PAN: Meaning, How to Download, Check Status, Apply Online

A PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number which is allotted to a person who applies for it. This is issued by Income Tax Department of India via UTIITSL or NSDL (now rebranded to Protean). Full form of PAN is Permanent Account Number and it is unique for every applicant. Here, we will talk about PAN, its features and importance, how to apply PAN, download PAN and other details.

How to Check PAN Card Status Online?

Once you’ve applied for a PAN card, it may take up to 15 or sometimes 20 days to deliver the same to your address. However, you can always check PAN Card Status online at either UTIITSL or NSDL (now Protean).

PAN Card Download

We’re living in the age where we are even going to digitalize our currency in the form of digital rupee. With all this happening, it only made sense that one of the most important documents for any income tax payer in the country was made accessible digitally. Thus, Income Tax Department came up with e PAN Card which is the electronic form of a PAN Card. You can download PAN Card easily online.

How to Apply PAN Card?

There are 2 ways to for PAN Card apply – using UTIITLS website or Protean eGov (formerly known as NSDL eGov). These are the two agencies authorized by the Government of India to process PAN card applications, i.e. you can go for an NSDL PAN Card application process or UTI PAN application process. 

The online PAN application process is simple and easy to follow, and involves filling out an application form with personal and supporting document details, making payment of the application fee, and tracking the status of the application through a unique acknowledgement number.

NSDL PAN Card: How to Apply?

NSDL or National Securities Depository Limited is one of the two authorities for PAN card related services. However, in December 2021, NSDL eGov was rebranded to Protean eGov. Therefore, now, when you type for NSDL PAN card apply, you will be redirected to the Protean PAN card apply page.

For Step-by-Step information, go to our NSDL PAN Card application post.

Who needs a PAN Card?

In India, a PAN Card is required by individuals, businesses, and other entities for the purpose of tracking financial transactions and fulfilling their tax obligations. Eligibility criteria to apply PAN card is:

1. Individuals who earn taxable income in India: Any individual who earns taxable income in India is required to obtain a PAN card. This includes salaried employees, self-employed professionals, and freelancers.
2. Business entities: Companies, firms, LLPs, and other business entities are required to obtain a PAN card to carry out financial transactions and comply with tax laws.
3. Investors: Investors in the Indian stock market, mutual funds, and other financial instruments are required to provide their PAN details to comply with regulatory norms.
4. Non-resident Indians (NRIs): NRIs who wish to invest in India or engage in financial transactions must obtain a PAN card.
5. Other purposes: PAN card is also required for several other purposes such as opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, buying or selling immovable property, and registering for GST.

In summary, a PAN card is essential for any individual or entity that engages in financial transactions in India or earns taxable income. It helps the government track financial transactions and ensure tax compliance.

PAN Card Aadhaar Card Link

Linking your PAN card with Aadhaar card is a mandatory requirement under the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The deadline to link your PAN card with Aadhaar card has been extended multiple times, and is currently set to March 31, 2023.

Here’s how to link your PAN with Aadhaar card online:

1. Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/.
2. Click on the “Link Aadhaar” option under the “Quick Links” section.
3. Enter your PAN card number, Aadhaar card number, name as per Aadhaar, and captcha code.
4. Click on the “Link Aadhaar” button.
5. A pop-up message will appear confirming that your Aadhaar card has been successfully linked with your PAN card.

If you are unable to link your PAN card with Aadhaar card online, you can do it offline by visiting a PAN card or Aadhaar card enrolment center.

It is important to note that failure to link your PAN card with Aadhaar card by the deadline may result in your PAN card becoming invalid, and you may face penalties and fines for non-compliance.

If you’re still facing troubles linking your PAN card with Aadhaar card, call on any of the below-mentioned numbers:

1800 103 0025

1800 419 0025

Reprint PAN Card: How to?

For a PAN Card Reprint, you can either go to NSDL (now Protean) or UTIITSL, which are the two agencies authorized to issue PAN cards in India. Next you need to look for the option to apply for a reprint of your PAN card, and click on it. You’ll be required to provide your PAN number or acknowledgement number along with your mobile number, email ID, date of birth, etc. At the end, you’ll be asked to pay a fee of Rs 50 (if dispatch is within India) or Rs 959 (if dispatch is outside India).

Another option is to download e PAN card which is a free of cost service. However, this service is only available for PANs allotted /changes confirmed by Income Tax Department in the last 30 days.

Reprint of PAN Card on NSDL eGov (now known as Protean eGov)

To apply for a PAN reprint on NSDL e-GOV, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the NSDL e-GOV website at https://www.tin-nsdl.com/.
2. Click on the “Reprint of PAN Card” option under the “Services” menu.
3. Select the appropriate option based on whether you have a valid PAN or not.
4. Enter your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and contact details.
5. Enter your PAN number and the captcha code displayed on the screen.
6. Confirm the details entered and submit the form.

Reprint of PAN Card on UTIITSL

To apply for a PAN reprint on UTIITSL, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the UTIITSL website at https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN/reprint.html.
2. Click on the “Reprint PAN Card” option under the “PAN Card Services” menu.
3. Enter details like your PAN, Aadhaar number, date of birth (MMYYYY) and GSTN (optional).
4. Confirm the details entered and submit the form.
5. You will then be directed to the payment gateway page to make the payment of the processing fee of Rs 50 for delivery to an Indian address OR of Rs.959.00 for delivery to a foreign address.
6. After the payment is successful, you will receive an acknowledgement number, which you should keep for future reference.

Please note: The above-mentioned steps are only if there is no change in PAN data. Also, this facility is only for those users whose PAN application is processed and PAN card is dispatched through UTIITSL or PAN is obtained using Instant e-PAN facility through Income Tax Department. If you had applied for PAN through NSDL, these steps won’t work for you.

Who issues PAN Card in India?

In India, the PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is issued by the Indian Income Tax Department through two authorized agencies: NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited).

These agencies are responsible for processing and maintaining PAN card applications and records. Individuals can apply for a PAN card by filling out an application form either online or offline and submitting it to NSDL or UTIITSL along with the required documents and fees.

Once the application is processed and approved, the applicant is issued a PAN card with a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number that serves as a proof of identification and is essential for various financial transactions in India.

Please note that PAN Card is only issued by the Government of India and not by any other private organisation.

What is the Importance of a PAN Card?

Here are a few reasons that highlight the importance of a PAN Card in India:

1. For tax purposes: The PAN card is the most important document for all financial transactions e.g. filing income tax returns, paying taxes, and opening savings accounts and so on.
2. For opening a bank account: A PAN card is a mandatory requirement when opening nay type of bank account, be it a savings bank account, fixed deposit, DEMAT, etc.
3. For investments: When you’re making investments, say mutual funds, shares, property, etc. you need to furnish your PAN card.
4. To avail of loans: It’s essential when applying for loans, be it a personal loan, home loan, or any other type of loan.

PAN: FAQs