Understanding your PAN Card

Know your PAN with your name, date of birth, email, toll-free number, SMS, mobile app through Income Tax and NSDL e-filing website.
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2 mins read
9-Aug-2024

Are you familiar with the ins and outs of your PAN card? In this guide, we will look into the details of understanding your PAN card, how to verify it, and other essential aspects. Let us embark on a journey to demystify the realm of PAN cards.

What is a PAN card?

PAN, which stands for Permanent Account Number, is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It serves as a crucial document for financial transactions. The PAN card is mandatory for various activities like filing Income Tax Returns, opening bank accounts, and conducting high-value transactions.

Understanding the PAN card details

Every character in a PAN holds significance, from indicating the series and status to personalising it with the holder's last name. The sequential numbers and check digit contributes to the uniqueness and reliability of the identifier.

A standard PAN, for example, AFZPK7190K, follows a specific structure that unveils key details about the cardholder:

  • First three characters (AFZ): These represent an alphabetic series running from AAA to ZZZ. They provide a unique identifier for the PAN.
  • Fourth character (P): This signifies the status of the PAN holder. "P" stands for an individual, while other characters like "F" represent a firm, "C" for a company, "H" for HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), "A" for AOP (Association of Persons), and "T" for trust.
  • Fifth character (K): This corresponds to the first character of the PAN holder's last name or surname, offering a personal touch to the identifier.
  • Next four characters (7190): These form a sequential number ranging from 0001 to 9999. They provide a unique serial number to differentiate between different PANs with similar initial characters.
  • Last character (K): Serving as an alphabetic check digit, the final character in the PAN ensures accuracy and integrity in the identification process.

How to verify your PAN card?

It is crucial to ensure the authenticity of your PAN card. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to verify your PAN:

  1. Visit the Income Tax Department's official website:
    Head to the official website of the Income Tax Department of India. Look for the 'verify your PAN' section.
  2. Enter your PAN details:
    Input your PAN along with other required details such as your full name and date of birth.
  3. Submit and verify:
    After entering the details, click on the 'Submit' or 'Verify' button. The system will cross-verify the information, and you will receive a status message indicating whether your PAN is valid or not.

Real PAN card vs counterfeit ones

In the era of digital advancement, counterfeit documents are a growing concern. It is essential to distinguish between a real PAN card and a fake one. Here are a few tips:

  • Hologram and security features:
    A genuine PAN card comes with security features like a holographic image and a laminated finish. Check for these elements to ensure the authenticity of your card.
  • Watermark and printing quality:
    Examine the card for a clear and high-quality print. A real PAN card will have a watermark that becomes visible when you hold it against the light.
  • Verify with the Income Tax Department:
    If in doubt, use the online verification process mentioned earlier. It is a quick and reliable method to confirm the legitimacy of your PAN card.

Understanding the structure and purpose of a PAN is integral for anyone navigating the financial landscape in India. It not only serves as a critical tool for tax-related activities but also acts as a safeguard against fraudulent transactions. Knowing the details encoded in your PAN empowers you to engage confidently in various financial dealings, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and contributing to the broader goal of a transparent and efficient financial system.

Methods to know your Permanent Account Number (PAN)

There are multiple methods available for retrieving your PAN. We will outline these options and their corresponding procedures for your convenience.

Accessing PAN details through the Income Tax Department Website

  1. Registration: Navigate to the Income Tax Department's e-filing website and register for an account.
  2. Login and access: Upon successful registration, log in and access your profile section. Your PAN details, including name, address, and date of birth, will be displayed.

Know your PAN through mobile app

  1. Download and launch: Download and install the official PAN card mobile app from the relevant app store.
  2. PAN retrieval option: Select the "Know Your PAN Card" function within the app.
  3. Information verification: Enter your full name, date of birth, and contact information.
  4. OTP verification: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.
  5. PAN details display: Once verified, your PAN and other details will be displayed on your device.

Retrieving PAN details via email

  1. Compose email: Draft an email using your registered email address.
  2. Recipient selection: Choose either "utiitsl.gsd@utiitsl.com" (UTIITSL) or "tininfo@nsdl.co.in" (NSDL) as the recipient.
  3. Subject line and body: In the subject line, clearly state "Request for PAN Card Number." Within the body, include your name, date of birth, and registered phone number.
  4. Attach PAN copy and await response: Attach a scanned copy of your PAN card and expect a response from NSDL or UTIITSL with your PAN details.

Obtaining PAN details through toll-free number

  1. Initiate call: Dial the toll-free helpline 1800-180-1961 (applicable within India) for PAN-related inquiries.
  2. IVR system navigation: Follow the instructions provided by the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.
  3. "Know your PAN" option: Select the "Know Your PAN" option when prompted.
  4. Information provision: Provide the required details as instructed by the IVR system.
  5. PAN verification and display: Upon verification, your PAN details will be provided.

Tracking PAN card application status online

  1. Official website access: Visit the official PAN Card website, TIN-NSDL.
  2. Guided tour selection: Under the "Guided Tour" section, choose "Status Track."
  3. Status tracking option: Select "Track Status of your PAN / TAN application online" on the new page.
  4. Application type: Choose "PAN - New/Change Request" from the application type drop-down menu.
  5. Information input: Enter your acknowledgement number and captcha code.
  6. Submission and status display: Click "Submit" to view your PAN card application status.

Tracking PAN card application status via SMS

  1. SMS composition: Compose an SMS with the text "NSDLPAN" followed by your 15-digit PAN application acknowledgement number.
  2. SMS recipient: Send the message to 57575.
  3. Status update: You will receive an SMS response with the current status of your PAN card application.

Tracking PAN card application status via phone call

  1. Call centre contact: Contact the TIN call centre at 020-27218080.
  2. IVR navigation: Follow the IVR instructions to retrieve the status of your PAN card application.
  3. Acknowledgement number input: Enter your 15-digit PAN application acknowledgement number when prompted.

Please note: This document is for informational purposes only. Specific procedures and contact details may be subject to change. Refer to the official PAN Card website for the latest updates.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I check PAN details?

Verify your PAN details for free on the Income Tax Department's website. You'll need your PAN number, full name, and date of birth (or incorporation).

Is the PAN card application free?

No, there's a fee for applying for a PAN card. The fee varies depending on whether you're applying physically or electronically.

Do students need a PAN card?

Students may not necessarily need a PAN card. However, it's beneficial for filing income tax returns (if applicable), opening bank accounts, or investing.

How can I verify a PAN number?

You can verify a PAN number by visiting the Income Tax e-filing portal, clicking on 'Verify Your PAN', entering the PAN, full name, date of birth, and mobile number, and then validating an OTP sent to the provided mobile number.

How to check others' PAN card details?

There is no official way to check someone else's PAN card details without their consent. Sharing personal financial information is against privacy laws.

What is no record found for the entered PAN?

If "no record found" appears for a PAN, it means the PAN card application might not have been processed yet, or the information entered is incorrect. You can try again later or contact the Income Tax Department for assistance.

How can I know my PAN full name?

To find your full name associated with a PAN card, you can use the 'Know Your PAN' service on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal. Provide your date of birth and complete name (surname first) to retrieve your PAN details.

How can I know my PAN date?

The PAN date refers to the date of birth linked to your PAN card. You can use the 'Know Your PAN' service on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal to verify this information. Provide your PAN, full name, and date of birth to confirm the details.

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