Every citizen of India is liable to have a specific set of documents that are utilised in day-to-day life activities, as well as evidence of individual identification. An important constituent of these documents is the PAN (Permanent Account Number) card, or PAN card. It is one of the most crucial identity and financial documents for every Indian citizen.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about PAN cards, from understanding what is PAN card and its historical evolution to learning how to apply for one, verify your details online, and maximise its benefits for your financial journey.
What is a PAN Card?
A PAN card is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identification document issued by the Income Tax Department of India. The PAN card full form stands for Permanent Account Number card, which serves as a universal identification key for tracking all financial transactions of an individual or entity. This unique identifier links all tax-related information under a single number, making it important for the financial activities ranging from filing income tax returns to opening bank accounts.
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is represented as a 10-digit code made up of a combination of alphabets and numbers, which is unique to every citizen of India and thus, can be used as an ID proof. The Income Tax Authority of India issues PAN cards, and it is a prerequisite for conducting any type of financial transaction by a citizen.
PAN Issuing Authority
The PAN issuing authority in India is the Income Tax Department, which operates under the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The department has authorised two agencies to process PAN applications: NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited). These agencies handle the application processing, verification, and issuance of PAN cards on behalf of the Income Tax Department.
Understanding PAN Card Information and Structure
Your PAN number contains specific information encoded in its 10-character structure:
- First 3 characters: Alphabetic series (AAA to ZZZ)
- 4th character: Holder type (P for Individual, C for Company, H for HUF, F for Firm, etc.)
- 5th character: First letter of the holder’s surname/name
- Next 4 characters: Sequential numbers (0001 to 9999)
- 10th character: Alphabetic check digit for verification
For example, in ABCPE1234F, ‘P’ indicates an individual, and ‘E’ represents the first letter of their surname.
Understanding PAN Card’s History
The concept of PAN card came into being in 1972, when the Government of India announced an identification method that was a step ahead of the previously used system of GIR or General Index Register.
On April 1st, 1976, the PAN was given statutory status under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act. Earlier, the older format of PAN card was used, which resulted in certain errors like a lack of secure databases, a lack of central authorisation of PAN, and the exclusion of the PAN requirement for taxes.
These errors were rectified, and the result was the current version of PAN as we see today. The PAN was made to be allotted to the citizens of the country, and the applications for the PAN cards were initially started in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Today, the applications for PAN cards can be submitted from anywhere in India through online and offline modes.
How to Apply for a PAN Card?
Nowadays, the PAN card application is very easy for citizens. After understanding what is PAN card, let us explore the PAN card step-by-step application process:
- Step 1: Go to the official Income Tax e-filing website https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home or visit the NSDL/UTIITSL portal.
- Step 2: The applicant can select the ‘New PAN’ option displayed on the webpage.
- Step 3: Now, the applicant should select Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for foreign nationals).
- Step 4: The applicant should complete Form 49A by providing the necessary details, such as name, date of birth, address, contact information, and identity proof.
- Step 5: The next step involves the fee deposition that can be done through online mode or via a Demand Draft that shall be generated after submission of the form. The application fee is ₹107 for Indian addresses and ₹1,017 for foreign addresses. After the application, an applicant can track the PAN card application status.
- Step 6: The applicant can then obtain their PAN card within 15-20 working days after completing the submission and payment procedure.
- Step 7: The applicant is required to submit the acknowledgement of PAN generation to the NSDL office within 15 days of submitting online Form 49A if applying through the physical mode.
- Step 8: The acknowledgement is followed by the PAN verification process at NSDL, after which the PAN card is generated and delivered to the registered address mentioned in the application of the applicant.
What Are the Applications of Using a PAN Card?
Initially, PAN cards were issued for the sole purpose of keeping a record of an individual’s financial transactions, which are useful in imposing taxes.
However, with the advent of time, the use of PAN cards has grown immensely. Some of the important uses of a PAN Card are listed below:
Universal Identification Proof
A PAN card includes certain details such as the citizen’s name, residential address, date of birth, and photograph. These details can be used as ID for various documentation procedures like loan applications, issuing a passport, Voter ID card, and for household amenities like a connection for gas, house water supply, and electricity bill, etc.
Mandatory for Employment
Nowadays, the Income Tax Department has mandated that every employee present their PAN card along with valid details while applying for any job, as the employer will utilise the PAN card for deducting TDS while issuing the Form 16. The employee also needs to submit their PAN details while filing their income tax returns.
