How to apply for PAN online and documents required for registration
In the last half a decade or so, PAN or permanent account number has become one of the most recognized and needed identity proof in India. This unique 10-digit alphanumeric identity proof, which is assigned by the Income Tax Department to each taxpayer in the country, is needed to file income tax returns, open a bank account and even to make payments above Rs. 50,000. While a PAN card is a valid identity proof in India, it can be issued to citizens of the country (including minors), foreign citizens and non-resident Indians (NRIs).
The Income Tax department does this under the supervision of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the 10-digit alphanumeric proof is compulsory for every taxpayer to make financial transactions like receiving a professional fees or salary which is taxable, purchase or sale of any assets above the fixed limits and buying of mutual funds, among others. That said, the main aim of PAN is to use a universal identification number to keep note of all the financial transactions which might have a taxable element in order to avoid any kind of tax evasion.
While the PAN application process is easy and hassle-free in contrast to what many may believe, applications can be made both offline and online via the NSDL website (onlineservices.nsdl.com). The procedure of registration varies for specified categories of people, however, if you are an Indian citizen and are wondering about how to apply for PAN online, here is a comprehensive guide that will give you all the answers you seek.
Documents required online PAN card application
For identity proof, you have to provide any one of the following documents:
Ration card, elector's photo identity card, Passport, Arm's license, Driving license, Aadhaar card, Photo identity card issued by Central/State Government or a Public Sector Undertaking, Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme photo card or Central Government Health Scheme Card, Pensioner Card having photograph of the applicant, Bank certificate in original on letterhead from the branch with your attested photograph and bank account number, Certificate of identity in original signed by a Member of Parliament/Legislative Assembly or a Gazetted Officer.
For address proof, you have to provide any one of the following documents:
Electricity bill, landline telephone or broadband bill, water bill, gas connection card/book/gas bill, bank account statement, credit card statement, depository account statement, copy of post office pass book with address of the applicant, voter ID card, passport, passport of the spouse, any latest property tax assessment order, domicile certificate issued by the Government, driving licence, Aadhaar card, allotment letter of accommodation from Central/State Government (not more than three years old), employer’s certificate in original, property registration document and certificate of address which is signed by a Member of Parliament/Member of Legislative Assembly or a Gazetted Officer.
For proof of date of birth, you have to provide any one of the following documents:
Pension payment order, matriculation certificate, passport, driving license, marriage certificate, domicile certificate, affidavit sworn before a magistrate stating your date of birth and birth certificate which has been issued by any authority which can issue birth and death certificates.
How to apply for PAN online or how to register for PAN card online?
1. Visit the NDSL website through this link https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html and you will see a form titled as Online PAN application.
2. Click on Type - select New PAN and select Indian Citizen (Form 49A), and you’re a foreign national, select Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA).
3. Select the PAN card category you need. It will be Individual for most people.
4. Fill in your personal details like name, date of birth, etc., and enter the captcha code before clicking on Submit.
5. Now you will have three choices. You can either authenticate via Aadhaar in order to avoid uploading any documents or scan the needed documents and upload them via e-sign or go and physically submit documents.
6. If you choose Aadhaar as a mode of authentication, all it needs is an OTP followed by the payment process. However, if you don’t want this option, the steps for the other two options are almost similar except the fact that in the third option, you will need to send an attested copy of all documents to the authorities.
7. Enter all details like Aadhaar number (optional) which are requested on screen before clicking Next.
8. Now you will be required to fill in your name, address, date of birth, etc. Do that, and then click Next.
9. An AO code (Assessing Officer code) will appear on the screen. Just select one of the four given choices at the top namely Indian Citizens, Defence Employees, NRI and Foreign Citizens, and Government Category.
10. Then under Choose AO Code option, select your state as well as the area of residence to get the full list of AO codes in the box below.
11. Scroll and look for the category which applies best to you from options like companies, government servants, non-salaried people, private sector employees, etc.
12. Now click on the correct AO code and then click on Next.
13. Select the documents you will be submitting as proof of age as well as a residence proof from the drop-down menu. Now fill in required details before clicking on the Submit option.
After completing all these steps, you will be redirected to the payment page where you can choose one of the mentioned online payment methods. The fee for PAN card applications is Rs. 115.90 (inclusive of all taxes) for Indian citizens while a small fee is also added to the total as online payment charges, taking the total charges to Rs. 120. After making the payment, you will need to either authenticate via Aadhaar OTP or submit all documents via e-sign or physically send all the documents to NSDL.
After selecting and completing any of these three processes, you will receive an email from NSDL acknowledging your application. Save and keep the acknowledgement number handy and your PAN Card will be delivered to your address once the application has been processed successfully.
