What is PAN ?

Even those who have an Aadhaar card must get it linked to their bank accounts in order to enjoy the hassle-free withdrawal of the PF amount.

PAN requires two types of documents. Proof of address (POA) and Proof of Identity (POI). Any two of the following documents should meet the criteria

Through this method, all tax related information for a person is recorded against a single PAN number which acts as the primary key for storage of information. This is shared across the country and hence no two people on tax paying entities can have the same PAN.

If you have lost your PAN card, not to worry. Apply for a duplicate PAN card online or offline. Login on to NSDL or UTIITSL website, Fill the form 49-A for Indian citizen or Form 49-AA in case of a foreigner and make the payment online for a duplicate copy of your PAN card. The PAN will be dispatched within 45 days.

The PAN is valid for lifetime.

Moreover, one should also get one's PAN card made if one doesn't have it, because if you do not do so, you may be liable to pay a heavy penalty while claiming your PF money.

On the page linked in the previous step, you will see a form titled Online PAN application.

Can PAN card be made online?
Yes. PAN can be made online through the following steps:

Visiting the official PAN – NSDL/UTIITSL website
Fill the form 49A or 49AA for (Indian/Foreigner) with your details.
Submit the required documents.
Pay the processing fee.
PAN will be dispatched within 15 days.

The idea behind PAN is similar to the Social Security Number or SSN used in the United States. SSN in the US is a unique nine-digit number issued to all citizens of the US, permanent and temporary both. Although, the primary aim for SSN creation was to track individuals for social security purposes, it has now become a primary identification number for taxation processes.

On submission of the PAN Card application form, it would generally take between 15-20 working days for the PAN card to be issued.

AN Card is mandatory for opening all bank accounts, except Small Savings Account or Jan Dhan Account.

Earlier, before the concept of PAN was introduced, there was a GIR number assigned to taxpayers which was basically a manual system and as such was unique only within a ward or under a particular assessing officer. However, the number was not unique at the country level.

In the year 1972, the concept of PAN was rolled out by the Indian government and was made statutory under section 139A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The GIR number was allotted by the Assessing Officer to a tax payer and it included the Assessing Officer’s information as well.

The PAN card in its present form was first introduced in 1972, as a way to overcome these problems. Initially a voluntary process, it was made mandatory for all tax paying individuals in the country in 1976.

There was no database to maintain records of the PAN number allotted, with very limited information being recorded.

There was no centralised authority who issued the PAN cards, resulting in the possibility that different centres could allot the same number to different individuals in the country.
The PAN card number was not a permanent one as the number changed depending on the holder’s address.

As mentioned in the section above, PAN Card Application can be made either online at the NSDL website or by applying at any of the district level PAN agencies. Applications for new PAN allotment as well as those for correction or change of information can all be made by customers. Form 49A is the form that needs to be filled and submitted for application of new PAN.

Additionally, there are ways to obtain duplicate PAN card in situations where an entity loses or misplaces the PAN card. Indians, foreigners and NRIs all can obtain PAN, although the forms and procedure may vary for each of these entities.

Application forms for new PAN and reprint of PAN are different. Once, a user makes any of the above applications with regards to PAN, he/she can track the status of PAN application via the acknowledgement number furnished by NSDL.

Application forms for new PAN and reprint of PAN are different. Once, a user makes any of the above applications with regards to PAN, he/she can track the status of PAN application via the acknowledgement number furnished by NSDL.

A PAN card can be applied for through the NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) as well as through the UTIISL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited). Applicants can submit their PAN card applications either offline or online