PAN Card — Complete Guide
for Every Indian

What is PAN Card?

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India to every taxpayer and financial entity. It is mandatory for filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, buying or selling property above ₹10 lakh, and most financial transactions above ₹50,000.

PAN is not just for people who pay taxes. Even if your income is below the taxable limit, you need PAN to open a bank account, invest in mutual funds, buy insurance above certain limits, and apply for many government services. Every Indian adult should have a PAN card.

How to Apply for New PAN Online

You can apply for PAN through two official portals — NSDL (onlineservices.nsdl.com) or UTIITSL (www.utiitsl.com). Both are official and charge the same fee.

1. Go to onlineservices.nsdl.com or utiitsl.com
   Click on "Apply Online" under PAN services. Select "New PAN — Indian Citizen (Form 49A)" for Indian residents.
2. Fill Form 49A online
   Enter your full name (as per Aadhaar), date of birth, father's name, address, email, and mobile number. Select the type of applicant (individual, company, etc.).
3. Upload documents
   Identity proof: Aadhaar card (preferred). Address proof: Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement. Date of birth proof: Aadhaar, birth certificate, matriculation certificate.
4. Pay the fee
   ₹107 for Indian address (includes physical card delivery). ₹1,017 for foreign address. Payment via net banking, debit/credit card, or demand draft.
5. Note your acknowledgement number
   Use this 15-digit number to track your application at tin.tin.nsdl.com.
6. Physical PAN delivered in 15-20 days
   Sent by post to your address. e-PAN (digital) is available for download within 2-3 days of approval.

How to Get Free Instant e-PAN (Only for Aadhaar Holders)

If you have an Aadhaar card with a registered mobile number, you can get an e-PAN completely free within minutes through the Income Tax e-filing portal.

1. Go to incometax.gov.in
   Click "Instant e-PAN" on the homepage — no login required.
2. Enter your Aadhaar number
   Accept the terms and click "Continue".
3. Verify with OTP
   OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
4. e-PAN generated instantly
   Download the PDF. Your PAN number is also sent to your email. This e-PAN is free and valid forever.

How to Download e-PAN (Already Have PAN)

If you already have a PAN number but lost your card or need a digital copy, you can download your e-PAN for free.

1. Go to incometax.gov.in
   Click "Instant e-PAN" → then "Check Status / Download PAN".
2. Enter Aadhaar number
   Verify with OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile.
3. Download e-PAN PDF
   Free to download. Valid for all purposes.

Alternatively, go to onlineservices.nsdl.com → "Download e-PAN" → enter PAN number, Aadhaar, and date of birth → verify OTP → download.

How to Correct Errors in PAN Card

If your name, date of birth, or other details are wrong on your PAN card, you can correct them by applying for a PAN correction/reprint.

1. Go to onlineservices.nsdl.com or utiitsl.com
   Select "Changes or Correction in PAN Data / Reprint of PAN Card (Form 49A)".
2. Enter existing PAN number
   Fill in the corrected details and select what needs to be changed.
3. Upload supporting documents
   Proof for the corrected field — e.g. Aadhaar for name/DOB correction.
4. Pay ₹107
   Same fee as new PAN application. A corrected physical card is sent within 15-20 days.

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar

PAN-Aadhaar linking is mandatory for all Indian residents who have both. Unlinked PANs are treated as inoperative — you face 2x TDS deductions and cannot file returns.

1. Go to incometax.gov.in
   Click "Link Aadhaar" on the quick links on the homepage. No login needed.
2. Enter PAN and Aadhaar number
   Fill in your name as per Aadhaar and your mobile number.
3. Pay ₹1,000 penalty (if applicable)
   Late linking attracts a fee. Pay via Challan 280 on the NSDL portal first, then proceed with linking.
4. Verify OTP and submit
   Linking is confirmed in 4-5 working days. Check status at incometax.gov.in → "Link Aadhaar Status".

PAN Card Helpline & Official Links

• Income Tax Helpline: 1800-103-0025 (free, Mon–Sat 8AM–8PM)
• NSDL PAN portal: onlineservices.nsdl.com
• UTIITSL PAN portal: utiitsl.com
• Instant e-PAN (free): incometax.gov.in
• PAN application track: tin.tin.nsdl.com

Official Source

All information is sourced from the Income Tax Department of India, NSDL, and UTIITSL official websites.

incometax.gov.in ↗  ·  onlineservices.nsdl.com ↗

This page is for informational purposes only. MeraHaq is not affiliated with the Income Tax Department or the Government of India.