Individuals who are applying for a Permanent account Number (PAN), should fill Form 49A online and submit the form.

PAN card is necessary as it can be used as a identification documentation, though the only worry is it does not serve as a address proof. However, it is the most important number that links and tracks various documents and information regarding taxes and financial transactions, such as loans, investments, buying and selling real estate and other business activities of taxpayers.

Here are 7 must know things before applying for Pan card

1) Individual applicants

Individuals should sign the acknowledgement receipt in the space provided for signature.

In case of a minor/deceased/idiot/lunatic/mentally retarded acknowledgment receipt shall be signed by the Representative Assessee.

2) Non-Individual applicants

In case of Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), acknowledgment receipt shall be signed by the Karta of the HUF.

In case of Company/Firm/Association of Person(s)/Body of Individuals/ Association of Person(s) Trust/Artificial Judicial Person or Local Authority, the authorised signatory shall sign the acknowledgment receipt.

3) Photograph

Individuals using the photo for the pan card should ensure that the photograph has the clear visibility of the applicant's face.

'Individual' applicants including minor applicants should affix a recent colour photograph (size 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) in the space provided in the acknowledgment receipt.

However, photo of minor will not be printed on PAN Card. Note that one should not staple or clip the photograph to the acknowledgement receipt.

4)Thumb impression/signature

Signature/Left Thumb Impression should be put within the box provided in the acknowledgment. In such cases signature should not be put across or on the photograph.

Thumb Impression should be attested by a Magistrate or a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer, under official seal and stamp.

5) Payment

The fee for processing PAN application is Rs 106 (Rs 93 + service tax) for PAN card to be dispatched in India. For dispatch outside India, the fee levied is Rs 985 (including service tax).

You can choose from a variety of payment options through Demand Draft, Cheque or Credit card / Debit card or Net Banking.

Make sure to mention acknowledgment number on the reverse of the Cheque/ Demand Draft

6) Proof of Identity and Address

Applicant is required to submit Proof of Identity, Address and Date of birth (applicable for Individuals & Karta of HUF) along with the acknowledgment receipt.

Proof of Identity, Address and Date of birth should be in the name of the applicant as mentioned in item no. 1 of the application form.

Document provided as Proof of Identity, Proof of Address and Date of birth should have name of the applicant exactly matching with the name in application.

7) Submission of documents

The acknowledgment duly signed, affixed with photograph (in case of 'Individuals') along with Demand Draft, if any, and proof of identity, proof of address and proof of date of birth should be sent at the below address :

'Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited,
5th floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341,
Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony,
Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune - 411016'

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