The full form of PAN card is Permanent Account Number Card, and it is considered a very crucial document in India. It is used in completing various financial transactions, such as investing in mutual funds, filing income tax returns, and verifying your identity. The physical PAN card application process involves a lot of steps, and it is quite lengthy; hence, applicants prefer to obtain the instant e-PAN cards. It is a faster and more convenient way to obtain a PAN card through Aadhaar.
Key Takeaways
- Apply for an instant PAN card through the Income Tax e-filing website by using your Aadhaar details.
- To be eligible for the instant e-PAN card, you should have a valid Aadhaar card linked with a registered mobile number.
- You can download your e-PAN card from the Income Tax website.
- E-PAN cards can be used in all the places as physical PAN cards.
- E-PAN cards are a very fast and convenient way to apply for PAN cards.
Eligibility for Instant e-PAN Card
You need to meet the eligibility criteria to apply for an instant e-PAN card using Aadhaar:
- You should have a valid and accurate Aadhaar card that is linked to your mobile number.
- You should not have a PAN card that is linked to your Aadhaar card already.
- The personal details (name, date of birth, and photograph)that you provide should be correct, and they should match those you provided at the time of the application process.
How to Apply for Instant PAN Card Through Aadhaar?
The process of applying for an instant e-PAN card is quite straightforward. Here is the step-by-step guide you can follow:
1. Go to the Income Tax e-filing website: Open the web browser and then visit the official website of the Income Tax Department.
2. Navigate the 'Instant e-PAN' option: On the website's homepage, look for the section 'Quick links.' You need to find the 'Instant e-PAN' option and then click on that button.
3. Select the correct option: Two options come on the e-filing website under the 'Instant PAN through Aadhaar' section:
- Get a new PAN: If you are applying for the first time for the new PAN card, you need to select the 'Get New e-PAN' option.
- Check status/download PAN: In case you have already applied for the instant e-PAN card, and you want to check its status or download it, then choose the 'check status/download PAN' option.
4. Enter the details of Aadhaar (for new PAN): If you have selected the option 'Get New e-PAN', then you will be sent to a new page. Then, enter your 12-digit valid Aadhaar number in the given field.
5. Validate your Aadhaar number (for new PAN): After you have entered the Aadhaar number, check a box and confirm that you agree with the terms and conditions. Then click on the continue option. The system will automatically get your Aadhaar details based on your Aadhaar number.
6. Verify with OTP (for new PAN): An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number with your Aadhaar card. Enter this OTP on the website and then click on 'Validate Aadhaar OTP and Continue'.
7. Review and Submit the Application (for new PAN): After the OTP validation, you can review your pre-filled Aadhaar details. You need to make sure that all the details are correct. In case of discrepancies, you cannot correct them in the instant PAN application process. For this, you need to apply for the regular PAN with the paper application process. If everything is accurate, then click on the Submit button to complete the process of instant e-PAN application.
8. Download e-PAN (from check status/download PAN): If you have selected the 'Check status/Download PAN', then you need to enter your Aadhaar number and captcha code appearing on the screen and click on Submit. If an e-PAN card is allotted to you, then you can download its PDF copy by following the on-screen steps.
How to Download e-PAN Card with Aadhaar Number?
You can easily download your e-PAN card from the Income Tax e-filing website after you get the confirmation that your PAN is assigned. Follow the steps:
- Visit the official Income Tax Website.
- Under the 'Quick links' option, look for the 'Instant e-PAN' and click on it.
- Select the 'Check status of the PAN' link.
- Then enter your Aadhaar number.
- Now, write the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- You can also check the status of PAN to see if it has been assigned or not.
- If it is assigned, then click on the download link, and you can get your e-PAN card as a PDF file.
Steps to Check the Status of an Instant PAN Card
Follow the given steps to check the status of your instant PAN application online:
- Visit the official website of Income Tax e-filing.
- Click on the option 'Instant PAN through Aadhaar'.
- From the available options, Select 'Check Status/Download PAN'.
- Now, enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code displayed on the screen.
- Click on the Submit button.
- If your e-PAN has already been allotted, then you can easily download your instant PAN card.
Benefits of Instant PAN Through Aadhaar
Here are the advantages of the Instant PAN obtained through the Aadhaar card:
- Online Process: The complete process is online, and there is no need for physical documentation or visiting the office in person.
- Quick and Stress-free: You can get your PAN card instantly and completely paperless.
- E-PAN format: The issued PAN card is in digital format, and you can download it anytime.
- No Applicable Fee: For all applicants, the service of an instant PAN card is totally free of cost.
- Simplifies Taxation: It helps individuals to follow the tax regulations and smooths the process for financial transactions.
- Increase Transparency: The digital process helps reduce fraud and promote better financial accountability.
Eligibility for e-PAN Card
Here are the primary requirements to apply for the instant PAN through Aadhaar-based e-KYC:
- You must not have a PAN card already.
- You should be of a legal age (not a minor) at the time of applying PAN card.
- You should have a proper Aadhaar card with a mobile number linked to it.
- Your date of birth should be present on your Aadhaar card in the format DD/MM/YYYY.
- You should not come under the category of a 'Representative Assessee' according to Section 160 of the Income Tax Act.
Final Thoughts
The fastest and most convenient way to have a PAN card is by obtaining an instant e-PAN card through Aadhaar. You can complete the entire process online within a few minutes. It also eliminates the need for paper forms and waiting in lengthy lines. You can only use this method if your Aadhaar card is updated and you don't already have a PAN card. The E-PAN card can be used anywhere in place of the physical PAN card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although you cannot directly find your PAN number by using your Aadhaar card, you can check the status of your e-PAN card application, or you can also download it.
If you have already applied for and been allotted the instant e-PAN card, here are the steps you can follow: Visit the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department. Go to the 'Instant e-PAN' and then click on the 'Check Status/Download PAN' option. Now enter your Aadhaar card number and the captcha code showing on the screen. If your e-PAN is allotted, then you can follow the instructions on the screen to download the PDF.
Yes, e-PAN is considered a valid form of the PAN card. This document is a legally signed PDF that is issued by the Income Tax Department, and it has the same recognition and legal status as a normal physical PAN card. You can use the e-PAN card in all the same places where the physical card is required. It includes filing taxes, opening bank accounts, or applying for credit cards or loans.
If you obtain an instant PAN card by using the Aadhaar-based e-KYC, then it will be completely free of cost. You don't have to pay any of the application fees or charges while using this process. All you need is a mobile number linked valid Aadhaar card, and you need to meet the eligibility criteria to get the e-PAN card instantly.
You can check the PAN card details by logging in to your account on the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department. Then, go to the profile setting and you will find all the details there, such as your name, address, date of birth, etc.
The charges for downloading an instant PAN card are zero, which means it is free of cost, but for the e-PAN card, it generally takes Rs 66 to Rs 72 (including GST) for the new applications.
You should generate an e-PAN card because it can provide you with an instant version of a PAN card, which is also legally valid everywhere. It is useful for the sudden, paperless, and free identification.
Yes, the instant e-PAN card obtained by using an Aadhaar-based e-KYC is legally valid, and it can be used for the same purposes as a Physical PAN card. It is issued by the Income Tax Department and signed digitally.