Essential for Bank Services
The bank requires an individual’s PAN details while opening a bank account in their name. This is done to reduce the incidence of fraudulent transactions where people scam a large sum of money. PAN helps keep track of every transaction made by the individual.
Pre-requisite for Deposits
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is required at the time of making money deposits while opening a fixed deposit account in the bank or while depositing money in Post Offices.
Foreign Currency Exchange
When visiting a place outside India, the currency can be a source of inconvenience to the individual. The Indian currency can be exchanged using documents such as a passport, travel tickets, a visa, and a PAN card.
Stock Market Trading
PAN is needed while trading shares, where the details are submitted to the broker. Without a valid PAN number, you cannot open a Demat account or participate in equity markets.
Mutual Fund Investments
It is required that the applicant looking to make an investment in a mutual fund, bonds, etc., should submit their PAN details before doing so.
Property Transactions
PAN details also play a role in the process of property registration, whether for sole purpose or joint ownership. For property transactions exceeding ₹10 lakh, PAN is mandatory.
Credit and Debit Card Applications
A prerequisite for availing a debit/credit card is the individual’s Permanent Account Number card details.
Digital Wallet Transactions
In the age of the digital boom, e-wallets and UPI payments have provided fast cash transactions. For registering with any online banking service, PAN (Permanent Account Number ) card details are a mandatory requirement.
Vehicle Registration
PAN card details are to be submitted at the time of completing the formalities for registering a new motor vehicle.
Insurance Premium Payments
A PAN card is also required during payment of a premium exceeding ₹50,000 for any type of insurance.
How to Check Your PAN Card Details by Name and Date of Birth?
Nowadays, it is very convenient to browse through your PAN card details online and verify or correct your personal details. To search PAN card information by name and DOB, you have to use the following steps:
- Step 1: Head over to the website for filing income tax online: https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home
- Step 2: Select the ‘verify your PAN details’ option available in the ‘quick links’ tab.
- Step 3: After being directed further, enter your personal details, such as PAN, Date of Birth, and name.
- Step 4: Now choose the most appropriate option from the status credentials.
- Step 5: Type in the captcha displayed correctly and then submit your details.
- Step 6: To get PAN details by name or DOB, check if the entered details are matching with the PAN card. You will be taken to a page confirming that the entered PAN card details are active and that the details are compatible with the database.
How to Search Your PAN Card Details by PAN Number?
If one wishes to check PAN card details by Permanent Account Number card, they can do so by following these simple steps:
- Step 1: Visit the webpage of the Income Tax Department – https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home
- Step 2: The website displays a link titled ‘register yourself’ which can be used if you are a new user.
- Step 3: To register on the website, enter your PAN card number.
- Step 4: Fill in the details, such as name, email ID, phone number, or any other details that are asked under the registration tab.
- Step 5: After entering the details, select the submit option.
- Step 6: To activate your registered account, a link is sent to the submitted email ID.
- Step 7: Once you open the link, you can proceed to your profile settings for the account.
- Step 8: Select the ‘PAN Details’ option from profile settings.
- Step 9: Your PAN card details will be available for verification on the page.
How to Search your PAN details by Address?
The following steps are required to search for the address in your PAN card details registered online:
- Step 1: Visit the webpage of the Income Tax Department https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home
- Step 2: If you already have an account, hop on to the ‘registered user’ link.
- Step 3: Submit all the details required for logging into your account.
- Step 4: Once you have access to your account, head over to the profile settings tab and select the ‘PAN Details’ subheading.
- Step 5: To verify your address, click on the ‘address’ option on the top options bar alongside PAN card details.
How to Get PAN Card Details Online Through Email?
To get PAN information online via email, you need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Draft an email with the subject line “Request for PAN Card Number”.
- Step 2: Address it to tininfo@nsdl.co.in (NSDL) or utiitsl.gsd@utiisl.com (UTIITSL).
- Step 3: Include your full name, PAN card DOB (format: DD/MM/YYYY), and registered phone number for verification.
- Step 4: Send the email and wait for a response to your details.
How to Find a PAN Card Number Using Toll-Free Numbers?
To check PAN data, you can use these helplines:
- Call 1800-180-1961 or 1800-222-990
- Follow the IVR instructions, select “Know Your PAN”, and enter the PAN number or related details for verification
- Confirm your PAN information over the call
How to Search for a PAN Number Using Mobile Applications?
