
PAN – Permanent Account Number
PAN is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identification number assigned by the Indian Income Tax Department to individuals, companies, and other entities in India to track financial transactions.
It is similar to a Social Security Number in the United States.
PAN is mandatory for filing tax returns, opening a bank account, and various financial transactions such as buying or selling property, investing, and more. It serves as proof of identity and helps in preventing tax evasion.
About Pan card
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identification number issued by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals, companies, trusts, and other entities for the purpose of tracking financial transactions and preventing tax evasion.
The PAN card serves as proof of identity and address, and it is mandatory for various financial transactions such as opening a bank account, investing in mutual funds or shares, buying or selling property, making cash deposits or withdrawals of more than Rs.50,000, and filing income tax returns.
The PAN card is a laminated card with the individual’s photograph, signature, and PAN number printed on it. The card also includes the name, the father’s name, and the date of birth of the individual. The PAN card is valid for the individual’s lifetime and does not expire.
The PAN card application process can be done online or offline, and the fee for the PAN card varies depending on the category of the applicant and the type of application. The PAN card can be tracked online using the acknowledgement number provided after applying.
It’s important to note that a PAN card is mandatory for all transactions where the monetary value exceeds the limit specified by the government, and not having a PAN card can lead to several difficulties and inconveniences in carrying out financial transactions.
How to Apply for PAN Card
- Go to PAN Card Apply Online
- Click on the “New Pan Card” tab and select “Apply for PAN”
- Select the appropriate category for your application (Individual, Company, Trust, etc.)
- Click on “New PAN” and select “Form 49A” for Indian citizens or “Form 49AA” for foreign citizens.
- Fill in the required personal and contact details, along with proof of identity and address documents.
- Submit the form and pay the application fee online. send the document along with the proof to our communication address
- After applying, you will receive an acknowledgement number, which can be used to track the status of your application.
- Once the application is approved, you will receive your PAN card in the mail within 15-20 days.
Note: You can also apply for a PAN card through authorized PAN card agencies or intermediaries. In that case, you will be required to submit hard copies of the required documents along with the application form.
PAN Card Application Do’s and Don’ts
PAN Card Application Do’s:
- Make sure to fill out the application form correctly and completely.
- Use a recent passport-size photograph and sign in the designated space.
- Submit all the required documents such as proof of identity, address, and date of birth.
- Pay the application fee through a secure online payment gateway or e-challan.
- Keep a copy of the acknowledgement number for future reference.
- Use the same name and address as mentioned in your PAN card application for all your financial transactions.
PAN Card Application Don’ts:
- Do not provide false information or documents.
- Do not use someone else’s photograph or signature.
- Do not submit photocopies of the documents, only original documents are accepted.
- Do not pay the fee through cash or personal cheques.
- Do not apply for multiple PAN cards using different names or addresses.
- Do not forget to sign the application form, it will be rejected if not signed.
By following the above-mentioned do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your PAN card application process goes smoothly and you receive your PAN card without any delay.
The following is the list of transactions which can be done only if you have your PAN card
- Filing income tax returns
- Opening a bank account
- Investing in mutual funds or shares
- Buying or selling property
- Making cash deposits or withdrawals of more than Rs.50,000
- Purchase of foreign currency of more than Rs.50,000
- Transactions with a value of more than Rs.5 Lakhs in a financial year
- Purchase of a motor vehicle
- Purchase of jewellery or bullion
- Opening a fixed deposit account
- Purchasing or selling of any immovable property
- Transactions in a hotel or restaurant with an aggregate value exceeding Rs.25,000
- Transactions in shares or securities with a value exceeding Rs.50,000
- Transactions related to life insurance policies
- Transactions related to time deposits with a bank or post office
- Transactions related to the opening of a Demat account.
Note: PAN is mandatory for all transactions where the monetary value exceeds the limit specified by the government.
Documents required for applying for a PAN card
The documents required for applying for a PAN card vary depending on the category of the applicant and the type of application. However, the most commonly required documents are:
- Proof of Identity (POI) – Any one of the following documents can be submitted as POI:
- Passport
- PAN card
- Voter ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
- Ration Card
- Proof of Address (POA) – Any one of the following documents can be submitted as POA:
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
- Ration Card
- Utility bill (electricity, water, telephone)
- Bank statement or passbook
- Rent agreement
- Passport size photograph
- Date of Birth (DOB) – Any one of the following documents can be submitted as DOB:
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
- Birth certificate
- For foreign citizens, additional documents such as a copy of a visa and passport are required.
It is important to note that the documents should be self-attested before submission. Original documents might be required for verification if required.
Why Is PAN Important? – Uses and Benefits of Having a PAN Card
- Filing income tax returns: PAN is mandatory for filing income tax returns and it serves as a unique identification number for the tax department to track financial transactions.
