A PAN card is a laminated document containing a 10-digit alphanumeric code unique for every taxpayer in India. It serves as a valid identity proof and is considered essential for various financial transactions. Losing a PAN card can become problematic as you cannot carry out simple tasks like opening a bank account.
The Income Tax Department offers a few ways to get a duplicate card. You can submit a request via the official website of NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) or that of TIN (Tax Information Network of the Income Tax Department).
Learn more about this procedure in the following sections.
Step 1
If your PAN card is lost or stolen, you should lodge a complaint at the nearest police station as soon as possible. This will prevent it from being used fraudulently by anyone and cover your legal responsibilities.
Step 2
Get a complaint copy/acknowledgement of the FIR.
Step 3
Visit a PAN or NSDL TIN Facilitation Centre near your location and request the 49A form.
Step 4
Write an application to the IT Department for a new PAN card. Along with this, submit a passport-sized photograph, address proof, identity proof, and a copy of the FIR that you had filed.
Step 5
Sign the photograph, ensuring that half of the signature is on the photo and the other half is on the page.
Step 6
After the official verifies all details, attach a DD (demand draft) or cheque for payment along with the above documents.
Step 7
Submit these at the NSDL/PAN office. Don’t forget to write ‘Application for PAN change request’ on the envelope. You can also send this to the PAN head office by post.
The Income Tax Department has sped up its PAN reprints and encourages people to reapply online. Those who have lost their PAN card can visit TIN-NSDL’s website to apply for a reprint online. They are required to provide information such as name, PAN, date of birth, contact information etc., to do so.
Individuals can follow these steps to reapply for PAN online,:
Step 1
Navigate to the online PAN application form.
Step 2
On the homepage, click on ‘PAN-New Facilities’ under Quick Links and then ‘Reprint of the PAN Card.
Step 3
On the new page, enter your PAN, Aadhaar number and month and year of birth.
Step 4
Click the checkbox authorising the use of your Aadhaar data to request a reprint.
Step 5
Enter the CAPTCHA code and click on ‘Submit’.
Step 6
Enter your mobile number, email or both to receive the OTP (One Time Password).
Step 7
Click on the box confirming that your PAN card will be reprinted as per details available with the IT department.
Step 8
Click on ‘Generate OTP’ and enter it within 10 minutes.
Step 9
Next, you have to pay the required fees to order a reprint. The price is Rs. 50, including taxes for delivering a duplicate in India and Rs. 959 for a foreign address.
Step 10
Once you have made the payment, you can print the receipt by clicking on “Generate’. You will also receive an SMS on your registered mobile number with an acknowledgement number and a link to download the e-PAN card.
You can reapply for your lost PAN card even if you have forgotten your PAN. The Income Tax Department allows you to get this information by registering on the e-filing website. Follow the given steps to do so:
Step 1
Visit the IT Department’s e-Filing website.
Step 2
Click on ‘Know Your PAN’ and provide the required details.
Step 3
Enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format and your full name.
Step 4
Enter the OTP sent on your mobile number.
Step 5
Click on ‘Validate’ to get your PAN displayed on the next page along with your name, jurisdiction etc.
Carrying a physical copy of the PAN card can be difficult and risky. Hence, the Chief of the Central Board of Direct Taxes has introduced a soft-copy called e-PAN. You can use this anywhere as an alternative to the physical card.
Follow the given steps to download an e-PAN card:
Step 1
Log in to the Income Tax Department’s online service website.
Step 2
Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number when asked.
Step 3
Select your month and year of birth.
Step 4
Click the checkbox stating the terms and conditions for authorising the Aadhaar Authentication system.
Step 5
Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and click ‘Confirm’.
Step 6
Now, you will have to make a payment of Rs. 8.26 with UPI, debit or credit card.
Step 7
Once you have made the payment, you can download the password-protected e-PAN.
Also Read: A Guide To Obtain Instant PAN Card Through Aadhaar
Both NSDL and UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited) offer an easy way to reapply for a lost PAN card. So, if your document gets damaged, lost or stolen, there is no need to be worried. Simply order a reprint online or visit the nearest PAN centre and apply for a duplicate PAN card by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 50.
Ans: A PAN card holder’s latest application should have been processed through the NSDL e-Gov website. If that’s not the case, he/she will not be able to use the PAN reprint facility. Those who have obtained a PAN card using the ‘Instant e-PAN’ option on the e-filing portal can also use this facility.
Ans: It is illegal to have two or more PAN cards with different PAN. If you have one, you can write to your Assessing Officer (AO) requesting the surrender of one of the PAN cards. You will have to mention which PAN you want to retain in your application.
Ans: Complaining to the police about the loss/theft of your PAN card ensures that nobody can misuse it to get a credit card, loan, etc., in your name. Moreover, filing an FIR would provide legal protection from repercussions of any fraud committed using the stolen document.
Ans: When you apply for a new PAN card or a reprint, you are given a 15-digit acknowledgement number. To check the status of your PAN reprint, click on ‘PAN-New/Change Request’ from the Application Type drop-down menu.
Ans: You would be able to download the e-PAN card for free if the Income Tax Department allotted or changed your PAN card within the last 30 days. Note that you can send applications to NSDL e-Gov for an e-PAN card only three times.
Before you go…