Have you been wanting to apply for a permanent account number
(PAN), but postponed it thinking it would be time-consuming? Fear not, for the process is neither time-consuming nor complicated.
Also, do not fall for the thousands of ads that you find in public places offering services to get a PAN card “for Rs 200 only”. You can do it in less than half the amount — all it takes is a cheque or a demand draft for Rs 94, and a credit or a debit card transaction to get a PAN.
So, getting a fresh PAN card or a new one and even changing details such as address, name, etc, provided earlier all can be done using different forms at the same cost. This fee is inclusive of service tax and cess.
Getting the form
You can download the form from any of the following websites — www.utiisl.co.in, www.incometaxindia.gov.in or tin.nsdl.com. In case you are not able to access the Internet, then there are various IT PAN Service Centres where you can get the form. Even the Tax Information Network of NSDL offers physicals forms. Many brokerage houses also offer PAN forms.
In case you wish to apply online, then you need to go to www.tin-nsdl.com and select the relevant form to apply — request for change in information, new PAN, etc.
What else will I need?
You will need a photograph — 3.5 x2.5 cm, which is to be attached, any one identity proof, one address proof and the cheque or demand draft for paying the fee. The cheque or DD has to be in favour of “NSDL-PAN”.
What documents are valid?
For submitting the identity proof, you can attach any one of the following documents:
School leaving certificate
Ration card
Property tax assessment order
Driving licence
Voter’s ID card
Bank, credit card, depository (demat account) statement
The documents permitted as address proof are:
Electricity/ telephone bill
Passport
Employer’s certificate
Rent receipt
An attested copy of these documents must be provided with the application.
How long will it take?
Getting a PAN takes anywhere between 15-45 days, depending on the details provided and the supporting documents. In case you have less time on hand, then using the online procedure is faster. You have to fill Form 49 (A) and submit it online. The payment can be made using a credit or debit card. However, an additional Rs 5 must be paid as bank surcharge on the payment.
In case of an online application, the authorities will communicate in case of any discrepancies via email.
Signature & acknowledgment
If you are applying online, you will have to print the filled online form, attach a picture and sign in the box provided at the bottom. Don’t sign on the photograph as the application can be rejected if there is any mark on the photo.
On submission of the form online, you will be given a 15-digit acknowledgment number. Save this number, as all tracking regarding the status of your PAN card, etc, can be done using this number.
Cheque/ DD payments
If you are paying via cheque or DD, the cheque is to be dropped at HDFC Bank branches in your city. You can also personally submit it at NSDL’s Mumbai office — Trade World, A Wing, Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel. Telephone: 022-24994200
Applying online - the follow-up
Once you have submitted the form online, the printout in your hand along with the other essential documents and photo can be sent via courier to the NSDL centre in Pune. On the envelope don’t forget to mention the 15-digit acknowledgement number.
Address the envelope to: Income Tax PAN Services Unit, National Securities Depository Limited, 3rd floor, Sapphire Chambers, Near Baner Telephone Exchange, Baner, Pune - 411045
Physical applications
For those filing the form by the traditional route, the place from where you got the form can accept the application with documents. The NSDL office in Lower Parel too accepts the form and the cheque/ DD.
Application status
The NSDL website allows you to check the status of your PAN application. You need to provide the name and date of application as well as the acknowledgement number. Alternatively, one can check with the Tax Information Network by calling 020-27218080.
An email can be sent to tininfo@nsdl.co.in. You can also send an SMS — type NSDLPAN
via DNA