PAN / TAN

What Is PAN?

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric number, issued in the form of a laminated card, by an Assessing Officer of the Income Tax Department. A typical PAN is AFRPP1595D.

Where to begin

Your application for PAN must be made on Form 49 A. You can obtain it from IT PAN Service Centers or TIN Facilitation Centers, or download it from the website of the Income Tax Department.

What you need

Make sure that you attach all the necessary documents:

• • Proof of identity: Submit a copy of any one of the following – School-leaving or matriculation certificate, recognized degree, credit card, bank account statement, passport, ration card, driving license, property tax assessment order, water bill, voter’s identity card, certificate of identification signed by a Member of Parliament or Legislative Assembly, Municipal Councillor or Gazetted Officer.

  • Proof of address: A copy of any one of the following will suffice – Bank account statement, passport, voter’s identity card, driving license, ration card, employer’s certificate, electricity or telephone bill, property tax assessment order, rent receipt or certificate of address signed by a Member of Parliament or Legislative Assembly, Municipal Councillor or Gazetted Officer.

  • Photograph: Individual applicants need to affix a recent stamp-size color photograph.

Some useful tips

• • In your application, you will need to mention the designation and code of the concerned Assessing Officer of the IT Department.

  • Ensure that you mention your full name. Do not use initials.

  • If you are an NRI, you have the option of applying through a resident representative. If you prefer, you can apply directly, so long as you are in one of the 90+ countries listed on their web site as mailing locations.

  • You can track the status of your application on the tin-nsdl website – for this, you need to quote your acknowledgement number. An SMS status tracking facility is also available.