A Step-By-Step Guide To PAN Card Migration And How To Check Status
If you have just shifted to another State in India and your permanent address has changed, you need to update the address in all documents, including your Aadhaar card, voter ID card, etc. But, you do not have to update the new address on your PAN card as UIDAI’s portal automatically updates it. However, you have to request a PAN migration to change your Assessing Officer (AO). As the new AO receives the update about the address change, he/she will be able to process your tax returns as per your new address.
What’s the process of PAN card migration? Read on to find out!
What is PAN Migration?
The process of changing your existing Assessing Officer (AO) to a new one, under whose jurisdiction your permanent address is located, is called PAN migration. An Assessing Officer is responsible for analysing payable taxes for all Permanent Account Numbers within his jurisdiction. Individuals can visit the AO’s office and provide documents to resolve disputes.
When you change your permanent address, you have to change your AO so that they can process your Income Tax Returns (ITR). Fortunately, the Income Tax Department allows you to change your PAN card’s jurisdiction in a hassle-free manner.
Why Do People Apply for PAN Migration?
Every PAN is linked to a 10-digit AO Code, which refers to the PAN card holder’s jurisdiction. PAN cardholders get this number assigned based on their geographical location and source of income. So, if your residential address changes, you will need to apply for a new AO to file ITR.
It becomes difficult for an AO to access your tax details when you stay outside your residence most of the time. Moreover, it will be hard for you to communicate with your AO. You need to migrate your PAN to do things like raising a dispute, making complaints or giving clarification about a notice.
How Can You Know Your Current PAN Jurisdiction?
Here’s how to know if the current status of AO has changed:
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Department’s official website NSDL.
Step 2: Click on ‘Know Your Jurisdictional AO’.
Step 3: Enter your mobile number and PAN card number. Click on ‘submit’.
Step 4: Enter the One Time Password (OTP) you have received on your mobile number.
Step 5: The next page will show the name, area code, range code, AO type and jurisdiction of your current AO.
You can also view the jurisdiction of Assessing Officers on the official website of the Income Tax Department. Note that you will find the designation and contact numbers of AOs in the Field Offices column of various states.
How Can You Migrate Your PAN If Your Address Has Changed?
You need to make an application to your existing AO to migrate your current jurisdiction to the new one. Follow the given steps to migrate your PAN:
Step 1: Send an application requesting the migration of your PAN to your current AO.
Step 2: Next, send a PAN migration request letter to the new AO.
Step 3: If your current AO approves the PAN card migration request, he/she will send it to the Commissioner of Income Tax, in whose jurisdiction your PAN lies presently.
Step 4: The PAN will be migrated to the destination AO’s jurisdiction.
Unless your current AO approves the PAN card migration request, the PAN will remain stuck in the transfer process. In this case, the new AO cannot approve any ITR that you have filed.
How to Change Assessing Officers if Their Behaviour is Unprofessional?
If your current AO is behaving unprofessionally or not discharging his/her duties effectively, you can request a change without having to send him an application. To do this, follow the given steps:
Step 1: Write an application to the Ombudsman mentioning your concerns.
Step 2: Make sure to give a credible reason why you want your AO changed.
Step 3: Put your name, address, signature and name of the officer you are complaining against.
Step 4: If the Ombudsman finds your request credible, he/she will forward it to the Income Tax Commissioner.
Step 5: Furnish the relevant documents.
Step 6: Upon approval, the jurisdiction of your PAN will be migrated to a new AO.
How to Check Your PAN Card Migration Status?
To check your PAN card migration status, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the income tax online filing platform
Step 2: Select the ‘know your TAN/AO’ option from the homepage
Step 3: Type your PAN number followed by your registered phone number. You will receive an OTP on that number.
Step 4: After verification, select the Validate option.
Step 5: A dialogue box will show your Migration/AO details
How to Make an Online Request for PAN Card Migration?
