A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit unique identification number that is allotted to taxpayers or assessees in India. A PAN card is an important requirement for filing income tax returns by any taxpayer. All information related to the taxpayer's tax is recorded against the taxpayer's PAN. This unique number is allotted to taxpayers or entities, which is why two persons cannot have the same PAN.
Also, the Income Tax Department has a Tax Information Network (TIN) to modernize the current system for processing, collection, monitoring, and accounting of direct taxes. It is established by the NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited on behalf of the Income Tax Department and offers various services, such as PAN card applications and corrections.
In this blog, we have provided information on how to apply for the NSDL PAN Card and the list of documents required for the process. We have provided both the online and offline processes to obtain a PAN card.
Quick link: NSDL PAN Card
How to Apply for NSDL PAN Card?
The NSDL PAN Card Application can be done online in 2 ways on its official website, or you can also apply at any district-level PAN agency. There are different types of PAN application forms based on individuals' residential status when applying for a new PAN card.
Fill out Form 93 and Form 94 (Form 49A earlier) for Indian individuals and entities, respectively. And, fill out the Form 95 and Form 96 (Form 49AA earlier) for NRIs/Foreign Citizens and Foreign entities.
Steps to Apply for NSDL PAN Card Online
Here are the steps that you can follow to apply for PAN Card Online through the NSDL Portal:
- Visit the NSDL PAN portal
- Select “New PAN for Indian/Foreign Citizens” and choose the category
- Fill basic details (name, DOB, mobile, email)
- Note the token number and continue the application
- Choose e-KYC & e-Sign (paperless) option
- Enter the remaining details and submit the form
- Make a payment online
- Download acknowledgment (15-digit number)
- Print acknowledgment, attach photos, sign
- Send with documents to the NSDL address
Furthermore, you can choose to submit the form digitally via the paperless online application. The PAN card facility for eSign and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) has been provided to enable PAN applicants to complete their PAN application online.
NOTE: Keep in mind that you must write 'APPLICATION FOR PAN-N-Acknowledgment Number' on the envelope.
After completing the Aadhaar Authentication successfully, a One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number/email ID linked to your Aadhaar card, and the Aadhaar-based e-sign will be generated. The NSDL PAN Card Download can be used to obtain an e-PAN and store it digitally on your device.
How to Apply for NSDL PAN Card Offline?
The applicants choose the offline method to apply for PAN card as well and track its status. They need to visit a nearby TIN NSDL centre. Here are the steps that you can follow to make an offline PAN application:
- Download and print the PAN form from NSDL (Form 93-96).
- Fill in the necessary details and attach 2 passport-size photos
- Attach self-attested supporting documents
- Make payment via demand draft (NSDL-PAN)
- Write “APPLICATION FOR PAN – Acknowledgment No.” on the envelope
- Send the application to the PAN Service Unit
- PAN card will be processed and delivered to your address
Understand with a Real-Life Scenario
Priya is an NRI who is living in Toronto. She wanted to start investing in mutual funds in India. While she was exploring the investment options, she realized that a PAN card is a mandatory requirement for this.
She applied using the online portal of Protean e-Governance Infrastructure Limited. She uploaded her passport, overseas address proof, and completed the application. After sending all the signed documents through the courier, she regularly tracked her application status.
Her PAN card was issued within a few weeks, and it allowed her to start investing in India hassle-free. Priya found the whole process simple as long as you submit the documents accurately.
How to Check NSDL PAN Card Status?
You can easily track NSDL PAN Status from its website, where you have applied for the PAN application. Here are the steps that you need to follow to track the status of your PAN card application through the NSDL Portal (Protean):
- Visit the official website of NSDL.
- Click on the option 'Track your PAN/TAN Application Status'.
- Select the type of application, that is, PAN: new/change request.
- Enter the 15-digit acknowledgement number.
- Then, enter the verification code you have received.
- To view the application status, you need to click on the submit button.
Documents Required for PAN Application
- Address Proof (such as utility bills, passport, etc.)
- Proof of Identity (such as an Aadhaar card, a passport, etc.)
- Proof of date of birth (such as a birth certificate, an affidavit that is signed before a magistrate, mentioning the date of birth, etc.)
