Can I Use Aadhaar Card as an ID Proof for New PAN Card Application?

According to the latest amendments, the Aadhaar card will now be enough for any individual obtaining a PAN card. This notification was issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) stating that the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and Aadhar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India, are valid proofs of an individual’s identity, address, and date of birth, and thus can be used as ID proof for new PAN card application. The idea following this major amendment is to eliminate the need to provide multiple documents to prove one’s own identity and also to make the PAN card application process simpler and more convenient for the citizens of India.

PAN or the Permanent Account Number is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax department of the country. PAN is mandatory for all major financial transactions above Rs. 2 lakhs. It helps the government keep a check on black money transactions. This is why the government has made it easier for the people to apply for PAN card online using Aadhar card as proof of their identity and address. It saves time and makes the process of getting PAN more convenient.

A new PAN card can be applied online on the NSDL website or UTIITSL website. Both these websites have been authorized by the government of India to issue PAN on behalf of the income tax department. Moreover, these websites also accept requests for making changes and corrections in the PAN.

Here are the steps to apply for PAN online:

1. Fill and submit Form 49A (for resident Indians and companies incorporated in India) available on the NSDL website. You can also apply for PAN online by using the UTIITSL website. Fill all the details in the form carefully. To avoid any mistake, it is advised to read the detailed instructions carefully before furnishing the details in the form.
    
2. Once you fill and submit the application form in either of the two websites - NSDL or UTIITSL, you will be asked to make a payment through debit/credit card, demand draft or net banking. The charges for applying for a new PAN card is Rs. 110 (including GST) for Indian communication address while for a foreign communication address, the payable charges would be Rs. 1020 (including GST). Upon successful payment, an acknowledgment will be displayed on your computer screen. You must save the acknowledgment number for future use.
    
3. When submitting any other documents as identity and address proof, an individual is supposed to send the relevant documents (one valid identity proof, one address proof and one proof of date of birth to get PAN) through courier/post to NSDL. However, with Aadhaar based application just furnishing Aadhaar card would serve all the purpose. All you need to do is upload the scanned image of your photograph and your Aadhaar based e-signature, as per the specifications on the website. Only after the receipt of the documents, the PAN application will be processed.

Benefits of applying for PAN card online using Aadhaar card

• It is a convenient and time-saving process.

• It eliminates the commission charged by the physical agent and hence is cost-effective.

• Applying for PAN card online means that you can complete the forms electronically, giving you more flexibility and control, and thus eliminating the chances of spelling mistakes and wrong data entry in the application.

• You can track the status of your application using the acknowledgment number.

• You can pay the fee during the application filing i.e. via online mode. Payment through cheque or demand draft can also be made but you need to courier it to some address which is time-consuming.