Here’s how you can use a mobile app as a PAN details finder:
- Download the official PAN card app
- Navigate to the “Know Your PAN” section
- Input your name, date of birth, and registered contact details
- Verify using OTP and access the PAN card online
How to Verify PAN Card Details Online?
Checking your PAN details online is easy via the Income Tax Department’s website:
- Visit the e-filing portal
- Click on “Verify Your PAN” under Quick Links
- Enter the PAN number, full name, and date of birth
- Submit the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
- View the PAN card status
What are the Benefits of a PAN Card?
A PAN card serves as a crucial document in India. It facilitates various financial and legal transactions. Here are its key benefits:
- Proof of Identity: A PAN card acts as a widely recognised proof of identity, needed for opening bank accounts, applying for passports, or securing new phone connections.
- Starting a Business: A PAN card is also necessary to register a business entity. Every business, whether a proprietorship, a partnership, or a company, requires a PAN for GST registration and tax compliance.
- Income Tax Filing and Deductions: Mandatory for filing income tax returns, a PAN also helps claim tax benefits, like deductions on investments and loan repayments. Without PAN, you cannot file ITR or claim tax refunds.
- Financial Transactions: Essential for transactions over ₹50,000, investments in mutual funds, stock trading, and credit card applications.
Conclusion
Finding your PAN card online, be it through name, date of birth, or PAN number, is now simpler than ever with multiple online and offline options. As a PAN holder, these methods ensure quick access to PAN information for seamless financial transactions. Understanding what is PAN card, the PAN card full form, and the PAN issuing authority helps you utilise this essential document effectively for all your financial needs. Whether you’re applying for a new PAN card, verifying PAN details, or checking your PAN card issue date, the digital infrastructure makes the entire process convenient and accessible.
For business owners and MSME entrepreneurs, having an active PAN card is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s your gateway to accessing vital business financing opportunities. If you’re an MSME seeking quick and hassle-free business financing, LendingKart offers customised business loan solutions tailored to your needs. With minimal documentation requirements, we provide collateral-free loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. Empower your business growth journey today by exploring financing options that work for you.
PAN Card Details Online FAQs
1. Which individuals require a PAN card?
A PAN Card is an essential document for every tax-paying salaried individual in the country. Additionally, anyone conducting financial transactions above specified limits, business owners, professionals, and entities like companies, trusts, and HUFs must have a PAN card.
2. What is the procedure for the application of a PAN card?
An individual can apply for a PAN card by submitting a completed application form, which is Form 49A and 49AA for Indian and foreign citizens, respectively.
3. What is the procedure for making corrections in the details of the PAN card?
Any erroneous details can be rectified easily by visiting the NSDL website and selecting the option displaying modifications of PAN details. You need to fill out the PAN correction form and submit the required documents along with the correction fee.
4. Is it possible to have more than one PAN for a single individual?
No, there is a provision for only a single PAN per individual. It is penalised under the law to have more than one PAN for a single person. Holding multiple PANs can attract a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.
5. Can you link an Aadhar Card with a PAN card?
Yes, it has been mandated to link your Aadhar card with PAN. You can do so by visiting the NSDL website and go over the option to link your Aadhar and PAN cards.
6. What are the charges for submitting Form 49A for a PAN application?
The fee charge varies with the national or NRI citizen. The Indian citizen has to pay ₹107, while the NRIs are charged a sum of ₹1017.
7. Is it possible to change your PAN card photograph?
Yes, the candidate can update the photograph of PAN by using a correction form or through the online procedures. You need to submit a recent passport-size photograph along with supporting documents and pay the correction fee.
8. What is the waiting period for receiving a PAN card?
The PAN card application process may take approximately 15-20 working days. The time may vary depending on the circumstances. For e-PAN, you can receive it instantly via email after successful verification.
9. Is it possible for illiterate people to generate a PAN?
Yes, anyone can apply for a PAN card. The offline as well as online procedures work with the submission of a candidate’s thumb impression.
10. What is the procedure for PAN application for minors or physically challenged people?
The minor or physically handicapped individual can claim a PAN card generation by appointing an individual who can generate the PAN on their behalf (Section 160 of ITA). The following credentials are required in such cases: details of the candidate who is applying for PAN, as well as the details of the nominee who is the representative.
11. How to know the PAN card issue date?
To know your PAN card issue date, check the bottom right section of your physical PAN card, where the date is printed vertically in DDMMYYYY format. Alternatively, log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal, navigate to ‘Profile Settings’, and select ‘PAN Details’ to view your PAN card issue date online.
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