Thinking of buying a car? Or taking a new phone connection? Making an investment? Well, there's one detail you need to quote for all, and that's your Permanent Account Number (PAN). Required for an ever-widening gamut of transactions, a PAN card is a must these days. If you have not got one yet, ignore those annoying messages and flyers touting PAN application services, and do it yourself. Here's how.
Forms and proofs
The entire process is simple enough. Download and print an application form, fill it up, gather the required documents, submit the lot and wait for the card to reach you. NSDL or UTI Investor Services offer PAN card application services through their network of PAN centres.
Application for a PAN should be made in Form 49A. Downloading this form can be done from the following websites:
Income Tax Department website:
http://law.incometaxindia.gov.in/DITTaxmann/IncomeTaxRules/pdf/Form49aE.PDF
UTI Investor Services website:
http://www.utiisl.co.in/form49a.htm
NSDL website: tin.nsdl.com
Print out the form. Take care to use the exact type of paper the Income Tax Department specifies - A4-size 70 gsm paper only - else your application may be rejected. The actual filling up of the form is not much of a hassle. There is a clear set of guidelines for form-filling, which can be accessed online at either of the following addresses:
https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/Instructions49A.html#instruct_form49A or
http://www.utiitsl.com/utitsl/site/instructions.jsp
If you are so inclined, you can fill in and submit the form online, through the websites of UTI Investor Services (http://www.utiisl.co.in/) or NSDL (https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/index.html/). However, online applications only spare you the trouble of printing forms on precisely specified paper. You still have to print the acknowledgement received, sign and affix the photograph and collate and submit documents.
The one snag you may hit while filling in the form is the area code and assessing officer code. If you've taken the online route, then there is a search option for this. Else, it is always wise to put in those particular details after consulting with the PAN service centres at which you are submitting your form.As with most applications, you will need to provide a photograph and conclusive proof of your identity and address. Fret not, for the range of permissible documents is quite expansive, making it easier to put together your proofs.
For instance, identity can be proved by certificates ranging from your standard school leaving certificates and passport to a water bill, a depository account statement or even a credit card bill. Similarly, proof of address can be shown through telephone bills, bank account statements and so on.
In fact, a number of permissible documents double as proofs of identity and address such as your passport, ration card, voter's identity card or driver's license. The entire list of documents can be read at either of the following websites:
https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/Instructions49A.html#instruct_documents or
http://www.utiitsl.com/utitsl/site/instructions.jsp
Fees and submission
Once completed, all there is left to be done is the submission of the application. UTI Investor Service Centres or at NSDL's centres have been authorised by the Income Tax department to collect PAN application forms. To find out which centre is closest to you, go to either of the following sites:
For NSDL centres: http://www.tin-nsdl.com/TINFaciliCenter.asp
For UTI PAN centres: http://www.myutitsl.co.in//intra/web/search_psa.jsp
Of course, applying for a PAN is not free of cost. Regardless of the mode used, Rs 94 is the fee payable for resident Indians (Rs 744 for non-resident Indians), which can be paid through cheques, demand drafts, net banking or even credit cards.
