However, in today’s digital world that we live in, a PAN card is something you need but rather something you are compulsorily compelled to have. Be it filing tax returns, opening bank accounts or even buying property, a PAN card is precisely required for almost every kind of financial dealing in India. However, though the need for a PAN card is very evident, acquiring one itself is sometimes a tiny task.
Relax! Here’s the good news: one need not go through the exhaustive exercise of applying for a PAN card as it is now online and hassle-free. We are going to take you through everything you want to know about how to apply for a PAN card online-from filling forms to getting your card. We will ensure you are completely aware and ready to get it done with complete confidence.
Why Do I Need a PAN Card?
Let’s take a step back now and understand why it is that you need a PAN card before the overall application process. Suppose you are all set to invest in a mutual fund or just got an excellent new job with the expectation of filing taxes for the first time in your life. Well, in either of the above situations, you are likely to require a PAN card.
The Department of Income Tax of India burdens an alphanumeric of 10 digits upon a person. It almost literally follows through financial transactions that entail a tax implication. Therefore, it becomes indispensable for both individuals and businesses. Whether you are applying for a loan, making some large financial purchases, or simply want to know if you are on your toes with tax regulations, a PAN card isn’t negotiable.
How to Apply for PAN Card Online
You can easily apply for a PAN card online as you can do it today with the help of an online application method. What is required is just the following procedure.
Step 1: Log on the Official Site
You can either visit the NSDL website or the UTIITSL website because they hold the license of application processing for your PAN card. Just ensure that you are entering the correct site to avoid the fraudulent services.
Form Selection
In case you are an Indian citizen then you require the form 49A to apply for a fresh PAN card. Whereas, if you are a foreign national then you will use form 49AA.
Personal Details
You will also be mandatorily required to fill a form with your full name, date of birth, e-mail ID, phone number and residential address among other details. So, you must be careful so that there is no small mistake as slight ones sometimes may delay the process of getting it.
Submission of Documents
Upload scanned copy of all the documents that contain the proof of identity, that is, aadhar card or passport and your name, date of birth, and proof of address in original. All this for ascertaining identity and place.
Fee for Application
Then after all that information is filled in, it will ask for a small amount fee which can be paid through online banking, credit card, or UPI and after that your application will be accepted.
Acknowledgment Number
Once you have submitted your application accompanied by the payment of the respective fee, you will be provided with an acknowledgement number which may come handy to know the status about your application.
All that done and processed, you get your PAN card within weeks.
What Am I Required to Apply for a PAN Card?
What documents are required is the most frequently asked question while applying for a PAN card. Right documentation at the right time saves a lot of hustle and bustle at the last moment.
If it is an application for the first time then;
Proof of Identity: You can produce a photocopy of Aadhaar card or passport or voter ID or any government issued ID.
Any electricity bill, bank statement or rental agreement will work as a proof of address.
You will provide a photocopy of your birth certificate, matriculation certificate, or passport to prove date of birth.
In case you are applying on behalf of a company or trust, then you must show the proof of the identity and address of your organization. You can scan the required documents beforehand for a hassle-free process through an online application.
How to Track Application Status for PAN Card
You see, during the finalization of some important financial transactions, a situation arises wherein it appears you have been waiting for all eternity for your PAN card. However, you may not worry since you can easily check the online status of your application.
As you apply, you will be given an acknowledgement number. That is your identification number for your tracking number. This is how to find the status of your PAN card: Open the website for the NSDL or UTIITSL. Click on Track PAN Status, top of that webpage. Enter the number of your acknowledgement and submit the form. You will see your current status: whether it is under review, dispatched or delivered.
Having this facility of trace the PAN card will surely give greater security and maybe even give a peace of mind that perhaps you are thoroughly updated about the development of your PAN card.
What to Do in Case One Needs to Update or Correct a PAN Card?
It sometimes happens that you may find some spelling errors in your PAN card like the spelling of your name, change of address, and so on. The thing is that the correction or updation of PAN card details is as easy as getting a new one.
Steps to be followed
Official Website: You have to log in to NSDL or UTIITSL portal and then continue with the “PAN Correction.”.
Fill in the Proper Information: you should provide any new information that you wish to update. It may be your name, address, date of birth, etc.
Supply Proof: in correction, you may be required to submit proof or evidence. For example, if your address is to be updated, you may have to submit a new utility bill or rental agreement.
Submission with charge: After filling in all the details in the form and uploading all the documents, you should submit your form and pay for a correction charge.
For several weeks, your new PAN card will be getting processed and delivered to your given address whereas your record will get verified, correct and up to date.
Does one require an Aadhaar number to apply for a PAN card?
The most common questions asked are whether to link Aadhaar while applying for a PAN card or not. So, with the latest updates, you will not mandatorily need to file income tax returns if you link Aadhaar with PAN and you possess both. Though the linking of PAN card with Aadhaar is not mandatory for applying for a PAN card with an Aadhaar number, it is suggested that when you obtain PAN link it to your Aadhaar.
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FAQs
What is a PAN card and why do I need it?
It is abbreviated as PAN which stands for Permanent Account Number. This is an alpha-numeric 10-character identification issued by the Income Tax Department, India. Through it, all financial transactions can be traced. It is quintessentially a document for the tax filers. Through this very document one can open up the savings bank account and perform high-value transactions. The chances of tax evasion at such large scales are minimized and this provides transparency in the system.
Can I apply for the online PAN card?
You can apply for a PAN card through the websites of any one of the two following official issuing agencies: NSDL or UTIITSL. Your application process will be as follows: You will need to fill up Form 49A (or 49AA in case of foreign nationals). This will also include uploading documents for identifying you and your address, along with proof of date of birth. You will have to pay a small charge. Once you file the application, then you’ll be given an acknowledgement number by which you will be able to know that your application is present in the process or not.
What documents are demanded to get a PAN card?
Scan copy of these proofs will be required: an Aadhaar, passport or voter ID as an identity proof; a utility bill or a bank statement as an address proof; date of birth proof is through the birth certificate or matriculation certificate. So, these scan copies should be referred to in the online procedure.
How many days will it take to obtain a PAN card after submitting the application?
The duration that takes for acquiring a PAN card after its application may be more than about two weeks or upto three weeks.If your application for the PAN card is accepted, then you will get the hard copy of the printed PAN card within 15-20 working days. Though you can check the status of your application by using the acknowledgment number issued at the time of submission via the internet portal.
Can I change details that are correct on my PAN card? And can I do it online?
You can update/correct the information that pertains to your PAN card, yes. This can be done either by using the official website of NSDL or UTIITSL. Here, you need to apply along with a correction form where you attach proof of change-for example, attaching a new utility bill, correcting a name proof-and also pay a bit of amount as correction. They would mail your updated PAN card to you once registered.