Common Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For A PAN Card

Pan Card

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a necessary document for carrying out high-value financial transactions in India. This document is required for many purposes, including opening a bank account, providing identification, getting a job or buying a car. 

If you do not have a PAN card, you may want to apply for one as soon as possible. However, before you apply online for a PAN card, you may want to be aware of the various common mistakes that result in immediate rejection. 

Read along to know about common mistakes and how to solve discrepancies in pan card applications.

Also read: PAN Card Services at NSDL

Some Common Mistakes in PAN Card Applications to Avoid

Incorrect name input

You must state your full name and not use any initials or abbreviations. Also, make sure that there are no spelling mistakes.  

Signature related mistakes

The signature or left thumb impression on the acknowledgement receipt needs to be within the provided box. The one on the photograph needs to start from its left side and end within the photograph. Any mark that affects the photographer’s visibility would result in the rejection of your application.

 Incorrect photograph type

The photographs that you paste on the form must be original and not scanned copies. This is because scanned photographs result in unclear images, making your identification difficult. 

Using a blue pen

Most government identity documents require you to use black ink. It is a common mistake for many people to fill up the form using blue ink, which is against the guidelines of TIN NSDL.

Wrong communication information

Individual and HUF applicants must mandatorily mention their residential address and submit proof of address documents. Firms, companies and local authorities must provide their office address. Make sure to provide a valid communication address as the PAN card will be delivered there. 

Not providing additional documents

When applying for a PAN card, you must submit proof of identity, address proof and date of birth proof. Unfortunately, many forget to submit the correct documents or provide incorrect information that does not match with these documents. 

Guidelines for Filling up the PAN Card Application Form

Given are some useful guidelines you may want to check before applying for a PAN card:

• Any Indian citizen living in the country or abroad can apply online for a PAN card.
• Remember to write the application form in English block letters with black ink.
• You will have to paste two colour photographs of 3.5 x 2.5 cm size on the form. Make sure not to staple or pin these photographs.
• If you are a member of an HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), you need to submit an affidavit from the HUF’s Karta with all coparceners’ information. You will also need to furnish copies of your Karta’s proof of identity, date of birth and address.
• For minor applicants, proof of identity and address of the parents/guardian will suffice as proof. 
• You must provide at least one of your income sources in your PAN application form.
• In case of thumb impression in place of a signature, it needs to be attested by a Gazetted Officer, Magistrate or Notary Public using their official seal and stamp.
• Provide a complete postal address in the communication form with the nearest landmark and correct PIN code. 
• Make sure to provide an active phone number and email. Do not forget to mention the ISD or STD codes for landline numbers and country codes for mobile numbers. 

But, what if you have already made one of the above mistakes and received a PAN card with wrong information. Check the following section to know the process of online PAN card mistake correction. 

Also read: Deactivating a PAN Card

How Can You Get Changes/Corrections Done for PAN Card Mistakes?

You can correct your PAN card mistakes by following the given steps:

Step 1

Go to the official website of NSDL. 

Step 2

Tap on ‘Application Type’ and click on the option saying ‘Changes/Correction to PAN Card’ (existing). 

Step 3

Select the category and enter the details required under ‘Application Information’, including your title, surname, middle name, first name, date of birth, email and mobile number. 

Step 4

Click on the checkbox confirming if you are an Indian citizen and enter your PAN.

Step 5

Enter the CAPTCHA code and click on ‘Submit’. Your registered token number will be shown and sent to your email ID. 

Step 6

Tap on the button at the bottom of the page and enter the rest of the required information.

Step 7

Make the changes you want and double-check the details. Next, submit the form along with the required documents and click on ‘save draft’.

Step 8

Make the required payment to complete the PAN card mistake correction process.

Also read: How To File PAN Card-Related Complaints?

Final Word

Make sure to remember the above pointers when you apply for a PAN card online. If mistakes still occur, you can apply for corrections of the PAN card details. The Income Tax Department will send you a new PAN card with updated details. That said, note that your PAN will still be the same. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which application form should applicants submit for a new PAN card?

Indian citizens who have never applied for a PAN card and do not have any PAN allotted to them can apply using Form 49A. Foreign citizens can file the application for the allotment of a new PAN using Form 49AA. Applicants can visit the Income Tax Department’s official website to check if they already have been allotted a PAN.

 Can I get refunds if my PAN card application is rejected?

 No, you will not be given a refund if your PAN card application gets rejected. Rejection of application can happen if you do not follow the guidelines for PAN application. Wrong or incomplete documentation and inconsistency in information also lead to PAN application rejection. 

 What is an acknowledgement number?

You will get a 15-digit or 9-digit acknowledgement number if you have applied for PAN card allotment/changes at NSDL or UTIITSL, respectively. For an offline application, the agent will give you the acknowledgement form. For an online application, you will get this in your email account.

You can use this number to track the status of your PAN card application. Find the link to track your application on NSDL or UTIITSL’s official portal, depending on where you applied. Next, enter this number, followed by the CAPTCHA code and click on ‘submit’.

 How can you get an e-PAN card from NSDL?

In the case of a successful PAN card application, NSDL will send an e-PAN card in PDF format to the applicant’s email ID. If the applicant does not require a physical PAN card, having a valid email ID will be mandatory. For a small fee, you can receive the e-PAN via email instead of a physical PAN card.

 Do I have to fill in the AO code when filing a PAN application form?

Yes, applicants need to enter the correct AO (Assessing Officer) code, Range Code and AO type in the PAN card application. They can find these details from the Income Tax Office or by selecting the appropriate option while filling out the application form.

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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.