All you wanted to know about PAN Card

What PAN card is?

PAN card is like a driving license or an aadhar card which bears a unique number. This unique number is a Permanent Account Number (PAN). It is issued by the Indian Income Tax Department. To maintain this uniqueness PAN card has a 10- character alphanumeric identifier.

The validity of a PAN: The PAN card once issued will be valid for lifetime. It can be used as identity throughout India. You can apply for the PAN card only if you don’t have a PAN card previously. As it is a unique card, having more than one PAN card is illegal.

The importance of a PAN:  While opening a bank account, applying for a loan or opening a post office account, one need a PAN card. Also, while applying for a credit card they will ask for your PAN card. In general, you can understand PAN card is needed for all important financial matters. It is not a compulsory card, but it is mandatory where it is needed.

How to get a PAN card

Now you must be thinking about getting a IT card for you and your dear ones. So, here is the procedure to get a PAN card.

• You need to apply for the PAN card online. You will get a 15-digit exclusive number within 3 days of application.
• Download the application form (form 49A).
• Fill up the form correctly.
• Submit the form with a photograph and document needed.

Documents to be attached to the form:

• Proof of identity: (Any one)               
• Passport
• Voter’s ID
• Driving license
• School leaving certificate
• Matriculation certificate
• Degree from a recognized educational institution
• Depository account
• Credit card
• Bank account
• Water bill
• Ration card
• Property tax assessment order
• Certificate of identity signed by an MP/ MLA/ municipal councilor/ gazetted officer

2. Proof of residence: (Any one)                             

• Voter’s ID
• Driving license
• Electricity bill
• Telephone bill
• Depository account
• Credit card
• Bank account
• Ration card
• Employer’s certificate
• Property tax assessment order
• Rent receipt
• Certificate of address signed by an MP/ MLA/ municipal Councillor/ gazetted officer

Now you just have to submit the application form to any one of IT PAN service centers and then they will courier your PAN on the mentioned address.

Check status:

You can check your application status using the 15-digit number you got after applying. But this feature can be used only by the credit card holder person.

Some important aspect you should be careful about:

• You should attach a color photograph of size 3.5cm x 2.5cm to your application form. Try to write your name and application number behind the photograph which can be used if photograph gets detached.
• Female candidates should mention their father’s name. It doesn’t regard their marital status.
• Carefully attach all the needed documents.
• Mention your full name. Never use initials.
• Check the PIN number of your city in the application. It must be a correct PIN number as they are sending your PAN card at the mentioned address.

Verify your PAN card:

After receiving your PAN card verify it immediately. Verify your Name spellings, your date of birth and the PAN card number printed on the card.

Lost your PAN card?

In case if your PAN card is stolen or you have lost it, you should follow the procedure to get the duplicate of your PAN card from the Income Tax office.

The Procedure to get a duplicate PAN:

The entire procedure is same as applying for new PAN card except the application form. The form for duplicate PAN card or reprinting the PAN card is different from the application form. You will need all the documents mentioned in the documents required for issuing new PAN. The Indian Income Tax department will dispatch your duplicate PAN card to your address by courier.