• PAN Card application is necessary for the fresh allotment of PAN which can be made through either of the ways
    • Online PAN Card application
    • Offline PAN Card application
  • The concept of the PAN Card was borrowed from the Social Security Number (SSN) system of the USA.
  • Herein, a 9-digit unique number was issued to every citizen of that country for social security purposes.
  • However, now it has become the prime feature for identifying tax processes.
  • Much like the USA, in India, a PAN card is a 10 digit alphanumerical number, issued by the Income Tax Department, assigned to a laminated card which differentiates and identifies the holder of the card as the taxpayer of the country.
  • This 10 digit number distinguishes one taxpayer from another enabling the authorities to record all tax-related information against it.
  • By having such a unique number, no two persons can have the same PAN.
  • The PAN Card is valid for the entire lifetime of the holder.

Who issues the Pan Card?

The Income Tax Department has authorized the following 2 bodies to issue PAN cards and deal with its related applications and centers:

  • UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited (UTIITSL)
  • National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)

How to apply for PAN Card

If you do not have a PAN Card, then there are 2 basic ways to get one:

  • By applying online through the internet
  • Or by applying through the traditional offline process

Offline PAN Card Application

  • To apply for a PAN Card through an offline process you first need to download the PAN Card Application Form No. 49A.
  • This is for Indian Citizens; Companies; Entities and Unincorporated entities formed in India.
  • You may obtain the PAN form from any IT PAN Service Centres or may download from the Income Tax Department website.
  • Before filling the form read all the instructions carefully provided therein.
  • Once you have read the instructions, enter all your details correctly as required.
  • Thereafter, affix your recent passport size photos on the place specified and make sure that the photos are not damaged.
  • You shall then attach self-attested identity and address proof along with the form.
  • Make sure that all of your signatures are attested to the documents.
  • Once the form is completed, you can send the form to any of the PAN centers in India.
  • A fee of INR 110 (inclusive of GST) will be levied for processing the PAN application.
  • If your dispatch is outside India then an extra charge of INR 910 will be levied.
  • After finishing the whole process you will receive your PAN in 15-20 days.

Online PAN Card Application

  • In the case of an online PAN Card Application, you have to visit the NSDL website.
  • Fill all the relevant details in the form and submit.
  • Once you have submitted the form you will have to pay an amount of:
    • If the communication address is in India- INR 110 (INR 93 + 18% GST)
    • In case the communication address is outside India- INR 1020 (INR 93 + Dispatch charges 771 + 18% GST)
  •  Thereafter, you will receive an acknowledgment along with a 15 digit number.
  • The whole completion process will take around 2 weeks after which your PAN will arrive.

Required Documents to apply for a PAN Card

For Indian Citizens

Proof of Identity

You have to provide proof of any of the following:

  1. Copy of Aadhaar card
  2. Photo identity card
  3. Driving License
  4. Passport
  5. Ration card having your photo attached to it
  6. Photo identity card issued by the Central Government or State Government
  7. Pensioner card having your photo attached to it
  8. Central Government Health Scheme Card or Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme photo card
  9.  Certificate of identity in Original signed by a Member of Parliament or Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or Gazetted officer.

Proof of address

You have to provide proof of any of the following:

  1. Copy of Aadhaar card
  2. Photo identity card
  3. Driving License
  4. Passport
  5. Passport of your spouse
  6. Post office passbook having your address
  7. Latest property tax assessment order
  8. Domicile certificate issued by the Government
  9. Allotment letter of accommodation issued by the Central Government or State Government of not more than three years old.
  10. Property Registration Document
  11. Electricity, Landline, Water, Gas, etc. bill (not more than 3 months old)
  12. Certificate of address signed by a Member of Parliament or Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or Gazetted officer.
  13.  Employer certificate in original

Proof of Date of Birth

You have to provide proof of any of the following:

  1. Copy of Aadhaar card
  2. Photo identity card
  3. Driving License
  4. Passport
  5. Matriculation certificate or Mark sheet of recognized board
  6. Birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or office authorized to issue birth and death certificate by the Registrar of Birth and Deaths.
  7. Photo identity card issued by the Central Government or State Government
  8. Domicile certificate issued by the Government
  9. Central Government Health Service Scheme photo card or Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme photo card
  10. Pension payment order
  11. Marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages.

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