All You Need to Know About AO Codes for PAN

The AO term means Assessing Officer. You will get an AO code for a PAN card, which is used to identify your tax jurisdiction or income tax assessments. It has four elements: the Area code, AO types, range code, and AO number. 

When a person applies for a new PAN card, they must enter the AO code in the top right corner of the PAN application form. If you are an Indian citizen and receive a monthly salary, you must pay tax according to a specific set of rules. However, if it is a company or firm, those in the Indian army or air force are subject to different tax slabs and rules. 

An AO code for a PAN card is essential so that individuals and companies are taxed according to the set of rules determined by each state. 

What is an AO Code of PAN Card?

The AO code for PAN card determines in which tax jurisdiction your PAN card application goes. The AO code helps the Income Tax Department assess the taxpayer and determine which tax laws apply to the individual.

For example, if an individual needs to pay tax, then their tax slabs would be different from those of companies or firms. To ensure that every individual is taxed, you need to mention your right AO code. 

Elements of an AO for PAN Card 

To access the taxation of individuals, officers are assigned to the AO codes. You can see your AO code from the Form 49A for a new PAN card. In the AO code, you will see four elements, which are:

• Area Code: This code is used to view the location of an individual or a company. This code contains 3 letters which are used for the assigned area. 
• AO Type: By the AO type, the Income Tax Department helps identify the type of PAN card holder, such as an individual, a company, a firm, Indian army personnel, or a non-resident of India. 
• Range Code: According to the current address of the PAN cardholder, the Income Tax Department Assessing officer assigns a range type, which helps to track the PAN cardholder's ward or circle that they live in. 
• AO Number: AO Number is a value that is provided by Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited, and it is also the last part of the AO code. 

What are the Types of AO Codes?

There are a total of four types of AO codes by which an individual or a company they are taxed according to the tax laws. Here are some of the detailed descriptions of the AO code types given below.

• International taxation: This AO code is for individuals and companies that are not citizens of India and apply for a PAN card in India. 
• Non-International Taxation (Outside Mumbai): In this case, the list of AO codes applies only to individuals and companies registered in India but outside Mumbai.
• Non-International Taxation (Mumbai): In this, the AO code is only applicable to individuals and companies that are registered in Mumbai.
• Defence Personnel: This AO code is used to identify individuals who are part of the Indian Army or the Air Force. It includes only two types of Ao code: the first is for the Indian army, and the second is for the Air Force. 

How to Find Your AO Code for PAN Online?

You can find your AO code for PAN online in several ways, as listed below. Follow all the steps to find your AO code easily.

Through the NSDL Website

Here are the detailed steps to check your AO code for the PAN card: 

Step 1: Visit the official PAN NSDL portal website. 

Step 2: Select your resident city. 

Step 3: Click on the resident city, and you will see the AO codes list for your city displayed on your screen. 

Step 4: Select your AO code on the basis of the above details. 

Step 5: Now, click on the 'Submit' button. 

Through the UTIITSL Website

Follow these simple and easy steps to find your AO code through the UTIITSL website. 

Step 1: Go to the UTIITSL website. 

Step 2: Click on the 'search for AO code details' below the 'PAN card services'.

Step 3: Select your preferred AO code, and click on the 'view details' option. 

Step 4: Select your city name by choosing the correct alphabet. 

Step 5: No, select your AO code from the list and other information. 

Through the Income Tax e-filing Website 

Here are the steps given below to find the AO code for PAN Card through the Income Tax e-filing website.

Step 1: Go to the official e-filing portal of Income Tax India.

Step 2: Now go to the 'Profile section' in the profile section of the Income Tax website. 

Step 3: Click on the 'PAN card' option to check the details of your AO code, AO type, AO number, Range code, and jurisdiction. 

How to Know Your Jurisdictional AO?

Follow the easy steps to know about your Jurisdictional AO where your ITR falls. 

Step 1: Visit the official website of the PAN portal of the Income Tax Department. 

Step 2: Enter your registered mobile number along with your PAN number, then click the 'Continue' button. 

Step 3: Now, enter the OTP that you received on your registered mobile number. 

Step 4: After entering the OTP, click on the 'Validate' button. 

Step 5: You can now see your Jurisdictional AO displayed on your screen. 

Steps to Migrate the PAN Card AO Code? 

To migrate the PAN card AO code, you need to follow the simple steps given below: 

Step 1: Find your Area Jurisdiction AO Code from the Income Tax website. 

Step 2: Click on the 'Field offices' option. 

Step 3: Write an application to migrate your AO code. 

Step 4: Submit your application to the AO officer and wait for approval. 

Step 5: Now go to the 'Know your jurisdiction AO' section on the income tax website to track your jurisdiction's current status. 

AO Codes for Top Cities in India

How the AO Code for PAN is Determined?

Your AO code is determined by the type of taxpayer and by the address. However, it is also divided into two categories: individuals and Non-Individuals. To obtain your AO card, you must meet the following conditions, which are outlined below. 

• If you are an Indian taxpayer and get a salary from the business earnings, then your AO code depends on your official address. 
• If you are an Indian taxpayer and receive income from sources other than salary, your AO code will be determined based on your home address. 
• Suppose you belong to an HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), a partnership firm, an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), a government body, a trust, an artificial juridical person, or a local authority. In that case, your AO code will be determined by your office address.
• If you belong to the army personnel, then your AO code will be: 

• If you belong to the Air Force personnel, then your AO code will be: 

Why Choose Visament?

The AO code helps you to provide essential details related to your income tax assessments. It is a crucial document that includes four elements: area code, AO type, range code, and AO number. In this blog, we have provided you with many methods to find your AO code online through the NSDL, UTIITSL, and Income Tax e-filing. If you would like more information about any of our online services, such as PAN card, OCI, or Passport, you can contact our Visament experts at your convenience. They are available 24/7 to assist you.