According to the Income Tax Act, any person who is required to file returns of income – either on their own or on behalf of others – must have a PAN Card. PAN or Permanent Account Number is used by the IT Department to keep track of your taxes and transactions. Your PAN contains details about all financial transactions carried out – whether it is shopping for high-value items over Rs. 2 Lakhs on online marketplaces or purchasing shares. While PAN Cards are more or less ubiquitous in India, there are still some unclear about the application process. The following 10 FAQs help offer clarity on this aspect:
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How to apply for a PAN Card online
There are two primary ways to apply for a PAN Card online. You can submit a PAN Card application through the Protean (formerly NSDL) website or through the UTIITSL platform. Find the ‘Apply for PAN’ option on the relevant platform and follow the instructions listed to complete your application. Submit the necessary documents and the application fees to complete the process. Apart from these two options, you can also apply for an e-PAN Card (digital version) through the e-filing website using your Aadhaar number.
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How can I apply for a PAN Card offline
If you wish to apply for a PAN Card offline, you can download Form 49A (Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (foreigners) from the Protean website. You can also obtain the relevant form from the nearest PAN centre. Fill-up this application form, attach your passport size photograph, and sign the same. Visit the nearest PAN centre to submit the form, along with self-attested copies of your DOB, identity, and address proofs and pay the application fees.
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What documents are needed for a PAN Card application
Document requirement with PAN application depends on the type of applicant in question. Here’s a breakdown of the documents needed by various applying entities:
- Individuals: Proof of identity proof (Aadhaar/Voter’s ID/Passport), date of birth proof (Birth certificate/Passport/Driving License), and address proof (utility bill/Voter’s ID/bank account statement).
- HUFs: Affidavit from the karta of the HUF stating the name, address, and father’s name of every coparcener, along with proof of identity, address, and DOB for the Karta.
- Companies registered in India: Certificate of registration issued by the Registrar of Companies.
- LLPs and firms: Certificate of registration or partnership deed.
- Trust: Copy of the trust deed or certificate of registration number issued by a Charity Commissioner.
- Association of persons: Copy of agreement or certificate of registration number.
- Foreigners: Identity proof and address proof documents like passport, OCI card, PIO card etc.
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As an NRI, which form do I need to fill for a PAN Card application
As an NRI or non-resident Indian, you will have to fill Form 49A to apply for a PAN Card since you still possess an Indian citizenship.
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Can a minor apply for a PAN Card
Since Section 160 of the Income Tax Act does not mention a minimum age for PAN application, minors can also apply for a PAN Card. Parents of minor children can apply for the PAN online/offline based on their preference.
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What is the application fee for a PAN Card
You will have to pay a certain fee to successfully apply for a PAN Card. This fee depends on how you choose to submit your documents, the physical/digital mode of the PAN, and the dispatch location. If a physical card is required and you submit your documents paperlessly, then the fee is Rs. 101 (those residing in India) and Rs. 1,017 (those residing outside India). However, if you want a physical PAN and submit documents physically, the fee is Rs. 107 (those residing in India) and Rs. 1,011 (those residing outside India). If you want e-PAN and submit papers online, then the fee is Rs. 66, while for offline submissions it is Rs. 72.
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How long does it take to receive a PAN Card
Generally, it takes anywhere between 15-20 days for your physical PAN Card to be delivered if you apply through the Protean and UTIITSL websites. However, you can access instant e-PAN in 10 minutes if you apply through the Income Tax e-filing portal.
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Can I check the status of my PAN Card
Yes. You can review the status of your PAN application online through the Protean and UTIITSL websites. Alternatively, you can also track your PAN application status by making a call to the TIN call centre at 020-27218080/08069708080 or by messaging ‘NSDL’ space ‘15-digit acknowledgement number’ to 57575.
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Where do I send my documents if I choose ‘Forward Documents Physically’
If you have selected to send your documents physically, you must mail them, along with a print-out of your acknowledgement receipt to the following address:
- Income Tax PAN Services Unit
- 5th Floor Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341,
- Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony,
- Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune-411016.
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Can I apply for a PAN Card for free
Yes. If you don’t have a PAN allotment, but possess a valid Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked mobile number, you can apply for an instant e-PAN for free using the e-filing portal. Instant e-PAN is a digital version of your PAN that takes about 10 minutes to generate. It is ideal if you wish to take advantage of opportunities like high NBFC FD interest rates and cannot wait for 15 days for a physical PAN. However, if you wish to avail the physical version of the card, you will have to apply through the Protean/UTIITSL websites and pay the associated fees.
Conclusion
The PAN Card application process is fairly simple as long as you know the various nitty-gritties around the process. The FAQs outlined above help cover every aspect of the PAN application process to simplify the task for you.
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