Pan Application Process

Applying for PAN card in India is a reasonably easy procedure. An individual may apply through online or offline modes. In the online mode of PAN application, a taxpayer needs to visit the NSDL(National Securities Depository Limited) website or UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited) website and follow the necessary steps to register for a PAN card. In the offline mode, a taxpayer needs to visit the nearest district level PAN agency.

Who can apply for PAN?

The entities who can apply for PAN through online or offline modes are:

• Individual belonging to Hindu Unified Family(HUF)
• Trusts
• Corporates
• Organisations
• Firms
• Local authorities
• Government
• Minors
• Senior Citizens

How to apply for PAN?

Online application

Follow these steps to apply for PAN card online

• Visit NSDL website or UTIITSL homepage
• Select the "new PAN' option
• Click on the form 49A for Indian citizens which includes NRI, NRE and OCI individuals
• Fill up the following details in the online form
1. Name
2. Address
3. Date of Birth
4. Gender
5. Telephone Number
6. Income details
• Pay the processing fee
• Click on "submit'
• Take a printout of the application after receiving a 15-digit acknowledgment number
• Sign the application form
• Affix passport-size photographs on the application and proof of identity and address
• Send the documents to NSDL office via post within 15 days of payment
• Your PAN card will be sent within 15 working days to your residential address

Offline mode

• Download form 49A from official NSDL website
• Fill up the form
• Attach a photograph along with the residential and identity proof
• Write "APPLICATION FOR PAN' and the acknowledgment on the top of the envelope
• Pay the fee via Demand Draft
• Send the DD receipt along with the application form and other ID proofs via post to the following address-

Income Tax PAN Services Unit, NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited, 5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot Number 341, Survey Number 997/8, Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune-411016.

Applying for a new PAN card when the old PAN is lost or misplaced

PAN is a vital document in our country. It is essential to own PAN not only for the taxpayers but it is also used as an identity proof of an entity. The high importance of PAN card could be the reason why losing PAN card might be stressful.

In case of loss/misplacement of PAN card, you can apply online to the Income Tax Department for issuing a new PAN card. To apply for a new PAN card, the owner needs to know the Permanent Account Number of the previously owned PAN card. If he/she doesn't remember the old PAN, they need to visit the e-filing website of Income Tax Department to gain access to the old PAN details.

If you have lost/misplaced your PAN card and don't remember your previously owned PAN details, then you can follow these easy steps to know your old PAN:

• Visit incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
• Click on 'Know Your PAN' option
• Enter the required details like name, date of birth etc
• Enter the captcha code
• Click on Submit

Once you have all the information linked with your previously owned PAN, you can either submit the PAN application online or visit your nearest PAN center.

To fill the application form for new PAN online, you can follow these steps.

• Visit official NSDL website
• Create a login ID
• Upload the scanned copies of the documents- ID proof, address proof, Birth Certificate, Digital Signature, scanned signature

Application for New PAN for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens need PAN details to pay for taxes and carrying out various financial transactions. Whenever the Government of India legally mandates PAN details, an entity is required to submit his/her PAN details.

Applying for PAN can be segregated into two methods, first part is they need to fill out the Form 49A for PAN and second part deals with the dispatch of the PAN card by the Assessing Officer of the area where you have applied for PAN.

PAN is also considered to be a relevant document while opening an account in banks, investing in mutual funds, acquiring or leasing any property etc.

PAN Application for foreigners

Foreign citizens can also apply for PAN through the similar procedure. The only difference being, the application form that is needed to be filled out by the entity. Instead of Form 49A, a foreigner is required to fill up the Form 49AA to apply for PAN.

Foreign citizens who make financial transactions in India or hold positions of directors or executive officers in India or anyone who holds business in the country is required to apply for PAN card as well.