How to Change PAN Card Status to NRI: Step-by-Step Guide

Wondering how to change your PAN card status to NRI? If you have moved abroad for work, business, or permanent residence, updating your residential status with the Income Tax Department is essential. Although your PAN number remains the same, your tax records must reflect your Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status to avoid higher TDS, Aadhaar-related issues, and tax compliance problems.

In this blog, we have explained the importance of changing your PAN card status after being an NRI. We have provided two different methods to change PAN card status and the common problems you might face, along with their solutions.

Why Should You Update Your PAN Card Status to NRI?

While there is no separate legal process to change the status printed on your PAN card, keeping your residential status updated in Income Tax and financial records helps ensure tax compliance. It has various implications, such as:

• Financial transactions
• Legal documentation
• Tax compliance
• Avoiding potential legal complications

Is it Possible to File ITR With an Inoperative PAN Card?

It is possible, but it also has various consequences. These include:

• Section 206AA deals with higher TDS when PAN requirements are not met.
• No refunds or interest on Income Tax Returns
• Higher TCS under Section 206CC

Documents Required to Update PAN Card Status to NRI

The documents necessary to update your NRI status include:

• PAN copy
• Passport
• Visa/Residence permit (if applicable)
• Overseas address proof
• OCI/PIO (if applicable)
• Cover letter/request
• Supporting documents requested by AO

How to Change Your PAN Card Status to NRI?

To update the PAN card status, follow the steps below.

1. Gather the necessary documents

• You must gather the necessary documents that must be submitted to the jurisdictional assessing officer.
• The documents include:
  • A copy of the PAN card
  • A copy of your passport showing your stay abroad while confirming your NRI status.
  • A government-issued PIO card or OCI card
  • Other national citizenship ID or taxpayer ID (must be attested)
• You only need to provide any one of the documents above as proof of your NRI/OCI status.
• Citizenship ID or taxpayer ID attested by:
  • Indian embassy
  • High Commission
  • Consulate (in your country of residence)
  • Authorised official of overseas branch of a scheduled bank registered in India

2. Find your Jurisdiction Assessing Officer

• Visit the official Income Tax Portal.
• Choose the "Know your AO number" option.
• Enter your PAN and mobile number.
• Click on "Continue".
• Enter the OTP and click "Validate"

Note: Make sure to note down the name, designation and contact details of the assessing officer.

3. Submit the Documents

• You can submit the documents in person, by post or via an authorised representative.
• Make sure you clearly mention your request to update your residential status in the Income Tax Department records.
• Keep attested copies of all proofs safely. You may require these to provide to your broker, bank or mutual fund house to update their records.

4. Alternative Online Submission

• You can follow the steps below if physical submission is not possible.
• The steps include:
  • Log in to the Income Tax Portal.
  • Navigate to the "Grievances" section.
  • Choose the department as "Assessing Officer".
  • Select the sub-category as "Others".
  • Upload the necessary documents (scanned and attested, if possible). 
  • Submit and track the status online.

5. Verify the Update

• Verify that your request has been processed and that your records have been updated. Residential status for taxation is determined separately each financial year based on the Income-tax Act.
• Eligible NRIs who are exempt from Aadhaar enrolment or linking requirements may not be required to link Aadhaar with PAN, subject to the latest Income Tax rules.

How to Track Your PAN Card Status Online?

There are various methods to track your PAN card status online. A few of them are listed below.

1. Via Call

• Place a call at the TIN call centre at 020-27218080.
• Provide your 15-digit acknowledgement number.

2. Via SMS

• Send a message in the format NSDLPAN<15-digit acknowledgement number> to 57575.
• You will then get an SMS with your current application status.

3. Via Online Service Providers

• Always use the website on which you applied.
• These include:
  • NSDL
  • UTIITSL

4. Via NSDL

• Access the TIN-NSDL portal.
• Choose the application type as "PAN-New/Change request".
• Provide the acknowledgement number.
• Enter the captcha code, then click on "Submit".

5. Via UTIITSL

• You can use the coupon number received during the application.
• Use the PAN number if already allotted.
• Enter the details on the UTI PAN tracking page.
• Click on "Submit".

6. Without Acknowledgement Number

• Go to the NSDL page and select the "Name and Date of Birth" option.
• Enter your full name and date of birth.
• Click on "Submit".

How to Check Your PAN-Aadhaar Link Status?

To check whether your PAN and Aadhaar are linked, follow the steps below.

1. Without logging in

• Access the Income Tax e-Filling portal.
• Click on "Link Aadhaar" status.
• Enter your PAN and Aadhaar. 
• Click on "View Status".
• Status messages such as "linked", "pending" or "not linked" will be displayed.

2. By logging in

• From the Dashboard, click on "My Profile", then on "Link Aadhaar Status".

3. By SMS

• Send a message in the format UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar><10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161.

4. Tracking the PAN card delivery 

• Access the official India Post Track and Trace website.
• Enter the tracking number from the NSDL/UTIITSL dispatch message.
• View the current location, expected delivery date and delivery attempts.

5. Using the Helpline Number

• Contact the UTIITSL PAN helpline on 033-40802999 (from 9 am to 8 pm)
• You can also use the email address: [email protected]

What Happens if PAN and Aadhaar Are Not Linked?

The consequences faced if the PAN and Aadhaar are not linked include:

• TDS/TCS will be deducted/collected at a much higher rate
• The PAN card may become inoperative.
• You will be unable to file ITRs.
• Income Tax Department will not process any pending returns.
• Taxpayers will not get their pending refunds.

Conclusion

Updating your PAN status to NRI is an important step in keeping your financial and tax records accurate after moving abroad. It also helps ensure compliance with Indian tax regulations, prevents unnecessary complications during financial transactions and allows smooth management of your investments and banking activities in India. By following the required process and keeping your details up to date, you can avoid future issues and continue to manage your finances easily from where you live.

If you are facing any issues, you can also take help from the Visament website. They have trained professionals who can solve your issues and provide expert advice on how to change your PAN status to NRI.