PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identification issued by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals, businesses, and entities. It is used primarily for tracking financial transactions and preventing tax evasion. PAN is essential for filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, investing in securities, and other financial activities.
How to Prepare (Apply for) a PAN Card?
You can apply for a PAN Card through two main modes:
Online Mode to Apply Pan Card: You can apply through NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) or UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited) websites.
Offline Mode to Apply Pan Card: You can submit a physical application at PAN service centers or facilitation centers managed by NSDL or UTIITSL.
What Documents Are Required for a PAN Card?
The required documents depend on your residential status (individual, company, NRI, etc.). For Indian citizens, the common documents include:
Proof of Identity (POI) for Apply Pan Card (Any one of the following):
Aadhaar Card
Voter ID Card
Passport
Driving License
Ration Card with photo
Central or State Government ID
Proof of Address (POA) for Apply Pan Card (Any one of the following):
Aadhaar Card
Voter ID Card
Passport
Driving License
Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas)
Bank Account Statement (with bank stamp and signature)
Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, address, Aadhaar number, etc.).
Upload the required documents (proof of identity, address, and date of birth).
Upload your photograph and signature (for paperless Aadhaar-based verification).
Step 4: Submit the Application for Apply Pan Card
Submit the form after reviewing all details carefully.
Step 5: Payment of Fee for Apply Pan Card
Pay the PAN application fee online (details below).
Payment can be made via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Step 6: Acknowledgment for Apply Pan Card
After submitting the application and payment, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number which can be used to track your PAN application status.
Step 7: Verification & Dispatch of Pan Card
Once verified, the PAN card will be processed and dispatched to your provided address.
What is the Fee for a PAN Card?
The PAN card fees vary based on the mode of delivery (India or abroad) and the type of application (online or offline):
Pan Card Fee For Indian Communication Address:
₹93 (excluding GST) for a physical PAN card.
Pan Card Fee For Foreign Communication Address:
₹864 (excluding GST) for applicants with a foreign address.
If you opt for an e-PAN (paperless), the fee is typically lower.
How can Apply Pan Card via offline mode?
To apply for a PAN card via the offline mode, follow these steps:
Steps to Apply for PAN Card Offline:
Step 1: Obtain the PAN Application Form to apply Pan Card Offline
Visit your nearest TIN-Facilitation Center or PAN Service Center (managed by NSDL or UTIITSL) to obtain Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for NRIs or foreign citizens).
Alternatively, you can download the form from the official website of NSDL or UTIITSL and print it.
Step 2: Fill the PAN Application Form to apply Pan Card Offline
Carefully fill in all the required information such as:
Personal details (name, date of birth, gender)
Address details
Aadhaar number (if available)
Contact information
Parent details
Source of income
Ensure the information matches the documents you’ll be submitting.
Step 3: Attach Required Documents to apply Pan Card Offline
Attach the following self-attested copies of documents:
Proof of Address (POA) (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID, utility bill, bank statement).
Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) (e.g., Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving License).
Two recent passport-size photographs.
Ensure the documents match the details you’ve filled in the form.
Step 4: Payment of Fees to apply Pan Card Offline
The application fee for applying for a PAN card via offline mode is:
₹93 (plus GST) if the communication address is in India.
₹864 (plus GST) if the communication address is outside India.
Payment can be made by demand draft, cash, or cheque at the submission center.
Step 5: Submit the Form and Documents to apply Pan Card Offline
Submit the duly filled form along with the attached documents and fee at your nearest TIN-Facilitation Center or PAN Service Center.
You will receive an acknowledgment receipt after submission, which will have a 15-digit acknowledgment number.
Step 6: PAN Card Processing by Income Tax Department
Your application will be processed by the Income Tax Department, and once approved, the PAN card will be printed and dispatched to your address.
Step 7: PAN Card Delivery
You can expect the PAN card to be delivered to your address within 15-20 working days after submission and verification.
Tracking Application Status of Pan Card
You can track the status of your PAN application using the acknowledgment number on the NSDL or UTIITSL websites.
Where to Submit the PAN Application Form Offline:
You can submit the form at authorized PAN service centers or TIN facilitation centers near you. You can find the nearest center on the NSDL or UTIITSL website.