The Income Tax Department provides the option to pay taxes online via the AaykarSetu mobile application. This app allows you to do all tax-related tasks such as applying for a PAN card, paying taxes, PAN migration etc.
When you change your permanent residential address, you can use the app to migrate your PAN to a new AO. To do this, follow the given steps.
Step 1: Download AaykarSetu from Google Play Store or give a missed call on 7306525252 to get the download link.
Step 2: After installing the app, open it and click on the ‘Got a problem’ option.
Step 3: On the next page, click on ‘PAN migration’. Fill in all the necessary details to apply.
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How to Get Your Details Updated in the PAN Card?
Here’s how to update the details on the PAN card:
- Step 1: Visit NSDL.
Open NSDL’s official website.
- Step 2: Click on PAN.
From the Services dropdown, click PAN.
- Step 3: Under Change/Correction in PAN data, click Apply.
Scroll down to the ‘Change/Correction in PAN Data’ and click on ‘Apply’. The PAN Application form will open in a new window.
- Step 4: Select ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN data or Reprint of PAN card’.
From the Application type dropdown, select the option ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN data or Reprint of PAN card’.
- Step 5: Select ‘Individual’ in the Category.
Check the Individual category from the Category dropdown.
- Step 6: Enter all your personal information.
Fill out the form by adding your personal details like Name, Date of Birth, registered mobile number and email ID and PAN number. Click on ‘Submit’.
- Step 7: You will receive a Token number on your email ID.
If all the entered information is correct, you will receive a Token number on your email ID. Carry on with the application process from the original webpage.
- Step 8: Send your documents.
Next, you need to send your documents either:
– Digitally through paperless e-KYC and e-Signature
– Sending scanned images through e-Signature
– Physical submission - Step 9: Enter other details.
Next, add other details like your father’s name and Aadhar card details. Click on ‘Next’.
- Step 10: Update your permanent address.
Enter your new address.
- Step 11: Upload other documents.
On the portal, upload documents like Address proof, Identity proof, age proof, and PAN card. Click on ‘Submit’.
- Step 12: Make the payment.
After submission of all details, make the payment for updating PAN card details.
- Step 13: Print the acknowledgement slip.
After document submission, download the acknowledgement slip and mail it to the nearest NSDL office with all documents.
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Final Word
Although a PAN card does not have any linked address, you will need to migrate your PAN whenever you change your residential address. This allows the new Assessing Officer to process your Income Tax Returns as per the new address. In addition, you can contact the AO to complain about any discrepancies and get them solved.
FAQs on PAN Card Migration
Ans: Follow these steps to change your PAN card’s details:
Step 1: Visit NSDL’s official website.
Step 2: Click on ‘Services’ and then ‘PAN’.
Step 3: Select ‘Change/Correct PAN Data’ and tap on ‘Apply’.
Step 4: Pay the necessary fees after submitting the form.
Ans: For those currently serving in the Armed Forces, PAN jurisdiction depends on their office address or place of posting. After retirement, they need to transfer their PAN to the AO of their hometown or their current residence.
Ans: Every PAN card has a 10-digit AO code which denotes a cardholder’s jurisdiction. Depending on their income source and geographical location, each PAN holder is assigned a specific range, which is further sub-divided into circles/wards covered by an AO.
Ans: The following are some essential duties of an AO:
– Issuing PAN cards
– Calculating payable tax
– Issuing tax refunds
– Sending a notice on finding a discrepancy
– Providing solutions to a taxpayer’s complaint
– Ensure collection of taxes
– Imposing or waiving off penalties
Ans: The Aaykar Setu app offers the following facilities:
– Tracking TDS
– Applying for a PAN card
– TRP at the doorstep
– Tax tools for calculating ITR
– Registering grievances
– Check rectification status
– Get status of tax refunds
Ans: You can migrate PAN without AO’s approval if the AO’s behaviour is found unprofessional and he/she is unnecessarily delaying the process.
Disclaimer
This article is solely for educational purposes. Navi doesn't take any responsibility for the information or claims made in the blog.
