Lost/misplaced PAN card? Here's how you can get a duplicate
Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique, 10-digit alphanumeric identity allotted to all taxpayers in India, that is essential for undergoing various financial transactions such as receiving taxable salaries/professional fees, sale or purchase of assets, trading of mutual funds, etc. However, in case you end up losing/damaging your existing PAN card, you can easily apply for a duplicate one. Here is how.
Here is the step-by-step guide to apply for duplicate PAN
First off, log on to the official website of TIN-NSDL, and head to the 'Reprint of PAN card' section. Next, click on 'Apply' tab and choose the type of PAN you need a duplicate of, depending on whether you are applying for an individual/firm/trust/HUF etc. Then you need to fill up details like your PAN number, name, address, email ID, phone number etc.
Final steps for duplicate PAN card application
Next, upload supporting documents, viz. ID proof, DoB proof, photograph, and a copy/proof of your existing PAN card that you want to reprint. Then, make a payment of Rs. 110, through net-banking/debit card/demand draft. Once the payment is done, a 15-digit acknowledgement number will be issued to you. And that's all. The dispatched PAN should reach you within two weeks.
And, here's how you can update/change information in PAN card
Meanwhile, to update/change any information in your PAN card online, follow these steps: Firstly, log on to the official online PAN application portal. Under the 'Application Type' drop-down menu, click on 'Changes or correction in existing PAN data' link. Select the relevant 'Category.' Following this, enter all the necessary details, upload required documents, make payment, and you are done.
Importantly, PAN and Aadhaar can now be used interchangeably
Meanwhile, the Central government has now made PAN and Aadhaar cards interchangeable. This implies that you can now quote your Aadhaar number, instead of PAN, to file Income Tax returns. Further, Aadhaar can also be used for other services where quoting of PAN is necessary, such as buying/selling MF etc. Note: August 31, 2019 is the last date to file ITR for FY 2018-19.
Note: PAN might get deactivated, if not linked with Aadhaar
Notably, the government is planning to temporarily invalidate all PAN cards that are not linked with Aadhaar, latest by September 30, 2019. This is so because the government believes that even if after so many extensions, your PAN is not yet linked with Aadhaar, its authenticity is questionable. Simply put, the government is skeptic that your PAN might be fake.
Here's how you can link your PAN with Aadhaar
To link Adhaar with PAN online, log on to the Income Tax e-portal. Next, under the 'Quick Links' section, click on 'Link Aadhaar.' Enter details such as Aadhaar number, PAN, name, and Captcha code. Submit the details, click on 'Link Aadhaar', and you're done. After successful verification from UIDAI, the linkage will be confirmed. You can also link your PAN with Aadhaar via SMS.
Steps to link your PAN with Aadhaar via SMS
Apart from the online method, users can also link their Aadhaar with PAN, using SMS service. To do so, type a text message in this format: UIDPAN (space) 12-digit Aadhaar number (space) 10-digit PAN, and send to 567678 or 56161 from your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