- Opening a bank account: PAN is required for opening a bank account, whether it is a savings account, current account, or fixed deposit account.
- Investing in mutual funds or shares: To invest in mutual funds, shares, or other securities, a PAN card is mandatory.
- Buying or selling property: PAN is required for buying or selling property as it is used to track transactions and prevent tax evasion.
- Cash transactions: PAN is required for making cash deposits or withdrawals of more than Rs.50,000 as it is used to track financial transactions and prevent money laundering.
- Purchase of foreign currency: PAN is required for purchasing foreign currency of more than Rs.50,000 as it is used to track financial transactions and prevent money laundering.
- Transactions with a value of more than Rs.5 Lakhs in a financial year: PAN is mandatory for transactions with a value of more than Rs.5 Lakhs in a financial year.
- Proof of identity: PAN card serves as proof of identity and can be used as valid ID proof for various purposes such as opening a bank account, purchasing a mobile SIM card, applying for a loan, and more.
- Preventing tax evasion: PAN is used to track financial transactions and prevent tax evasion.
- Easy tracking of transactions: PAN card makes it easy for the government to track financial transactions and ensure compliance with tax laws.
Having a PAN card ensures that all your financial transactions are tracked and recorded, and it also makes it easier for you to file your income tax returns, open a bank account, and make other financial transactions.
Who can Get a PAN Card? – Eligibility
The following individuals and entities are eligible to apply for a PAN card:
- Indian citizens: Any individual who is a resident of India and is above the age of 18 years is eligible to apply for a PAN card.
- Foreign citizens: Any individual who is not a resident of India but is engaged in any business or profession in India or is a student or any other person who is living in India for any other purpose is eligible to apply for a PAN card.
- Companies, firms, trusts, and other organizations: Any entity that is engaged in business or profession in India and is required to file income tax returns is eligible to apply for a PAN card.
- HUFs (Hindu Undivided Family): Any Hindu Undivided Family that is engaged in business or profession in India and is required to file income tax returns is eligible to apply for a PAN card.
- Partnerships firms: Any partnership firm that is engaged in business or profession in India and is required to file income tax returns is eligible to apply for a PAN card.
- Non-individuals: Any non-individual entity, such as a company, trust, partnership firm, or association of persons, that is engaged in business or profession in India and is required to file income tax returns is eligible to apply for a PAN card.
It’s important to note that a PAN card is mandatory for all transactions where the monetary value exceeds the limit specified by the government. And for that reason, the Eligibility for a PAN card is mandatory for any individual or entity that is engaged in business or profession in India and is required to file income tax returns.
PAN Card status track NSDL
There are a few ways to track the status of your PAN card application:
- Online: You can track the status of your PAN card application on the official website of the Income Tax Department of India: www.incometaxindia.gov.in. To do this, you will need to enter your acknowledgement number, which you will receive after submitting your application.
- SMS: You can also track the status of your PAN card application by sending an SMS to 57575. The format of the SMS is the NSDLPAN space acknowledgement number.
- Phone: You can call the PAN card customer care number (1800 180 1961) and inquire about the status of your application.
- By Email: You can also track your PAN card status by sending an email to the Income Tax Department of India. The email address is tininfo@nsdl.co.in
Once your application is approved, your PAN card will be dispatched to your registered address within 15-20 days. You can track the status of your PAN card dispatch on the official website of the Income Tax Department of India.
It’s important to note that the time it takes for your PAN card to be processed may vary depending on the workload of the department and the completeness of your application.
PAN Card status UTIITSL
UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited) is one of the authorized agencies for PAN card application and processing. If you have applied for a PAN card through UTIITSL, you can track the status of your application by following the below steps:
- Visit the official website of UTIITSL
- Click on the “PAN Card” tab on the homepage
- Select the “Track PAN/TAN Application Status” option
- Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number, which you would have received after submitting your application
- Click on the “Submit” button
You will be able to view the current status of your PAN card application on the next page.
Alternatively, you can also track the status of your PAN card application by calling the UTIITSL customer care number (1800-220-306) or sending an email to the customer support email address (care@utiitsl.com)
You can also check the status of your PAN Card by giving the UTIITSL Coupon number which is given on the acknowledgement slip.
Consequences of not having a PAN Card?
Not having a PAN card can lead to several consequences, including:
- Fines and penalties: If you are required to have a PAN card but do not have one, you may be subject to fines and penalties imposed by the Income Tax Department.
- Difficulty in opening a bank account: Without a PAN card, it will be difficult to open a bank account, as most banks require a PAN card as proof of identity and address.
