Quick Steps to Apply for a PAN Card Online in India – A Complete Guide

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the income tax department through which crucial information regarding an individual’s tax-paying abilities and income status can be tracked. PAN card is valid for a lifetime and is majorly assigned to those paying taxes. The IT department maintains a record of the same and is a vital ID Proof that is compulsory to open a bank account, apply for a debit or credit card, apply for a loan, open an FD (Fixed Deposit) or an RD (Recurring Deposit), pay for insurances and for any other financial transaction initiated by the individual.

PAN (Permanent Account Number) card can also be availed by companies and partnership firms and is mandatory for everyone filing for income tax refunds. Anyone, minors, students, NRIs can avail the Permanent Account Number Card (PAN) and link it with their bank accounts for its beneficiary elements.

TIN-NSDL (Tax Information Network – National Securities Depository Ltd.) is an entity appointed by the Income Tax Department, Government of India which eases the application process of Permanent Account Number Card from the comfort of your home. Whether the request is related to a new application of PAN (Permanent Account Number) card or an application to make amendments in an existing PAN (Permanent Account Number) card, TIN-NSDL is always at its best service in assisting the public of India in their services.

Let us understand the entire procedure of applying for PAN Card Online through TIN-NSDL:

Application Forms available/to be used:

Different types of Permanent Account Number Card (PAN)

PAN card can be availed by any individual of any age and sphere, any company, trust, business firm, in short, any entity. However, it needs to be noted here that the variants of Form 49 provided and issued by the government are to be used for a variety of purposes. Here we can briefly list out the types of PAN (Permanent Account Number) cards that can be availed.

• PAN (Permanent Account Number) card for Individuals
• PAN (Permanent Account Number) card for Non-Resident Individuals or People of Indian Origin
• PAN (Permanent Account Number) card for Foreign Companies/Corporates paying tax in India
• PAN (Permanent Account Number) card for Indian Companies/Corporates
• PAN (Permanent Account Number) card for Overseas Citizens of India (OCE) and Non-Resident Entities (NRE)

Importance of PAN Card

While we all know by now that it is mandatory to hold a Permanent Account Number Card majorly for filing tax refunds, let us now dwell on some of the other key uses and advantages of the PAN (Permanent Account Number) card.

• Filing Tax Returns : PAN (Permanent Account Number) acts as an identifier for an individual or a company where all the earnings can be recorded and is used to file for income tax returns. Hence if one wishes to file income tax pan card apply is the first and foremost step.
• Business Registration : PAN (Permanent Account number) acts as an essential document during business registration. So one can look up the documents required for PAN card application and apply for one while registering their business venture.
• Financial Transactions : PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is unique to each individual and entity. Due to the risks associated with frauds and to ensure that the transactions are not associated with money laundering activities, a PAN number is required for making financial transactions. Even for depositing cash above INR 50,000 in a bank account, the depositor would require a valid PAN. Hence, it is essential to know how to make PAN card as it is a required document for financial transactions including money remittances, investment in financial assets, and many more.
• Utility Connections : Utility connections often require an identity proof to register in the name of a beneficiary. In such cases, a PAN card is an acceptable document proof that the beneficiary can submit to register themselves.
• Opening Bank Accounts : As opening a bank account essentially means financial transactions will be done by the bank account holder, it is essential to have a PAN card in place as it enables the regulatory authorities and income tax department to track the financial transactions. This is necessary to avoid frauds, money laundering activities, and remittances in high risk or sanctioned locations. Hence, before opening a bank account, if not already in place, the applicant should check how to apply for PAN online.

Permanent Account Number Card Eligibility

In accordance with the section 139A of the income tax act, the following entities are mandated to get assigned a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card:

• Any individual who has or is liable to pay tax to the Income Tax Department.
• Any individual carrying out a business or any professional practice which brings to him a yearly turnover of more than Rs 5 lakh or more during any of the years of assessment.
• Any and all kinds of charitable organisations, trusts and associations.
• As per the Income tax act or any other prevalent law, any importers and exporters liable to pay any form of tax.

Application Fees:

A tentative amount (*Standard T&C apply) of Rs. 107 (including tax) for dispatching the PAN (Permanent Account Number) card anywhere in India and Rs. 994 for dispatching the PAN Card outside India needs to be paid as fees for applying for a new/modified PAN (Permanent Account Number) card.

The payment can be paid using net banking, mobile banking using debit or credit card or by simply drawing a demand draft towards NSDL – PAN, Mumbai.

One may wonder – How much time does it take for PAN card to arrive?

The answer is simple – The time duration taken usually to get a PAN card usually ranges between 15 to 20 working days after successful processing of the application. However, it depends on several factors like applicant location, the mode of applying application, i.e. either online or offline, and the accuracy of information filled in. In extreme cases, this may take longer than that and may be stalled at the administration level or might require more verification. PAN Card status check facility is provided online through its website by an individual using his acknowledgement number along with some specified options for fast processing services in such cases.

Supporting Documents Required as per rule 114(4) of Income Tax Rules, 1962:

To apply for a new PAN (Permanent Account Number) card:

• For Indian citizens (individuals):
  • Identity Proof – Photocopy of any one of the Government-issued identity documents like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Arm’s license, Pensioner card with the individual’s photograph.
  • Address Proof – Photocopy of any one of the following: Electricity bills, Landline bills, Broadband bills, Passport, Driving License, Matriculation Certificate, Aadhaar card, Domicile Certificate issued by the Government.
  • Date of Birth Proof – Photocopy of any one of the following documents: Birth Certificate issued by the Municipality or any authorized authority, Matriculation Certificate, Passport, Driving License.
  • Aadhar Card Copy (If mentioned as a proof document)
• For Non-Indian Citizens (individuals):
  • Identity Proof – Photocopy of the Passport, PIO, OCI Cards issued by the Government of India, other national or citizenship Identification Number duly attested by the ‘Apostille’ or Indian Embassy or High Court or even the Consulate where the applicant is situated.
  • Address Proof – Photocopy of the Passport, PIO, OCI card issued by the Indian Government, NRE bank account statement in India, Registration certificate issued by the FRO, VISA granted, appointment letter from any Indian company, bank account statement of the applicant’s residential country.

