How to apply for PAN Online?

Residents or non-residents can apply for PAN (Permanent Account Number) online using Income Tax department's Form 49A.

Online application can be made either through the NSDL portal or UTITSL portal.

The PAN application charges are Rs 93 (excluding GST) for Indian communication address and Rs 864 (excluding GST​) for foreign communication address. Payment of application fee can be made through credit/debit card, demand draft or net-banking.

Once the application and payment is accepted, the applicant is required to send the supporting documents through courier/post to NSDL/UTITSL.

Only after the receipt of the documents, PAN application would be processed by NSDL/UTITSL.

Before you fill Form 49A, read the following common mistakes made on the application:

1. Signature

There are two signatures to be made. Make sure these are made within the box provided. When the signature runs outside the slot provided, it could result in an error.

According to the instructions, the signature is required to be made using a pen with black ink only.

Also, do not add any unnecessary details like date or designation with the signature.

2. Name

Avoid adding initials in your name. Use your full name and not abbreviations, just like one does for a passport application.

Do not add spouse's name in the space provided for father's name.

3. Proof

You are required to submit a proof of identity and a proof of address with PAN application. The idea is to verify your name in other governmental records, therefore it is important that the document you send to the tax authorities mentions the name of the applicant.

Also, the name has to be correct and not misspelled or different from the one provided in the PAN application.

4. Communication

Postal address, especially the PIN code must be correctly provided and rechecked for errors. The postal address should also include a landmark, so that your PAN card reaches you easily.

Your phone number and e-mail ID should also be correctly entered to receive communication from the tax department.

5. Photograph

Do not use a scanned copy of the photograph as it may not appear clear on the original hard copy of the PAN card. Always use the original photo.

If you are applying through the physical copy of Form 49A and not the online mode, do not staple or pin the photograph. Only use glue to hold the passport size photo in place.