Overview of PAN Card
The PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is issued by the Income Tax Department, Government of India, serving as a unique identification number for individuals and entities.
This PAN number acts as the primary identifier for storing tax information and is universally recognized across the country. Consequently, no two taxpayers can possess the same PAN, ensuring the uniqueness of each entity within the tax system.
Since its inception in 1972, the PAN system has become a cornerstone of financial identification in India. With a lifetime validity, the PAN card is a crucial document for various financial transactions, including filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, and engaging in property transactions.
Applying for a PAN card involves a nominal cost of Rs. 110, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals and entities across the country. The Income Tax Department operates a dedicated customer care number (020–27218080) to assist with PAN-related inquiries and support services.
Over the years, the PAN system has seen significant adoption, with approximately 25 crore enrolments recorded, highlighting its widespread usage and importance in India’s financial ecosystem.
Eligibility for PAN
PAN Cards are issued to a diverse range of entities…
Types of PAN
- Individual
- HUF
- Firms/Partnerships
- Society
- Company
- Trusts
- Foreigners
Documents Required for PAN
For PAN applications, two types of documents are required…
| Individual | POA/POI: Voter ID, Aadhar, Passport… |
| Company | Registration Certificate issued… |
| HUF | Affidavit from HUF head… |
| Trusts | Certificate of Registration… |
| Firms/LLP | Registration certificate… |
| Foreigners | Passport, OCI, NRE statement… |
| Society | Registration certificate… |
How to Register for a PAN Card
Whether online or offline, you can register in three easy steps.
ONLINE
- Visit the UTIITSL or NSDL websites.
- Fill form, submit & pay.
- PAN will be sent to the address.
OFFLINE
- Get application from authorized PAN centre.
- Attach documents & submit.
- PAN will be delivered to address.
Structure of PAN Card
- Cardholder’s Name
- Father’s Name
- Date of Birth
- PAN Number structure with 10 characters
- First 3 letters A–Z
- Fourth letter denotes taxpayer category
- Fifth letter surname initial
- Remaining numeric digits
What is the purpose of requiring PAN?
- Verification of Identity
- Confirmation of Address
- Compulsory for Tax Filing
- Business Registration
- Bank Operations
- Gas Connection
- Phone Connection
- Mutual Funds
PAN for e-KYC (Know Your Customer)
- Paperless
- Secure
- Quick
- Cost-effective
- Authorized
