PAN Card - Permanent Account Number in India

A PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is a special code made up of 10 characters, both letters and numbers. It's provided by the Indian Income Tax department under the Income Tax Act of 1961. The main aim of a PAN card is to keep track of financial transactions related to taxes for individuals and organizations. It's important to note that having a PAN card doesn't prove citizenship; even foreign nationals and companies subject to taxation in India can have one. This card contains various financial details, and you can find out your PAN card details using different methods explained in the article below.

Understanding the Permanent Account Number (PAN)

The PAN consists of 10 characters, each with a specific meaning:

The first 3 characters are letters and can be any combination of the English alphabet.

The fourth character is also a letter, representing the taxpayer category:

• A: Association of Persons
• B: Body of Individuals
• C: Company
• F: Firms
• G: Government
• H: Hindu Undivided Family
• L: Local Authority
• J: Artificial Judicial Person
• P: Individual
• T: Association of Persons for a Trust

The fifth character is a letter, indicating the first character of the cardholder’s surname.

The next four characters are numbers and are randomly assigned.

The last character is a letter again.

How to Apply for PAN Card for Free

Here's a step-by-step guide to apply for an Instant e-PAN through the income tax e-Filing portal:

Step 1: Visit the e-Filing portal homepage and click on “Instant e-PAN” under the Quick Links section.

Step 2: On the e-PAN page, click on “Get New e-PAN”.

Step 3: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number on the Get New e-PAN page, select the "I confirm that" checkbox, and click on “Continue”.

Step 4: Click on “I have read the consent terms and agree to proceed further” on the OTP validation page and click on “Continue”.

Step 5: 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”.

Step 6: On the Validate Aadhaar Details page, select the "I Accept" checkbox and click on “Continue”.

Step 7: Upon successful submission, a success message will be displayed on the screen along with an Acknowledgement Number. Make sure to note down the Acknowledgement ID for future reference. You will also receive a confirmation message on your Aadhaar linked mobile number.

Types of PAN Cards In India

Different types of PAN cards are issued to various tax-paying entities, including:

1. PAN Card for Indian Individuals: These PAN cards include the individual's photograph, name, father's name, date of birth, signature, an authenticity hologram, QR Code, date of issue of the PAN, and the Permanent Account Number.

2. PAN Card for Indian Companies: PAN cards issued to companies contain the company's name, date of registration, the PAN number, hologram, QR Code, and date of issue of PAN. They do not include a photograph or signature.

3. PAN for Foreign Citizens: PAN cards issued to foreign citizens follow similar formats but are specifically designated for individuals who are not Indian citizens.

4. PAN for Foreign Companies: Similar to PAN cards for Indian companies, PAN cards for foreign companies include relevant company details without a photograph or signature.

These PAN cards serve as important identifiers for tax-related transactions and are equipped with security features to prevent fraud.

Documents Required to Apply for a PAN Card

To apply successfully for a PAN card, the taxpayer must submit various supporting documents along with Form 49A to the NSDL agencies. These documents typically include:

1. Proof of Identity: This could be a copy of your Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID card, driver's license, or any other government-issued photo identification document.

2. Proof of Address: Documents such as your Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID card, utility bills (electricity, water, gas, telephone), bank account statement, or rent agreement can serve as proof of address.

3. Birth Certificate: A birth certificate is required to verify your date of birth. If the birth certificate is not available, alternative documents such as school leaving certificate, matriculation certificate, or passport can be submitted as proof of date of birth.

Submitting these documents along with Form 49A ensures that your PAN card application is processed smoothly and accurately.

How to Know your PAN Card Status

Once you've submitted your PAN card application, it typically takes around 15 working days to receive your PAN card. However, during this waiting period, you can track the status of your PAN card application using the 15-digit acknowledgement number provided to you.

Here are three ways to track the status of your PAN card application:

Via SMS:

1. Type NSDLPAN followed by your 15-digit acknowledgment number.
2. Send the SMS to '57575'.
3. You'll receive a message with your PAN card status.

Via Call:

1. Dial 020-27218080 to reach the TIN call center.
2. Provide your 15-digit acknowledgment number when prompted.
3. You'll get an update on your PAN card application status over the phone.

Via Online:

1. Visit the official website of PAN Card, TIN-NSDL.
2. Navigate to the "Status Track" section.
3. Click on "Track Status of your PAN / TAN application online".
4. Select the application type as 'PAN – New/Change Request' from the drop-down menu.
5. Enter your Acknowledgement Number.
6. Enter the Captcha Code for verification.
7. Click on Submit, and the status of your PAN Card application will be displayed on the screen.

What is Required to Check the PAN Status

To check the PAN application status, you need:

1. Acknowledgement number: If you applied for the PAN card through NSDL.

2. Coupon number: If you applied for the PAN card through UTI.

PAN Card Forms

Different categories of applicants are required to fill out different types of forms for a new PAN card. Here are the forms for various applicant types:

1. Form 49A: This form is for Indian citizens, companies, firms, trusts, NGOs, minors, and students.

2. Form 49AA: This form is mainly for nationals residing outside India but paying taxes in India.

3. Form 60: If you don't have a PAN Card and are below 60 years old, you should fill out this form.

4. Form 61: If you are 60 years old or above and don't have a PAN Card, this form is for you.

Know Your PAN Card FAQs

Q. How can I know about my PAN Card?

Ans. To know about your PAN card, you can visit the Income Tax E-filing website, TIN-NSDL, or UTIITSL. These platforms provide information and services related to PAN cards, including application status, updates, and other inquiries.

Q. Is e-PAN same as normal PAN?

Ans. Yes, e-PAN is an electronic form of the PAN card, and it holds the same validity and admissibility as a physical PAN card.

Q. Are there any charges for tracking the status of the PAN application?

Ans. There are no charges for tracking the status of your PAN card application. You can check the PAN status for free as many times as needed.

Q. How can I check the status of my PAN Card Application?

Ans. You can easily check the status of your PAN card application by visiting the following websites:

1. NSDL PAN Track: https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html

2. UTIITSL PAN Track: http://www.trackpan.utiitsl.com/PANONLINE/#forward

Q. Is there a Tatkal facility for allotment of PAN?

Ans. No, there is no provision for the allotment of PAN through these websites.

Q. How can I make a “Correction or Request for New PAN Card”?

Ans. You can obtain a "Request for New Card or Correction/Updates in PAN card" form prescribed by the Income Tax Department. Additionally, you can download it from the Income Tax Department website (www.incometaxindia.gov.in), UTIITSL website (www.utiitsl.com), or NSDL website (www.tin-nsdl.com).