The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a crucial document for financial transactions in India. Whether you have recently applied for a new PAN card or have an existing one, it is essential to know how to check if your PAN card is active or not. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to verify the active status of your PAN card.
Understanding PAN card activation
When you apply for a PAN card, it goes through a process of verification and activation by the Income Tax Department. Once activated, your PAN card becomes a valid identification for various financial and government-related purposes, influencing factors that contribute to your CIBIL Score. It is crucial to check the active status periodically, especially if you have not used your PAN card for an extended period, as maintaining an active and accurate financial profile positively impacts your CIBIL Score.
Steps to check PAN card active status
1. Visit the official NSDL website:
- Open your web browser and go to the official website of the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), which is the authorised agency for PAN card services.
2. Navigate to the PAN status page:
- Look for the 'PAN card' section on the website's homepage.
- Click on the 'Check PAN card status' option. This will direct you to the page where you can verify the status of your PAN card.
3. Enter PAN details:
- On the PAN card status page, you will find a form asking for specific details.
- Enter your PAN number and the captcha code provided.
4. Submit the form:
- After entering the required information, click on the 'Submit' button.
5. View PAN card status:
- The next page will display the current status of your PAN card.
- If your PAN card is active, the status will indicate the same. Otherwise, it may provide information about the reasons for deactivation.
Understanding PAN card deactivation
PAN cards may be deactivated for various reasons, such as non-compliance with tax regulations or discrepancies in the provided information. If your PAN card is inactive, it is crucial to understand the cause before taking corrective actions.
Common reasons for PAN card deactivation
- Non-filing of Income Tax Returns:
Failure to file Income Tax Returns regularly may lead to the deactivation of your PAN card. - Duplicate PAN card issue:
If you possess more than one PAN card, the authorities may deactivate one to maintain a single unique identification number. - Incorrect information:
Inaccurate information provided during the application process can result in the deactivation of your PAN card.
Regularly checking the active status of your PAN card is a responsible practice, ensuring that you can use it seamlessly for financial transactions and government-related activities. Follow the steps outlined above to verify the status of your PAN card on the NSDL website. If you encounter any issues or find that your PAN card is inactive, take prompt action to rectify the situation by contacting the NSDL helpdesk or addressing the specific reasons for deactivation. Stay informed and proactive to ensure the continued validity of your PAN card for smooth financial operations.
Steps to reactivate a deactivated PAN
A deactivated Permanent Account Number (PAN) can pose significant challenges for taxpayers. To rectify this issue promptly, please follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Submit a reactivation request
Compose a formal letter addressed to your jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO) within the Income Tax Department. Clearly state your request to reactivate your PAN in the letter.
Step 2: Provide required documentation
Enclose the following essential documents with your letter:
- A copy of the deactivated PAN card.
- An indemnity bond in favour of the Income Tax Department.
- Copies of Income Tax Returns filed for the preceding three years using the deactivated PAN.
Timeline
Please allow approximately 10 to 15 business days for the Income Tax Department to process your reactivation request upon receipt.