PAN is an essential document that identifies individual taxpayers, tracks transactions, and stores tax-related information. Whether you want to obtain a loan from an NBFC or open a Demat account, submitting PAN details is mandatory. Given the importance and ubiquitous need of this document, the Indian government has ensured an easy application process. Applying for a PAN Card is pretty straightforward. Applications can be completed either online or offline depending on your preference. This article offers a comprehensive tutorial on PAN Card application.
Documents needed for PAN Card application
The documents required for PAN application vary depending on the type of applicant in question. For individual applicants, the following types of documents required:
- Identity proof: Valid ID proof documents include Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter’s ID, driving license, or any other government-issued photo identity card.
- Address proof: Accepted address proof documents include utility bills, bank account statement, Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter’s ID, and driving license.
- Age proof: DOB proof documents include birth certificate, Passport, Aadhaar Card, POP, marriage certificate, and driving license.
Other than that, companies also need to submit their Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies, while HUFs need to submit an affidavit from the karta outlining the name, address, and DOB of all coparceners.
How to apply for a PAN Card online
The Indian government has authorised two platforms – Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL to accept online PAN applications and issue PAN Card. However, you can also apply for an Instant e-PAN Card (digital PAN) on the IT Department’s e-filing portal. We’ve listed detailed steps for each below:
Via the Protean website
- Head to the Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited website (formerly NSDL).
- Click on the ‘PAN’ option listed under services.
- Select an appropriate form option based on your citizenship. Indians must select the ‘New PAN – Indian Citizen (From 49)’ option, while foreigners must choose the ‘New PAN – Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA)’ option.
- Click ‘Apply Now’.
- Choose appropriate application type and category details.
- Fill out the form with your name, DOB, mobile number, and address details and click submit.
- Click on Continue With PAN Application Form.
- Choose a preferred mode of document submission. You can submit your documents through e-KYC and e-sign, or simply scan and upload documents. Alternatively, you can submit your documents physically.
- Choose a preferred PAN Card mode (digital/physical).
- Enter details of your name, DOB, assessing officer code, address, parent details, etc. and click next.
- Upload your documents, finish the declaration, and submit the form.
- Pay the PAN Card application fee using the online payment gateway to receive your 15-digit acknowledgement number.
Via the UTIITSL platform
- Open the UTIITSL website on your browser.
- Click on the PAN Services tab. Scroll to ‘PAN Card for Indian/NRI’.
- Click on ‘Apply for a New PAN Card (Form 49A)’ option.
- Select a preferred document submission mode (online/physical). If you choose the online option, specify your choice (Aadhaar-based e-KYC, e-sign mode, or DSC mode).
- Select the status of applicant and PAN Card mode (digital/physical).
- Enter your name, DOB, address, gender, and contact details.
- If you are submitting documents online, upload them and submit the form.
- Pay the application fee and make a note of your coupon number.
Via the e-filing portal
The e-filing portal allows you to apply for an instant e-PAN. You can use this mode to generate a digital PAN in 10 minutes if you have never been allotted a PAN number, possess a valid Aadhaar, and have a working Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Let’s see how to apply via the e-filing portal
- Open the e-filing portal on your web browser.
- Click on Instant e-PAN.
- Choose the ‘Get New e-PAN’ option.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click ‘Continue’.
- Check the terms and conditions box and click ‘Continue’ to proceed with OTP verification.
- Enter the OTP you receive on your registered phone number.
- Give content for an UIDAI-based verification and click ‘Continue’.
- On the application page, you will find your personal data preloaded on the application form. This data will be exactly according to your Aadhaar Card. Click on the ‘Validate Email’ option and press ‘Continue’.
- Wait till you receive a confirmation message and acknowledgement number.
- Download your PAN Card once it is generated.
How to apply for a PAN Card offline
Alternatively, you can complete and submit your PAN Card application offline as well. Here’s how to go about it:
- Download Form 49A (for Indians)/Form 49AA (for foreigners) from the Protean website. You can obtain the form from the nearest PAN center as well.
- Carefully fill out the form with essential details like name, DOB, address, etc.
- Attach your photograph and sign the form in the manner specified.
- Go to the nearest PAN center to submit the form, along with copies of your ID, address, and age proof documents.
- Pay the requisite fees and take your acknowledgement slip.
Conclusion
Obtaining a PAN Card is essential for conducting various financial transactions in India. Whether you want to become a seller at an online marketplace or make investments in securities, PAN is mandatory. Thankfully, there are various ways to apply for PAN – both online and offline. If you prefer online modes, you can choose to apply through the Protean, UTIITSL, or e-filing portal. If you prefer offline options, you can visit your nearest PAN center for assistance.