A 10-digit PAN (Permanent Account Number), which functions as an identifying number, is issued to all Indian taxpayers. PAN is a computerized system that tracks all tax-related information for an individual or corporation using a single PAN number. This is the primary key for storing information and is shared across the country. A tax-paying entity cannot, therefore, possess the same PAN more than once.
What are PAN cards, exactly?
PAN (Permanent Account Number) cards are issued by the Income Tax Department. Each PAN card has a distinct 10-digit PAN. The PAN serves as a person’s or business’s identity document for a variety of uses. The PAN of an individual is linked to all of their tax-related data.
A PAN card is a physical or digital card that has the PAN and additional crucial personal data on it. A distinct 10-digit alphanumeric character is the PAN.
The Income Tax Department announced an upgraded PAN card format on January 1, 2017, which states that every PAN card would come with a Quick Response (QR) code bearing the cardholder’s details. This code can also be used for data verification. The signature, date of birth, father’s name, and name of the cardholder will also be included.
Contents of PAN Cards
PAN cards provide a variety of information, including the following:
- Name of the cardholder: The name of the corporation, partnership, LLP, or individual.
- The cardholder’s father’s name is applicable exclusively to specific cardholders. In the event of a single parent, the name of the mother or father will be printed.
- Date of birth: If the cardholder is an individual, the date of birth; if the cardholder is a business or firm, the date of registration.
- PAN Number: This is an alpha-numeric number with ten digits. Every character denotes a piece of cardholder information.
- Signature: Only applicable to specific cards. The PAN card serves as additional documentation of the signature that is needed for financial transactions.
- A picture of the person is used by PAN to verify the person’s identification. When it comes to businesses and enterprises, the card is devoid of a photo.
PAN Types
The many PAN card kinds that are given to tax-paying entities in India are as follows:
- Individual, including minors and students
- Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
- Company
- Partnership Firms
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Trusts
- Society
- Association Of Person (AOP)
- Body Of Individuals (BOI)
- Foreigners
PAN Card Forms
PAN card applications are available in three main varieties:
- Form 49A: This form must be filled out by Indian persons who do not currently have a PAN, such as minors, non-resident Indians (NRIs), nationals residing outside of India, Indian corporations, Indian businesses, and Indian BOI/AOP.
- Form 49AA: Every foreign national in need of a PAN must file this form.
Changes or Adjustments to an Already-Existing PAN or Reprinting a PAN Card: Those who already have a PAN but need to update the information on their card must fill out this form. For individuals, however, who would want to duplicate their present PAN card precisely, a copy of the PAN card application is accessible.
PAN Card Qualifications
PAN card applications are open to both Indian nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The PAN card application process is open to all artificial organizations, including associations, businesses, Hindu undivided families, and so on. All individuals who pay taxes or conduct financial activities in India, however, must have a PAN card.
Procedure for NSDL PAN Card Application
- Go to the NSDL’s official website.
- Click “Submit” after choosing the application type and category, filling out the information.
- You will see a message with a Token Number that will be emailed to your email address as well. Select the option to “Continue with PAN Application Form.”
- Choose the document submission method and if an actual PAN card is needed. Complete the form and attach the necessary files.
- After paying the processing charge, print the reference or acknowledgment number.
- Should you want to submit your papers in person, you must mail them, together with your completed application, to the Protean eGov Technologies Limited’s Income Tax PAN Services Unit.
How to Register for a PAN Card on UTIITSL
- Go to the website of UTIITSL.
- Under the “PAN Card for Foreign Citizen” or “PAN Card for Indian Citizen/NRI” menu, select the “Click to Appy” option.
- Choose the tab labeled “Apply for New PAN Card.”
- Click “Submit” after choosing the document submission method, application status, and PAN card mode.
- You’re going to get a reference number. Press the “OK” button.
- Click “Next Step” after entering your contact and parent information, address, document details, personal information, and other details.
- After uploading the necessary files, select “Submit.”
- To pay the fees, double-check the information on the form and use the “Make Payment” option.
- Take the form’s printout when the payment has been successfully processed. If you have chosen to provide papers physically, you must send the form and the supporting documentation to the UTIITSL PAN PDC Incharge offices in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or New Delhi.
How to Apply for a PAN Card Offline
- Visit a PAN facility to apply for a PAN card. Download “Form 49A for Indian citizens” or “Form 49AA for foreign citizens,” fill it out, and print it off as additional options.
- Provide your details on the form, affix a recent color photo, and sign it.
- Please provide the required documentation with your application.
- Go to the nearest PAN center, fill out the form, submit it with the required documentation, and pay the fees.
Status of PAN Cards
After submitting your PAN card application, you may check the status of your application by doing the steps listed below:
- Go to the UTIITSL or NSDL website.
- Click “Submit” after entering the application number, acknowledgment number, and captcha code.
- The application for a PAN card will show its current status on the screen.
PAN Card Amendments and Updates
You may change your PAN’s details by doing the following:
- Visit the UTIITSL website or the NSDL portal.
- Choose “Changes or Corrections in existing PAN/Reprint of PAN card” as the application type.
- After entering the necessary information and uploading the necessary files, press the “Submit” button.
- Cover the processing cost.
- PAN will be shipped out in fifteen days.