What is AO Code for PAN Card and How to Find it Online?
The AO (Assessing Officer) code is a string of characters that is used to identify the Assessing Officer for an individual’s PAN (Permanent Account Number) card. The AO code for pan card is divided into three sections: the area code, the AO type, and the range code. When filing income tax returns, the AO code is important because it helps determine the jurisdictional officer who will assess an individual’s income tax return.
This blog discusses the AO Code meaning, its component, how it’s determined and much more. Read on!
Components of AO Code in PAN card
The AO code has multiple components. They are as below:
1. Area Code
The area code indicates the region of jurisdiction.
2. AO Type
AO type mentions the category that the applicant falls under. It can be individual, organisation, non-resident or defence personnel.
3. Range Code
The range code is based on the residential address of the PAN card applicant. It helps to identify their income tax ward or circle.
4. AO Number
The AO number is the last element of the AO code. It is a unique number assigned to every assessing officer.
How is Your AO Code Determined?
AO code in pan is determined by the individual’s address and the Income Tax Assessing Officer’s jurisdiction. The AO code is divided into three sections: the area code, the AO type, and the range code. The area code is determined by the first four characters of the PAN card number, which represent the Assessing Officer’s jurisdictional area. The type of jurisdiction, such as a company, individual, or other entity, determines the AO type. The range code is determined by the Assessing Officer’s jurisdictional range, which is determined by the individual’s address. The Income Tax Department assigns the AO code, which can be found on the individual’s PAN card. In case of AO code for no income individuals, the PAN card application is filled with no AO Code.
How to Find AO Code for PAN Card Online?
Here’s how to check AO Code for Pan card online by following these steps:
- Visit TIN-NSDL Official Website
Visit the official website of TIN-NSDL. Go through the guidelines thoroughly to get a better understanding of how to check your AO code.
- Check the Category and City You Fall Under
Check the category you belong to – defence personnel category or others category. Both of these categories have separate search criteria to find AO code. Check the example as given in the image. Once done, search with your city by clicking on the alphabets.
- Select Your City
Upon clicking on the city, you will be directed to a different page. Click on the city you belong to proceed further.
- Check Area Code and AO Type
Upon selecting the city, you shall be directed to a page, where you can check the area code, AO type, range code and AO number. We have taken Daman as an example for ease of understanding.
As mentioned, your AO code is a combination of area code, AO type, AO number, and Range type. Note them down and this will be your AO code for PAN card
Also Read
How to Find AO Code for PAN via Income Tax Portal?
If you already have a PAN Card, follow these steps to do an AO Code search for PAN card:
Step 1: Log on to the Income Tax portal
Step 2: Click on ‘Know your AO’.
Step 3: Enter your PAN card number and mobile number.
Step 4: Enter the OTP. Click on ‘Validate’.
Your PAN card details will be displayed along with your Area Code, AO Type, and AO Number.
Note
The AO code for a PAN card holder may also change based on any policy updates by the Income Tax Department. PAN holders can also find their AO code by visiting the local Income Tax office.
Alternatively, you can download the spreadsheet containing AO codes. Press Ctrl+F on your keyboard to use the search function and look for your city name.
Who is an AO?
AO full form Administrative Officer, is a person who is in charge of managing administrative tasks and providing support to ensure the smooth operation of a company. They usually work for government agencies, private corporations, or non-profit organizations, and their responsibilities vary greatly depending on the job and industry. Some common responsibilities include budget management, project coordination, report preparation, staff supervision, and general administrative support to the organization. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively, are required for success as an AO.
Importance of PAN Card AO Code?
The AO Code in a PAN Card application is important because it ensures accurate processing of the PAN card and assists the Income Tax Department in identifying the taxpayer and their tax jurisdiction. To avoid complications, it is critical to check the correct AO code based on the residential address and submit it along with the application.
Types of AO Codes for PAN Card
There are four AO types for pan card based on the area an organisation operates in. Each AO code is assigned ITR assessment tasks based on assessee type. This is because different assessees are subject to different tax implications. The 4 types of AO in PAN cards are below:
1. International Taxation
If a foreigner on an entity that is not registered in India applies for a PAN card, it falls under the international taxation category.
2. Non-International Taxation (Outside Mumbai)
Indian entities registered in states other than Mumbai will come under this AO code.
3. Non-International Taxation (Mumbai Region)
This AO code includes entities registered in Mumbai or Individual applicants from Mumbai.
4. Defence Personnel
This AO code applies to members of the Indian Armed Forces
AO Code for PAN Card for Top Cities in India
Below are the links to AO codes for Top Indian cities
How to Migrate your PAN Card AO code?
Here are the steps to migrate your PAN card AO code:
Step 1: Navigate to the ‘PAN’ section of the Income Tax Department of India’s official website.
Step 2: Select ‘Change in AO/ Assessing Officer Code’ from the ‘Update PAN details’ menu.
Step 3: In the provided fields, enter your PAN number and the existing AO code.
Step 4: Choose the new AO code to which you want to migrate and enter the necessary information.
Step 5: Upload the required documents, such as proof of address and identification, as specified on the website.
Step 6: Submit the application online after verifying the information.
Step 7: When you submit your application, you will be given an acknowledgment number that you can use to track the status of your application.
Step 8: Following the processing of your application, you will receive an updated PAN card with the new AO code.
Final Word
AO code for pan card is an important detail affecting your taxation. It is determined based on the applicant’s address and the type of taxpayer they are. You can search for your AO code online or through your local income tax office. Ensure that you enter the correct information in your form to avoid any future hassles.
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FAQs
Yes, you can change the AO code on your PAN card. You need to apply for a change of PAN card jurisdiction when you change your address. You can also apply for jurisdiction change if you are not satisfied with the assessing officer due to misconduct or unprofessional behaviour.
Non-employed people do not fall under a specific AO code. Non-employed applicants can choose a salary below a certain amount and leave the AO code field blank.
For students, there is no AO Code. However, when applying for a PAN Card, a student can leave the NSDL AO Code or UTI AO Code blank; it will be assigned based on the postal code and can be checked once the PAN Card is received.
AO type W means “Ward”
The Assessing Officer Code (AO Code) is required when applying for a PAN (Permanent Account Number) or TAN (Taxpayer Identification Number) (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number). The Applicant must be aware of his/her AO Code in order to determine the tax jurisdiction under which he/she will fall.
The Area Code, AO Type, Range Code, and AO Number are all combined to form the AO Code. Applicants for PAN must include the AO code in their application. The Income Tax Office can provide you with this information. Applicants may search for their AO Codes by description wherever it is provided.
There is no specific AO code for no income individuals.
The AO code must be included in the PAN application by all applicants. The applicant should choose the AO code under whose jurisdiction he or she falls. Applicants are advised to exercise caution when selecting an AO code.
Applicants must include their AO Code information in their application.
Yes, you can change the AO code on your PAN card online by visiting the Income Tax Department of India’s official website.
