Checking PAN Card Status Made Easy - A Step-by-Step Guide

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital document for Indian taxpayers. Issued by the Income Tax Department, this alphanumeric code uniquely identifies individuals or entities undertaking financial transactions. Whether you are applying for a new PAN card or seeking updates on its status, navigating the process can sometimes seem daunting. In this article, we will walk you through the process of checking your PAN card status effortlessly.

Prerequisites

Before we proceed, ensure you have the following:

1. PAN Number: Your PAN card number is essential for checking its status.
2. Valid Mobile Number: Make sure you have access to the mobile number linked to your PAN.
3. Acknowledgment Number: Keep your 15-digit acknowledgment number that you get after your PAN application ready.

How to check PAN application status

Follow these simple steps to know your PAN card application status:

1. Visit the Protean TIN website
2. Click on ‘Know Status of Your Application’ link
3. Select ‘PAN – New/Change Request’ in the application type dropdown
4. Enter your 15-digit acknowledgment number
5. Solve the captcha code
6. Click ‘Submit’ to check your PAN card application status

How to check PAN card status

Follow these simple steps to determine whether your PAN card is valid or invalid:

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing website:

• Go to the Income Tax e-filing website
• If you’re a first-time user, register and create an account

2. Navigate to the ‘Verify PAN Status’ option:

• On the homepage, look for the ‘Quick Links’ section
• Click on the ‘Verify PAN Status’ option

3. Enter details:

• Provide the following information:
  • Your PAN
  • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Valid Mobile Number
  • Click the ‘Continue’ button

4. Verify using OTP:

• You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number
• Enter the OTP and click the ‘Validate’ button

5. View your PAN status:

• The website will display your PAN card status—whether it is valid or invalid

Consequences of an inoperative PAN card

If your PAN card is inoperative (invalid), certain financial transactions become restricted. Here is what you need to know:

1. Financial transactions you cannot perform:

• Opening an account (except for time deposits and basic savings bank accounts) with a banking company or cooperative bank.
• Applying for credit and debit cards.
• Opening a Demat account.
• Making cash payments exceeding Rs. 50,000 for specific purposes (e.g., foreign travel, mutual funds, bonds).

2. Higher tax deduction:

• When your PAN is inoperative, higher tax deductions apply to certain financial transactions.

Additional methods to check PAN card status

Apart from the e-filing website, you can also check your PAN card status using the following methods:

1. Using Aadhaar number:

• Visit the Income Tax e-filing website
• Click the ‘Instant e-PAN’ option under ‘Quick Links’
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number to check the status of your e-PAN card

2. SMS method:

• Compose an SMS with your 15-digit acknowledgment number
• Send the SMS to 57575 (NSDL PAN)
• Receive an SMS with your PAN card status

Conclusion

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card plays a pivotal role in the financial landscape of India, serving as a unique identifier for taxpayers. Navigating the process of checking PAN card status has been simplified through various online platforms, offering convenience and efficiency to individuals. By following the step-by-step guides provided in this article and ensuring the availability of essential prerequisites such as PAN number and acknowledgment number, taxpayers can effortlessly track the progress of their PAN card applications. It is imperative to maintain an operative PAN card to avoid restrictions on financial transactions and potential higher tax deductions. Embrace the available methods, whether through e-filing websites, Aadhaar number, or SMS, to stay informed about your PAN card status and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

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