How to Apply for a lost PAN Card?

A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10 character, alpha-numeric code assigned and authorised by the Income Tax Department of India to anyone who requests it. This number is then issued in the form of a laminated card or a PDF format, as requested by the applicant. The PAN Card is a valid proof of identity and also necessary to file income tax returns. In a way, it is a financial footprint and is required while carrying out any high-value monetary transaction. The PAN Card, when assigned/issued to the applicant, is valid for a lifetime.

Given the high weightage of this document, the extra significance of it is a no-brainer. Therefore, in case one happens to lose their pan card, there is a set procedure in place to help one know how to apply for a lost PAN Card. Following are the explicit details of the required process:

Eligibility criteria

When answering the question of how to apply for a lost PAN Card as a person, the answer is pretty straightforward; the individual entity is responsible for completing the said process. However, when it comes to any type of non-individual, it is imperative to have a designated person to carry forward all necessary formalities. Hence, depending upon the category of a taxpayer, the following is a list of authorised signatories responsible to carry on the required procedures.

How to Apply for a lost PAN Card?

A PAN Card is an extremely important document. Hence, in the event of the loss/ theft of a PAN Card, it is essential to file an FIR (First Information Report) at the nearest Police Station. Doing this will safeguard one from any potential misuse of the document and further save unnecessary trouble. Additionally, a copy of this FIR needs to be attached/sent along with other required documents when applying for a lost PAN Card.

A PAN Card has two approved issuing agencies: NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited). Both of these service providers work under the Income-Tax Department of India and provide a host of services such as application, re-issuance, correction, or re-print of a PAN Card. The NSDL and UTIITSL offer both online and offline services. So, depending on where one has got their PAN Card issued from, the steps for how to apply for lost PAN Card are:

1. Applying for a lost PAN Card (Online)

• Log in to the TIN - NSDL website and under “Application type” select “Reprinting of PAN card/Changes or correction in existing PAN card data.” This option will not allow one to change or update already existing PAN Card data.
• Select the appropriate taxpayer category as mentioned above. Complete the remaining applicant information and submit it.
• A token number will be generated for future referencing and tracking, which will be emailed to the applicant at the registered email address.
• After receiving the token number, continue with the PAN application by filling in personal information, modes of submitting required documents, and PAN requirement, i.e., whether a physical PAN is required or if one wants to opt for an e-PAN.
• After filling in the information and providing supporting documents, you will be redirected to the payment page
• . The payment can be made via debit/credit card, demand draft, or net banking. On successful payment, an acknowledge receipt will be generated.
• The PAN Card can be expected at the registered communication address within two weeks from the date of generation of the acknowledgment receipt.
• The process via the UTIITSL portal is more or less the same. One can visit the UTIITSL Website - PAN service portal and fill in the required reprint/correction in the PAN Card form and proceed accordingly.

2. Apply for a lost PAN Card (Offline)

• The “Reprinting of PAN card/ Changes or correction in existing PAN card data” form can be downloaded from either the NSDL/ UTIITSL/ Income Tax Department Website.
• This form needs to be printed out and filled in block letters in black ink only, making sure only one character is filled in every block provided.
• To ensure easy reference, one needs to mention their existing 10-digit PAN card number.
• Attach the required documents which prove the applicant’s identity, residence, date of birth/incorporation, and PAN along with the form. If the applicant is an individual, then 2 passport size photographs need to be attached and cross-signed on the form and the photo. However, one needs to ensure to not sign on the face as it should be visible.
• All these documents along with the applicable processing fee as mentioned below need to be submitted to the NSDL/ UTIITSL facilitation center. The payment can be done via cash, cheque, or a DD (demand draft).
• NSDL/ UTIITSL will issue a payment acknowledgment receipt along with a 15-digit unique number once they have successfully received the application along with the payment.

Documents required

Based on the categories of taxpayers, as discussed above, the following documents are required for applying for the lost PAN Card:

For Individuals - Indian Citizens:

1. Proof of Identity
2. Proof of Address
3. Proof of Date of Birth

For Individuals - Foreign Nationals/(PIO) Persons of Indian Origin/(OCI)Overseas Citizen of India:

1. Passport Copy
2. Copy of PIO Card
3. Copy of OCI Card
4. Copy of Nationality Certificate/ Citizenship Identification duly attested by the Apostille

For Non-individuals:

1. Proof of Identity
2. Proof of Address
3. Proof of Date of Incorporation/ Formation

Processing fee

Whenever an application for a lost pan card is made, one needs to state whether a physical PAN Card is required. If the applicant requests a physical PAN Card, the card is printed and sent to the communication address of the applicant. Mentioned below are the processing fees:

Summary

In this article, we have seen the details on how to apply for a lost PAN card. The details include the eligibility criteria for applying, different application modes available, documents required, and the processing fees for the application. The PAN Card authorities, with their prompt services, have immensely simplified their processes for applicants. This ease in the PAN Card proceedings, coupled with the elaborate steps discussed above, will definitely make one adept with the application for a lost PAN Card.

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FAQs

Q. How to apply for a lost PAN Card offline?

Ans. One can apply for a lost PAN Card offline by downloading the form for a duplicate or reprint of the PAN Card from either the NSDL or UTIITSL websites. This form then needs to be duly filled and submitted along with the required documents in-person or via post to either the NSDL or UTIITSL authorities.

Q. Can I have more than one PAN?

Ans. No, As per the provisions of section 272B of the Income Tax Act 1961, a penalty of Rs. 10,000 can be charged if anyone is found possessing more than one PAN. Therefore, one is expected to have only one PAN and surrender the other(s).

Q. How to apply for a lost pan card if the applicant cannot sign?

Ans. If the applicant is not able to sign, the left-hand thumb impression can be used as a substitute.