What is AO Code for PAN Card and How to Find it Online?
AO stands for Assessing Officer. Each AO is given a unique code and jurisdiction to manage. All applicants that fall under an AO’s jurisdiction will be assigned the respective AO’s code. The AO code for PAN is a combination of your area code, AO type, range code and AO number.
The AO code for PAN card is critical information everyone needs to provide while applying for a PAN card. It helps officials determine the applicable tax laws to the applicant.
Read on to know how to find the PAN card AO code online, the AO code of top cities and the types of AO codes.
How to Find AO Code for PAN Online?
There are many ways you can find your PAN card AO code. Here are a few of them:
Follow these steps to find your PAN card AO code online:
- 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 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
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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 and Why is AO Code Important for PAN?
The Income Tax Department appoints an assessing officer or the AO to assess citizens’ Income Tax Returns. The AO is responsible for spotting any discrepancies in the returns and questioning the assessee about them. The AO in PAN card indicates an AO’s jurisdiction according to the income tax ward.
AO code needs to be mentioned on PAN card application forms. Indian tax laws vary based on whether the taxpayer is an individual or an organisation. Non-Resident Indians are subject to different rules compared to resident Indians.
Defence personnel are also taxed differently. Income tax assessment cannot happen without an AO code, which mentions the tax laws that apply to the individual and the jurisdiction the individual falls under.
Components of AO code in PAN card
The AO code has multiple components. They are as below:
- Area code: The area code indicates the region of jurisdiction.
- AO type: AO type mentions the category that the applicant falls under. It can be individual, organisation, non-resident or defence personnel.
- 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.
- AO number: The AO number is the last element of the AO code. It is a unique number assigned to every assessing officer.
Types of AO Codes for PAN Card
There are four types of AO codes 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 of Top Cities
Below are the links to AO codes for Top Indian cities
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Final Word
AO code 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.
FAQs
Ans: Students can leave the AO code field on their application blank. Their AO code will be based on their postal code and they can check it after receiving the PAN card.
Ans: An AO Code for PAN card includes area code, AO type, AO number, and Range Code. When applying for a PAN card online or offline, consult the list for your state. You can find city-wise AO code details here.
Ans: You can find the area code based on your address here. City names are organised alphabetically. Choose your city and check your area of residence in the description column to find the corresponding area code.
Ans: 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.
Ans: 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.
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