- In case of HUF, the submission requirement is a declaration signed by the Karta of the HUF stating the name, name of the father, and address of all the HUF members.
- In the case of a Partnership Firm, the submission requirement is a copy of the partnership deed.
- In the case of a Company, a copy of the registration certificate is required, issued by the Registrar of Companies.
- For Limited Liability Partnership Firms, the requirement is a copy of the Registration Certificate issued by the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships.
Have questions? Our experts guide you through every step for PAN Card Service– no confusion, no delays.
Consult an Expert TodayOnline Services Offered By TIN NSDL
There are two types of online services offered by TIN NSDL:
1. Primary Services
The services offered by TIN NSDL include all the benefits available online. All the users and applicants can easily use the services offered by the entity. All the primary services offered by TIN NSDL using the online mode are mentioned below:
Permanent Account Number (PAN): Here are the PAN services provided by the TIN:
- Status Enquiry
- PAN Card Application Online
- Reprinting PAN Card with existing/updated details
2. Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN): As TAN is an important requirement where individuals can file TDS/TCS returns, challans, and certificates on the website of TIN NSDL. The users can avail the TAN services, such as:
- The status of TAN
- The application of TAN
- Duplicate PAN
- Reprint of TAN, etc.
3. Account Office Identification Number (AIN): The Account Offices can apply for AIN by using the NSDL website online, and they can also see/download the Book Identification Number (BIN), upload Form 24G, and update the information using the online method.
4. Annual Information Return(AIR): According to the provisions of the Income Tax Act, all high-value transactions should be covered under the Annual Information Return. Applicants on the TIN NSDL websuite can easily register, track, and change/renew AIR with the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and others.
2. Secondary Services
There are many secondary services offered by TIN NSDL for the applicants, which offer different solutions in categories, such as:
- Online PAN Verification: The PAN cards of the applicants are verified by various entities, like Banks, Insurance, NBFCs, Companies, etc. For this, the TIN NSDL portal provides solutions to the entities to get registered and follow the easy steps to verify PAN Cards of the applicants.
- E-payment of Taxes: On the official website of TIN NSDL, the applicants are provided a platform where they can pay their direct taxes online. The entities can pay Income Tax, Corporate Tax, Wealth Tax, and others.
- Form 24G: One of the services offered by TIN NSDL is receiving Form 24G statements from Account Officers (AO/PAO/DTO) and then uploading them to the TIN central system.
- E-return Intermediary: It is the new service introduced by TIN NSDL. The intermediaries who file their income tax returns on behalf of the taxpayers can do so electronically on the portal. It has also simplified or solved the issues faced by intermediaries.
Final Thoughts
You can obtain a PAN card using the Protean e-Governance Technologies Limited (NSDL earlier) easily by applying online. You can also obtain a PAN card by offline methods. In this blog, we have mentioned all the processes and details for you to follow. After applying, you can also check the status of your PAN card application on the NSDL website to keep yourself updated about the application.
You may also seek assistance from the experts of online authorised platforms, such as Visament. The professionals on the platform are available 24/7 for guidance. The prices are also very affordable, and you can apply from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can easily download the PAN card application form without any cost from the official Protean (NSDL) website.
The fees for applying for a PAN card are Rs 107 (including taxes) for delivery at an Indian address and Rs 1,017 (including taxes) for delivery at a foreign address. Keep in mind that these charges are applicable only when you apply for a PAN card by visiting the PAN centre or when you apply on the website online but submit the documents physically at the PAN centre.
When you apply for a PAN card using the NSDL (Protean) website, and you are not able to make the payment through net banking, you can go for the other available options, such as a demand draft, debit card/credit card, UPI, etc.
No, you cannot apply for more than one PAN card via the NSDL portal because it is illegal. Hence, you cannot apply for it using the NSDL portal or any other PAN application portals. If you get caught with more than one PAN card, then you will be levied a penalty of Rs 10,000.
Yes, linking your PAN card with Aadhaar is mandatory to keep your PAN operative, and the deadline for the same is 30th June 2023.
No, you cannot check or track the status of your PAN card application using Name and Date of Birth or without an acknowledgement receipt, because this facility is no longer available at NSDL.