- Difficulty in making financial transactions: Without a PAN card, it will be difficult to make transactions such as investing in mutual funds or shares, buying or selling property, and making cash deposits or withdrawals of more than Rs.50,000.
- Difficulty in filing income tax returns: Without a PAN card, it will be difficult to file income tax returns as PAN is mandatory for filing income tax returns.
- Difficulty in applying for a loan: Without a PAN card, it will be difficult to apply for a loan as most lending institutions require a PAN card as proof of identity and address.
- Difficulty in purchasing a mobile SIM card: Without a PAN card, it will be difficult to purchase a mobile SIM card as most mobile service providers require a PAN card as proof of identity and address.
It is important to note that a PAN card is mandatory for all transactions where the monetary value exceeds the limit specified by the government. Therefore, not having a PAN card can lead to several difficulties and inconveniences in carrying out financial transactions.
A new element of PAN Card 2023
A new element was introduced to the PAN card in 2019, which is the QR Code. It is a two-dimensional barcode that contains information about the PAN card holder. The QR code can be scanned using a smartphone or a QR code scanner to quickly and easily verify the authenticity of the PAN card.
The QR code contains the following information:
- Name of the PAN card holder
- Father’s name
- Date of birth
- PAN number
- QR code number
The QR code is a security feature that helps to prevent fraud and ensure the authenticity of the PAN card. It also makes it easier to verify the PAN card details of an individual, as the information can be easily scanned and accessed. This helps to reduce the chances of impersonation, and thus, it’s a more secure way of identification.
It’s important to note that the QR Code is an additional feature, it doesn’t replace the traditional details present on the PAN card and it’s not mandatory to have a QR code on your PAN card.
What are the different PAN Card Forms?
There are two main forms for applying for a PAN card:
- Form 49A: This form is for Indian citizens, including individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), firms, companies, and trusts. The form is used to apply for a new PAN card or to make changes or corrections to an existing PAN card.
- Form 49AA: This form is for foreign citizens, including individuals, firms, companies, and trusts. It is used to apply for a new PAN card or to make changes or corrections to an existing PAN card.
Both forms are available on the official website of the Income Tax Department of India and can be filled out and submitted online.
Additionally, there are other forms available depending on the purpose of the application :
- Form 60: This form is used by individuals who do not have a PAN card but are required to file a tax return or make a financial transaction.
- Form 61: This form is used by individuals who do not have a PAN card and are not required to file a tax return but are required to make a financial transaction.
- Form 49B: This form is used by non-individual entities such as firms, companies, trusts, and other organizations to apply for a PAN card.
- Form N-A: This is a form which is used for PAN cards for ‘Nil’ or ‘Non-Applicable’ returns.
It’s important to note that the forms vary depending on the type of application and the category of the applicant, so it’s important to ensure that you are using the correct form for your specific situation.
Cost of PAN Card
The cost of a PAN card depends on the type of application and the category of the applicant. The current fee structure for PAN card application is as follows:
- For Indian citizens: The fee for a new PAN card application or for making changes or corrections to an existing PAN card is Rs.93 (inclusive of GST) for online application and Rs.96 (inclusive of GST) for the physical application.
- For foreign citizens: The fee for a new PAN card application or for making changes or corrections to an existing PAN card is Rs.944 (inclusive of GST) for online application and Rs.963 (inclusive of GST) for physical application
- For NRI’s (Non-Resident Indian): The fee for a new PAN card application or for making changes or corrections to an existing PAN card is Rs.944 (inclusive of GST) for online application and Rs.963 (inclusive of GST) for physical application
It’s important to note that the fees are subject to change and may be revised by the government from time to time.
Additionally, you can also apply for a PAN card through authorized PAN card agencies or intermediaries, in that case, the fees may vary, and you will be required to pay the fees to the agency or intermediary.
It’s always advisable to check the fee structure before applying for the PAN card, it will help you to avoid any confusion in the future.
How to apply for PAN Card Offline
You can apply for a PAN card offline by following these steps:
- Obtain the PAN card application form (Form 49A for Indian citizens or Form 49AA for foreign citizens) from the official website of the Income Tax Department of India or from an authorized PAN card agency.
- Fill in the required details such as your name, address, and date of birth, and attach the required documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Submit the completed form and the required documents along with the applicable fee to the nearest PAN card office or authorized PAN card agency.
- After submitting the application, you will receive an acknowledgement number, which can be used to track the status of your application.
- Once the application is approved, you will receive a new PAN card with the updated information.
It’s important to note that you should use a black ballpoint pen while filling out the form and the documents should be self-attested before submission.
It’s also important to note that the process of applying for a PAN card offline might take longer and it might require more effort, as compared to the online process. But, it still can be a good alternative for people who don’t have access to the internet or are not familiar with the online process.




