25 April 2024 | By INDIE
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is essentially your financial fingerprint in India. It is a prerequisite for filing taxes, investing, opening bank accounts, and more. So, if you're wondering how to apply for a PAN card, INDIE is here to help and guide you through the process.
According to the Income Tax Department, a PAN card is mandatory for various individuals for executing financial transactions such as:
● Filing income tax returns: This applies if your income is above a certain limit, which changes from year to year.
● Running a business: Whether you're a one-person show or a corporate giant, a PAN card is a must.
● Earning through miscellaneous sources: This could be rent, interest, or other investments crossing a specific threshold.
● Applying for a passport: Want to travel the world? A PAN card is a part of the packing list.
● Opening a new bank account: a PAN card is essential in many cases when you open an account.
A typical PAN is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier. For example: AFZPK7190K
● First Three Characters are a series of three letters running alphabetically from AAA to ZZZ.
● Fourth Character signifies the status/ constituency of the holder. For instance, if the fourth letter in your PAN is ‘P’, it denotes proprietor or individual.
● Fifth Character represents the first letter of the individual's last name/surname.
● Sixth through Ninth Characters are sequential numbers ranging from 0001 to 9999.
● Tenth Character is an alphabetic check digit used to help prevent errors and fraud.
If you want to apply for a PAN card and are looking to navigate your way through its process, we are here to help you. There are two approved methods by the Income Tax Department: online and offline. Let’s understand them one by one.
Applying for e-Pan online is as easy as ordering food online. You can apply for a PAN card online by heading to the Income Tax Department website (https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Pages/default.aspx) and clicking on "Apply Online'' under the "PAN" section. After a little navigation on the drop-down sections, you will be asked to fill out a form online. You will be asked to submit a few documents (mentioned later in this article) for verification. Once submitted, you'll get a confirmation message/ email with a tracking number.
Online might be the new way to go, but the traditional way of applying for a PAN card is still relevant and used by many. Download the PAN application form (Form 49A) from the Income Tax Department website and fill it with all your details. Attach the required documents ( as mentioned later) and submit them at any NSDL TIN Facilitation Center (NSDL-CFC) or authorized PAN Service Provider (PAN-SP). You'll receive a receipt with a tracking number for reference.
● Identity proof: Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Passport, Driving License, etc. (originals and photocopies)
● Address proof: Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID card, Bank statement, Utility bill (originals and photocopies)
● Date of Birth Proof: Passport, Birth certificate, School leaving certificate, etc. (originals and photocopies)
● Two recent passport-size photographs
Hopefully, now you are aware of how to apply for a PAN card and are ready to start your financial journey. IndusInd Bank is here to empower you at every step. Once you receive your PAN Card, you can easily open a bank account online with INDIE.
Savings accounts have also undergone a lot of changes because of digital transformation in India. The documents required for opening a bank account, the procedure to apply or even the verification has now been digitized. To know more about a digital savings account on INDIE, read here:
https://indie.indusind.com/indie/blogs/digital-savings-account.html
If you have any questions about PAN cards or your financial needs, reach out to our customer service team or visit your nearest IndusInd Bank branch. We're always happy to help!
