The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card comes in handy for a variety of identification purposes. Here are the steps involved in applying for it online.
Visit the website of the Income Tax Pan Services Unit ? https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/.
This is the home page of the Income Tax PAN Services unit and has different choices such as application for a new PAN, Enquiry and Tracking status, Reprint of PAN card and changes or correction in the PAN details. Choose the option is applicable to you. To apply for a new PAN, use Form 49A. Form 49A can be filled online by visiting https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan2/servlet/NewPanApp.
Fill in the details and submit the form online. After the form is submitted online, an acknowledgement is displayed. This shows a unique 15-digit acknowledgment number. This must be saved and printed for further process.
The acknowledgement form must be sent to the income-tax department. Before sending this, you will need to attach a few documents along with the acknowledgment form. This includes proofs of address and identity. Your name, which is mentioned in these documents, should be in the same format as that in the PAN application form.
You must also affix two recent colour photographs on the acknowledgment form in the applicable space. Signatures have to be made where indicated. The photograph should be clear and recent as it will be used on your PAN card.
Application for PAN necessitates payment of R96 if the communication address is within India. You can make the payment by one of the following methods ? cheque, demand draft, internet banking, credit card or debit card. If the communication address is outside the country, the amount to be paid is R962, and this can be done only via a demand draft. In case of payment by internet banking, by credit card or debit card, the payment has to be made at the time of filling in the form, after which a payment acknowledgement will be given. Take a print out and attach it with the acknowledgement form.
The acknowledgement form must thus be accompanied by photographs, proof of address, proof of identification and the payment/payment proof as the case may be. This must be sent to NSDL in Pune within 15 days of the online application date. The envelope must be subscribed with the words ‘Application for PAN ? acknowledgement number’. The applications are processed at NSDL after receipt of payment, meaning if the payment has been made by means of a demand draft or cheque, you must wait for realisation of the payment.
The application status can be tracked online after the acknowledgement has been sent. Online payments made can also be tracked online. NSDL also offers the facility writing to them at their address or by sending an SMS to 57575 by typing SMS NSDLPAN
The process of changing or correcting the details of your existing PAN card is similar to applying for a new one. At the home page of the Income Tax PAN Services Unit, you will need to select ?Changes or Correction in PAN details?. Fill in the PAN Change Request Form online and follow the steps above. This PAN change request section also has separate guidelines and instructions and dos and don?ts to help you.
The writer is CEO, BankBazaar.com
