Permanent Account Number (PAN)
Permanent Account Number (PAN) or PAN Card, as it is popularly known, is a ten-digit unique alphanumeric series allotted by Income Tax Department. Though it is primarily required for income tax purposes, over the period, PAN card has become one of the most sought after documents as proof of identity for many other purposes. As the name itself suggest, once it has been allotted on the basis of information provided, it does not change for any individual or entity, even if there is a change in the name, address or other information given in the application. One can simply apply for an update in the information and/a new PAN card bearing the same PAN is issued to the applicant.
NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited (NSDL e-Gov) and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) are the two agencies authorised by Income Tax Department for accepting the application for PAN. Any individual who does not have PAN and needs to apply for it, can apply through any of these agencies. These agencies have set up their centers across the country.
You can submit the application form online or visit the nearest service centers of NSDL e-Gov (details available at www.tin-nsdl.com) or UTIITSL (details available at www.utiitsl.com).
Application for allotment of PAN should be submitted in a format specified by Income Tax Department (known as Form 49A for Indian citizens). Blank application form can be obtained from any authorised centre appointed by NSDL e-Gov or UTIITSL without any charge or may be downloaded from their website also. Following documents are required to be submitted along with PAN application
1. Proof of Identity (POI): Copy of any of the following documents :
Aadhaar card, Elector’s photo identity card (Voter card), Passport, Driving License, Ration card having photograph of the applicant.
2. Proof of Address (POA): Copy of any of the following documents :
Aadhaar card, Elector’s photo identity card (Voter card), Passport (own or of spouse), Driving License, Post office passbook having the address of the applicant, utility bills (not more than three months old) such as – Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Landline telephone or broadband connection bill.
3. Proof of Date of Birth: Copy of any of the following documents :
Aadhaar card, Elector’s photo identity card (Voter card), Passport, Driving License, Matriculation Certificate or Mark sheet of recognized board, Birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or any office authorised.
(* List of documents mentioned above is only illustrative, not complete).
How to get a duplicate or a new PAN card?
If you already have a PAN allotted and need a new PAN card (may be due to loss of the card or change in name or date of birth or mobile number or email ID or for any other reason), you may simply apply through NSDL e-Gov or UTIITSL and request for issuance of a new PAN card bearing the same PAN. Procedure and fee for such application is similar except that the application form is different. If your address has changed and you want to update your new address in records of Income Tax Department, same application can be used for this purpose as well.
Fee for Application (New PAN or New PAN Card)
Where communication address for sending physical PAN card is an Indian address Rs.107 (including taxes as applicable currently). Detailed guidelines and instructions for filling up the application form and also for tracking the status of application submitted at any centre are available on the website ofthe two agencies (https://www.tin-nsdl.com and https://www.utiitsl.com/UTIITSL_SITE).
