The term PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric identity proof. It is one of the most crucial documents that every Indian individual or organisation must have to conduct financial transactions and file Income Tax Returns. Having more than one PAN card is unlawful under the Income Tax Act of 1961. If the Income Tax Department discovers that a taxpayer has more than one PAN, it may pursue legal action or impose a financial penalty. But what if you have two separate PANs? In this article, we will look at whether an individual can have two PANs with different numbers and how to surrender the extra one.
Can an individual have two PAN cards with different numbers?
The Income Tax Department prohibits the possession of more than one PAN card number. Taxpayers must relinquish the additional PAN card immediately to prevent any legal or financial implications.
You may hold two PAN card numbers for a variety of reasons. These may include PAN correction, numerous applications, a new PAN after marriage, or fraudulent activity. In case you have two PAN cards with different numbers, return or close a duplicate PAN card using either an online or offline approach.
Online method to surrender additional PAN cards for individuals
If you have two PAN cards and want to return the duplicate card, there are several ways to surrender your PAN. Here is a way to do it through the UTIITSL website:
- Visit the UTIITSL (www.pan.utiitsl.com) website.
- Choose the PAN option and click on the ‘Change / Correction in PAN’ option. form option.
- You will be taken to a page where you have the option to go for a physical process or a paperless digital process. You can also choose a completely digital process by using Aadhaar-based eKYC, Aadhaar-based eSign, or digital signature certificate. In case you do not have the necessary credentials for the digital process, choose the ‘Physical’ process. You will have to forward certain documents physically (to the PAN collection centre)by choosing this option.
- Enter the PAN card number that you use actively to initiate the process. You can also choose whether you want an ePAN or a physical card with ePAN at this stage. Charges will differ as per the option you choose.
- You will receive a reference number. Make a note of this number. You will have to enter your personal information, address, and a few other details. After filling out the needed information, submit the form and receive an acknowledgement.
How do you surrender the duplicate PAN cards offline?
If you have two PAN cards and want to cancel one of them, you can take the following steps:
- Download the ‘Request For New PAN Card Or/ And Changes Or Correction in PAN Data’ form from the UTIITSL website. You can also get this form from the protean or Income Tax Department website. The physical forms are available at the IT PAN service centres and TIN-Facilitation centres
- Fill out the form and include the PAN card number to be surrendered.
- All other PANs that were unintentionally assigned to you should be listed in item 11 of the form, and their associated PAN card copies should be submitted for cancellation alongside the form.
- Submit the form at the nearest IT PAN service centre or TIN-Facilitation centre. Remember to keep a copy of the acknowledgement for future reference.
- Write a letter to the Assessing Officer in your PAN card jurisdiction, including your full name, date of birth, PAN card number to be retained, and facts about the duplicate PAN card being surrendered. Keep the acknowledgement that you received. When submitting the letter, include a copy of the duplicate PAN to be surrendered. Also, attach the acknowledgement copy obtained from the form collection centre mentioned in point 4.
To sum up, a person cannot carry more than one PAN card. Having multiple PANs may result in penalties or legal action. Follow the simple process to surrender duplicate cards and retain a single PAN card.
