About PAN
WHAT IS PAN?
Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric number, issued in the form of a laminated card, by the Income Tax Department, to any “person” who applies for it or to whom the department allots the number without an application.
PAN enables the department to link all transactions of the “person” with the department. These transactions include tax payments, TDS/TCS credits, returns of income, specified transactions, correspondence, and so on. PAN, thus, acts as an identifier for the “person” with the tax department.
PAN was introduced to facilitates linking of various documents, including payment of taxes, assessment, tax demand, tax arrears etc. relating to an assessee, to facilitate easy retrieval of information and to facilitate matching of information relating to investment, raising of loans and other business activities of taxpayers collected through various sources, both internal as well as external, for detecting and combating tax evasion and widening of tax base.
A typical PAN
First three characters i.e. “AFZ” in the above PAN are alphabetic series running from AAA to ZZZ
Fourth character of PAN i.e. “P” in the above PAN represents the status of the PAN holder. “P” stands for Individual, “F” stands for Firm, “C” stands for Company, “H” stands for HUF, “A” stands for AOP, “T” stands for TRUST etc.
Fifth character i.e. “X” in the above PAN represents first character of the PAN holder’s last name/surname.
Next four characters i.e. “7190” in the above PAN are sequential number running from 0001 to 9999.
Last character i.e. “X” in the above PAN is an alphabetic check digit.
How to apply for PAN?
- Online Application – An online application can be made from the website of UTIITSL or Protean (formerly NSDL eGov)
- Through PAN Application Center – Application for PAN can be submitted at the PAN Application center (a) Protean (formerly NSDL eGov) (b) UTITS
Forms
Document Required for PAN Application
- as proof of identity
- as proof of address
- as proof of date of birth.
FAQ
What is the validity of PAN?
PAN obtained once is valid for life-time of the PAN-holder throughout India. It is not affected by change of address or change of Assessing Officer etc. However, any change in the PAN database (i.e. details provided at the time of obtaining PAN) should be intimated to the Income Tax Department by furnishing the details in the form for “Request For New PAN Card Or/ And Changes or Correction in PAN Data”.
Can a person hold more than one PAN?
A person cannot hold more than one PAN. If a PAN is allotted to a person, then he cannot apply for obtaining another PAN. A penalty of Rs. 10,000/- is liable to be imposed under Section 272B of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for having more than one PAN. .
If a person has been allotted more than one PAN then he should immediately surrender the additional PAN card(s).
Should I intimate my PAN to deductor i.e. person deducting tax?
Yes, you should intimate your PAN to the deductor i.e. person deducting tax. From 1st April, 2010, non-furnishing of PAN to deductors results in TDS at much higher rate of 20% or even more.
Is it mandatory to file return of income after getting PAN?
Return is to be filed only if you are liable to file return of income under section 139.
It is not mandatory to file return of income after getting PAN.