In case of modifications/corrections:

• Permanent Account Number Card (PAN) copy or an allotment letter
• Proof of the change that has been requested – example, change of name, change of father’s/husband’s name, change of date of birth, etc.

Important Points to consider while filling the form:

There are relevant factors to be taken into consideration while filling the form; otherwise, the request can be terminated by the authorities:

• No Abbreviations should be used in the name (except middle name)
• No prefixes should be used like Shri, Dr, Col, etc.
• In case of an application for a special case who is a minor or a psychologically weak person, RA details – Representative Assessee should be attached
• Proof of Identity, address, and date of birth should carry the exact same details as specified in the application form without any variation.

Steps on how to apply for a PAN Card Online – using TIN – NSDL:

A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card can be applied via two ways, the convenient and popular online method, and the alternate way for those inaccessible to the internet, the offline method.

We in the next few steps will discuss the process of online application of PAN cards.

Step 1 – Visit the official website of TIN-NSDL – https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html, and the individual should go to the services section and click on the PAN section. For off line – https://www.tin-nsdl.com/downloads/pan/download/Form49A_NSDL%20e-Gov_01.06.16.pdf

Step 2–Fill in the relevant details on the form as asked keeping the captcha code as asked and other relevant details. Then click on Submit

Step 3– The Next Page will ask for important information which should be kept handy before filling the form:

1. Relevant Documents to apply for a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card (as discussed above) using e-KYC or e-Signatures.
2. Enter details regarding contact details, address, and source of income of the applicant
3. Vital details about the Assessing Officer (AO) to understand the tax jurisdiction the applicant qualifies for (info found on the website itself)
4. Upload identity ad KYC documents, photograph, signature, and click on Submit.

Step 4 – The required payment needs to be paid, and the mobile number needs to be verified using an OTP.

Step 5 – A receipt will be issued, which carries the 15-digit acknowledgment number (which needs to be noted). The same should be posted to the NSDL office via post/courier after signing it.

How to track PAN Card Application Status?

The 15-digit acknowledgment should be properly noted down as this will help the applicant in tracking the status of the PAN (Permanent Account Number) card through:

• TIN Website – https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html
• SMS to 57575 (NSDLPAN 15-digit track. no.)
• E-mail at tininfo@nsdl.co.in
• Contact their Call Centre at (020) – 2721-8080
• Fax queries at (020) – 2721-8081
• Write at the physical address of TIN-NSDL

What are the details held in the PAN card?

The PAN not just manages the financial statuses but also works as an identity proof holding the very generalized and basic information like:

• Name of the cardholder : As for any identification proof, even PAN card has the full name of the cardholder, as declared in the PAN application form, now that it is mandatory to link the PAN card with the individual’s Aadhar card, the name should match between the two to avoid any discrepancies, this will help initiate the process of PAN card application, and if all goes well, the applicant should receive the physical PAN card within prescribed ETA.
• Name of the cardholder’s father : If the applicant’s middle name i.e. name of father/husband/guardian was declared in the application form, then the same would be reflected in the physical PAN copy
• Date of birth : Date of birth is one the most important identifiers, and it is mandatory field in the application form, the same is also visible on the PAN copy
• PAN number (unique 10-digit alphanumeric computerized code) : Every PAN has a unique 10 digit alphanumeric number, which serves as a unique identifier for that particular PAN. It is determined by the type of PAN, First letter of the last name of the cardholder, random combination of alphanumeric numbers among other
• Signature of the cardholder : Signature of the cardholder is also captured on the physical PAN copy, it is taken from the PAN application form, it is important for the applicant to ensure that they provide matching signature to that on other documents to avoid any future discrepancies
• Photograph of the cardholder : Photograph serves as one of the unique identifiers on the PAN, the same photograph is captured that is provided in the application form, it is important for the cardholder to ensure that the photograph provided is visible, and has a background against which the applicant’s face is clearly visible

A PAN card application is necessary as it is a special identification for taxpayers; it is through this card that all transactions of an individual’s financial life are monitored so that the correct tax liabilities of the person are calculated and met. It is also needed for a host of purposes like opening a bank account, application of loans, investing in properties, and engaging in other financial activities. It is very hard to manage personal finance without a PAN card because one is almost always involved in all monetary and legal transactions. This also helps the government have a systematic record of taxpayers based on their source of income, which reduces tax evasion. The same will help PAN make claims of tax refunds and benefits quite easy, ensuring smooth financial handling. A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is a vital document that is held accountable for almost all of the transactions made by an individual. It is mandatory for the taxpayers to have access to a PAN card. In many cases like TDS and other tax-related scenarios, anyone inaccessible to a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card needs to pay higher rates and miss out on the various advantages offered by the organisation. It also falls under the duty of all responsible citizens to have transparent transactions and help the government from tax frauds. Hence, if not already aware of how to apply for PAN online, one may simply visit the TIN-NSDL website and start the application journey online!

Read More:
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Permanent Account Number Card (PAN) Apply Online FAQs: