The permanent account number (PAN) holds paramount importance in the financial arena in India. Suitable for both nationals and foreigners, a PAN card serves as a critical identification document. However, after applying for a PAN card, many individuals find difficulty tracking their pan card status online. This article aims to provide an easy, step-by-step guide to help you check your PAN card status and understand the process of e PAN download.
Before proceeding, it’s vital to remember the benefits a PAN card offers. Besides being an essential document for tax-payers, this card is necessary for several significant transactions, like purchasing a home or car, transferring funds, or even opening a bank account. The communal benefits range from preventing tax evasion to providing a universal identification key that threads different transactions. Therefore, keeping an eye on its status is imperious.
Understand PAN Application Process
Untangling the PAN card application process will help understand the terms used during the status checking process. Typically, you commence by visiting NSDL or UTIITSL's websites, the official platforms that issue PAN cards. After filling the application form, you submit all the necessary documents. Next, you pay the application fee and receive the 15-digit acknowledgment number. This number is critical for checking your PAN card status online.
Methods to Check PAN Card Status
You have multiple methods at your disposal to check the PAN card status. You can do it through NSDL, UTIITSL, or the income tax department's e-filing portal.
NSDL Portal
To check your PAN Card status via the NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) portal, follow the steps below:
1. Visit the official NSDL website and navigate to the PAN section.
2. Choose the option named 'Track your PAN/TAN Application Status.'
3. A new page opens where you must select 'PAN New/Change Request' from the application type dropdown menu.
4. Enter your acknowledgment number, and if you have misplaced it, you may furnish your name and date of birth. Click on 'Submit.'
The NSDL portal will display the current status of your PAN card in a matter of seconds.
UTIITSL Portal
Candidates who have applied through UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited) can check their PAN card status on the UTIITSL website:
1. Visit the official UTIITSL website.
2. In the 'Services' dropdown, choose the option 'PAN Card.'
3. Enter your application coupon number or PAN.
4. After entering the provided captcha, click on the 'Submit' button.
The portal generates the status of your PAN card application immediately.
Income Tax Department's e-Filing Portal
Even if you do not have the acknowledgment number, you can check your PAN card status on the income tax department's e-filing portal:
1. Visit the e-Filing portal of the Income Tax Department.
2. From the 'Services' dropdown, select the 'Know Your PAN' option.
3. Enter the required details like your mobile number, name, and date of birth.
4. After entering the OTP sent to your mobile number, click on 'Validate.'
5. When verified, the page displays your PAN card status.
E-PAN Download
E-PAN is the digitally signed, electronic version of your PAN card. Post verification of your application, an e-PAN gets instantly allotted. The process of e PAN download is relatively easy.
You visit the income tax website and click on the 'Download Your ePAN' option under the 'Services' dropdown. You can then download your e-PAN by providing your PAN and acknowledgment number or by authenticating via Aadhar OTP.
Conclusion
Constantly keeping a tab on your PAN card status helps you keep abreast with any outstanding requirements or issues that might hamper the process. The online portals empower you to check your status at any time, facilitate seamless e PAN download, and further enhance the ease of obtaining a PAN card. With this comprehensive guide, now you can navigate through the tracking process smoothly and efficiently. Always remember, a PAN card is not just an identity proof; it's a critical prerequisite for countless financial operations in India.