Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric identifier, issued by Income Tax Department. Each individual, firm, company etc. is issued a unique PAN.
Here's an example of a PAN: AAFDP7315H.
It is compulsory to quote PAN on return of income. It helps the income tax department in smooth and error-free assessment of tax paid by individual taxpayer.
Permanent Account Number as the name suggests, is a permanent number and does not change.
Changing the address though, may have to be updated. Such changes must, therefore, be intimated to ITD so that the PAN database of ITD can be updated. One can intimate change in address by filling up the form for Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN data. This form can be submitted at any TIN-FC or online at NSDL-TIN website.
Obtaining/possessing more than one PAN is against the law and may attract a penalty upto Rs.10,000. Therefore it is advisable not to obtain/possess more than one PAN. If you have more than one PAN, you should surrender the unused PAN by logging into ITD Web site.
Individual applicants should affix a recent colour photograph (size 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) in the space provided on the form. The photograph should not be stapled or clipped to the form. The applicant should not sign across the photograph. The clarity of image on PAN card will depend on the quality and clarity of photograph affixed on the form.
You may also apply for PAN online through UTIISL's Web site or NSDL's Web site.
It will normally take about 2 to 3 weeks to get your PAN card delivered at your doorstep.
If you need a PAN card urgently, you may also get Tatkal PAN by applying online using your credit card. You will get your PAN on priority basis and the same will be communicated to you through email.
The fees payable is only Rs 60 plus service tax presently @ 12.24 per cent, totaling Rs 67.
Just because you have a PAN, it is not necessary to file income tax return. Income tax return needs to be filed only when you have taxable income or you need to claim refund of tax deducted by your employer or the institution making payments to you towards interest or professional services or commission or rent or winnings from lottery / game shows or horse races or contracts etc.
However, the converse is true: you need PAN to file an income tax return.
Non-resident Indians may obtain PAN by applying through their representative assessee, who has to be an individual residing in India.
Recently, non-residents were permitted to apply for PAN by giving their present address, even though it is not in India. In such a case, the non-resident individual has to submit a copy of passport for proof of identity and address and bank statement for proof of address (if the address mentioned in the passport is different from the present address).
In the case of non-residents, who are foreign citizens, these documents will have to be attested by the Indian Embassy in their country.
You can obtain the application form for PAN (Form 49A) in the format prescribed by Income Tax Department from TIN-Facilitation Centres (TIN-FCs), any other stationery vendors providing such forms or from the NSDL-TIN Web site.
You should fill the application form in English, using capital letters and in black ink only. You should read all the instructions before filling up Form 49A.
Only father's name is required to be filled in the PAN application (Form 49A). Female applicants, irrespective of marital status, should write only father's name in the PAN application
Here's an example of a PAN: AAFDP7315H.
It is compulsory to quote PAN on return of income. It helps the income tax department in smooth and error-free assessment of tax paid by individual taxpayer.
Permanent Account Number as the name suggests, is a permanent number and does not change.
Changing the address though, may have to be updated. Such changes must, therefore, be intimated to ITD so that the PAN database of ITD can be updated. One can intimate change in address by filling up the form for Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN data. This form can be submitted at any TIN-FC or online at NSDL-TIN website.
Obtaining/possessing more than one PAN is against the law and may attract a penalty upto Rs.10,000. Therefore it is advisable not to obtain/possess more than one PAN. If you have more than one PAN, you should surrender the unused PAN by logging into ITD Web site.
Individual applicants should affix a recent colour photograph (size 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) in the space provided on the form. The photograph should not be stapled or clipped to the form. The applicant should not sign across the photograph. The clarity of image on PAN card will depend on the quality and clarity of photograph affixed on the form.
You may also apply for PAN online through UTIISL's Web site or NSDL's Web site.
It will normally take about 2 to 3 weeks to get your PAN card delivered at your doorstep.
If you need a PAN card urgently, you may also get Tatkal PAN by applying online using your credit card. You will get your PAN on priority basis and the same will be communicated to you through email.
The fees payable is only Rs 60 plus service tax presently @ 12.24 per cent, totaling Rs 67.
Just because you have a PAN, it is not necessary to file income tax return. Income tax return needs to be filed only when you have taxable income or you need to claim refund of tax deducted by your employer or the institution making payments to you towards interest or professional services or commission or rent or winnings from lottery / game shows or horse races or contracts etc.
However, the converse is true: you need PAN to file an income tax return.
Non-resident Indians may obtain PAN by applying through their representative assessee, who has to be an individual residing in India.
Recently, non-residents were permitted to apply for PAN by giving their present address, even though it is not in India. In such a case, the non-resident individual has to submit a copy of passport for proof of identity and address and bank statement for proof of address (if the address mentioned in the passport is different from the present address).
In the case of non-residents, who are foreign citizens, these documents will have to be attested by the Indian Embassy in their country.
You can obtain the application form for PAN (Form 49A) in the format prescribed by Income Tax Department from TIN-Facilitation Centres (TIN-FCs), any other stationery vendors providing such forms or from the NSDL-TIN Web site.
You should fill the application form in English, using capital letters and in black ink only. You should read all the instructions before filling up Form 49A.
Only father's name is required to be filled in the PAN application (Form 49A). Female applicants, irrespective of marital status, should write only father's name in the PAN application