A PAN card or Permanent Account Number card is an essential document in India, issued by the Income Tax Department of the Indian government. It is a ten-digit unique alphanumeric number allotted to individuals, companies, firms, and other entities. A PAN card verifies the identity of the cardholder and facilitates various financial transactions such as filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), opening a bank account, investing in mutual funds, and so on. Hence, obtaining a PAN card is necessary for anyone who earns or receives taxable income in India.
But how does one track the journey of their PAN card application and stay updated on its status? Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Check the Status on the Official Website
The Income Tax Department has made it convenient for applicants to track their PAN card status online. The official website of the department has a dedicated page for PAN card status tracking. To check the status, you need to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Go to the official website of the Income Tax Department (www.incometaxindia.gov.in).
Step 2: Click on the ‘Services’ tab and select ‘Know Your PAN’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Enter your application type, acknowledgement number, and captcha code; then click on ‘Submit.’
Step 4: The status of your PAN card application will be displayed on the screen.
The status displayed on the website varies as per the stage of your application. It might show as ‘under process’, ‘dispatched’, ‘delayed’, ‘returned undelivered’, or ‘disapproved.’ Make sure to check the status regularly until your PAN card is dispatched.
2. Check the Status Through SMS Service
Apart from the official website, you can also track your PAN card status through an SMS service. The Income Tax Department has launched an SMS service that allows you to check the status of your PAN card application by sending an SMS. To avail this service, you need to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open the messages app on your mobile phone.
Step 2: Type NSDLPAN, followed by a space, and your 15-digit acknowledgement number (e.g. NSDLPAN 123456789012345).
Step 3: Send the message to 57575.
Step 4: You will receive an SMS containing your PAN card application status on your registered mobile number.
Note that applicable telecom charges may apply to this service.
3. Check the Status Through A Phone Call
In case you do not have access to the internet or SMS service, the Income Tax Department provides a phone call service to check the status of your PAN card application. To avail this service, you need to call the TIN Call Centre at 020-27218080 and follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose your preferred language.
Step 2: Select the ‘PAN’ option from the IVR menu.
Step 3: Provide your PAN card application acknowledgement number.
Step 4: The status of your PAN card application will be communicated to you over the phone.
Note that this service is available from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm and Saturday, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, except on national holidays.
4. Apply for e-PAN card
The Income Tax Department has launched an online facility for applicants to apply for an e-PAN card, which is a digital version of the traditional PAN card. The e-PAN card is a valid proof of identity and can be used for various financial transactions. The best part about applying for an e-PAN card is that the process is entirely online, and you can download your PAN card without any hassle.
To apply for an e-PAN card, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Go to the official website of the Income Tax Department (www.incometaxindia.gov.in).
Step 2: Click on the ‘Instant PAN’ link under the ‘Quick Links’ section on the homepage.
Step 3: Read the guidelines and click on ‘Get New PAN.’
Step 4: Provide your Aadhaar number and enter the captcha code; then click on ‘Generate Aadhaar OTP.’
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click on ‘Validate Aadhaar.’
Step 6: The system will verify your Aadhaar details and generate a 15-digit acknowledgement number.
Step 7: Download your e-PAN card from the ‘Download e-PAN’ section on the homepage.
Note that the e-PAN card is currently available for individual taxpayers only, who have a valid Aadhaar number, and their mobile number is registered with UIDAI. The e-PAN card is issued free of cost and is valid for the lifetime of the cardholder.
In conclusion, tracking the journey of your PAN card application and staying updated on its status is vital to ensure timely delivery of the card. You can check the status on the official website, through an SMS service, or by making a phone call to the TIN Call Centre. Additionally, you can opt for an e-PAN card to avoid any delays in getting your PAN card. Make sure to keep a check on your PAN card status and stay updated until you receive the card.