrect password too many times, your account may get locked, and you will need to use the "Unlock your account" functionality or wait for it to automatically unlock after 30 minutes.

Contacting the PAN card customer care service

If you have any queries or grievances relating to your PAN card, you can contact the PAN card customer care service. The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) is one of the two institutions that issue PAN cards. You can contact them via the following methods:

• Phone: (020) 272 18080 for queries, (022) 2499 3499 for queries related to depository services, or 022-48867000 for complaints or grievances related to depository services.
• Email: [email protected]
• Post: 3rd Floor, Naman Chamber, Plot C-32, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 051.
• Online: https://www.protean-tinpan.com/

You can also contact the Tax Information Network (TIN) as they maintain the NSDL database on behalf of the Income Tax Department (ITD). Their contact details are as follows:

• Phone: 020 27218080
• Address: 5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune – 411 016
• Email: [email protected]

The other institution that issues PAN cards is UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL). You can contact them via the following methods:

• Phone: +91 33 40802999, 033 4080299 (from 9:00 AM to 8.00 PM, 7 days a week)
• Email: [email protected]

Sending an email to the issuing agency

To obtain a PAN number, an applicant must submit the prescribed PAN application to the authorized PAN agency of their district or through online submission to NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies Limited), UTIITSL, or the Income Tax Department.

If you are unable to find the PAN number of a person through the online search, you can try sending an email to the issuing agency. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

To initiate the process of obtaining a PAN number or requesting information about an existing PAN, you can send an email to the issuing agency. In India, there are two entities authorized by the Income Tax Department to receive and process PAN applications: Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly known as NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited) and UTI Infrastructure Technology Services Limited (UTIITSL).

• Compose Your Email: In your email, clearly state the purpose of your request. Are you applying for a new PAN number, or do you need to retrieve an existing PAN number? Provide as much detail as possible, including your full name, date of birth, and any other relevant information. If you are requesting information about an existing PAN, include the PAN number if you have it, or any other identifying information you may have.
• Gather Supporting Documents: Along with your email, you will need to provide supporting documents as proof of your identity, address, and date of birth. These documents may include a copy of your passport, voter ID card, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, bank statements, or any other documents specified by the issuing agency. Scan or take clear photographs of these documents to attach to your email.
• Email Address and Contact Information: Send your email to the authorized email address of the issuing agency. You can find the contact details of Protean eGov Technologies Limited and UTIITSL on their respective websites. Make sure to follow any specific instructions provided on their websites for submitting PAN-related queries.
• Follow-Up: After sending your email, make a note of the date and time you sent it. If you do not receive a response within a reasonable amount of time (usually a few business days), follow up with the issuing agency to confirm that they received your email and are processing your request.
• Provide Additional Information: In some cases, the issuing agency may require additional information or clarification. Respond promptly to any requests for further details and provide the necessary documentation or information to support your application.
• Payment and Processing: The issuing agency will guide you through the payment process if your application is approved. They will also inform you of the expected timeline for processing your application and issuing the PAN number or card.

Remember to maintain professionalism and clarity in your email communication. Avoid providing any false or misleading information, as it may lead to complications or delays in the process. If you have any concerns or questions during the process, don't hesitate to reach out to the issuing agency for clarification.

Using a mobile application

Using the Income Tax Department's website:

• Visit the Income Tax Department's website.
• On the homepage, select the "Register" or "Login" option. If you don't already have an account, you'll need to create one.
• Once logged in, navigate to the "My Profile" or "Profile Settings" section.
• Select "Contact Information" or "Profile Details" and choose to edit or update your mobile number.
• Enter your new mobile number and submit the changes.
• You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your new mobile number to verify the update. Enter this OTP to confirm.
• Your mobile number will now be updated on your PAN card.

Using the NSDL website:

• Visit the NSDL website: https://www.tin-nsdl.com/
• Go to the "Downloads" section and select the "PAN" option.
• Download the "Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN Data Form".
• Complete the form using black ink and gather supporting documents, including address proof, identity proof, and date of birth.
• Find your nearest PAN card centre, pay the application fee, and submit your application along with the supporting documents.
• Your mobile number will be updated on your PAN card.

Using the UTIITSL Portal:

• Visit the UTIITSL website.
• Click on the "Change/Correction in PAN Card" tab and then select the "Apply for Change/Correction in PAN card details" option.
• Choose the mode of document submission, enter your PAN number, and select the PAN card mode. Click "Submit".
• Once your request is registered, you will receive a reference number.
• Continue with the application process by entering your name, address, and PAN number.
• Upload the required documents and submit the application.
• It typically takes around 15 days for PAN corrections to be made. You will receive a text message on your registered mobile number when your updated PAN card is dispatched via post.

Using the NSDL e-Gov Portal:

• Visit the NSDL e-Gov portal.
• Click on the "Services" tab and select "PAN" from the dropdown menu.
• Locate the "Change/Correction in PAN Data" option and click on "Apply".
• Fill out the Online PAN Application form with the required details, including application type, category, personal details, and contact information.
• Once your request is registered, you will receive a token number via email.
• Continue with the PAN application form and select the appropriate option to complete the process online through Aadhaar OTP.
• Follow the subsequent steps to provide the necessary updates and corrections, including address, contact, and other details.
• Upload the required documents, including a copy of your PAN and proof of the corrections.
• Complete the declaration section, providing your name, capacity, and place of residence.
• Attach a copy of your photograph and signature, ensuring they meet the specified requirements.
• Review the form and enter the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number.
• Proceed to the payment page and choose your preferred payment method.
• After successful payment, complete the KYC process by accepting the terms and conditions and authenticating your Aadhaar via OTP.
• Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number to verify and submit the online PAN application form.
• Download the acknowledgement form, which can be opened using your date of birth in the format DD/MM/YYYY as the password.

Please note that while you can update your mobile number associated with your PAN card, it is not possible to link two mobile numbers to a single PAN card. Additionally, ensure that you are using official government websites and portals to protect your personal information.

Frequently asked questions