The digital revolution has transformed many aspects of our lives, and the Indian Income Tax Department is not far behind. The introduction of the Electronic Permanent Account Number (E PAN Card) is a significant step towards digitization, offering numerous benefits to taxpayers.
What is E PAN Card?
The e-PAN is a digitally signed PAN card issued in an electronic or digital format by the Income-tax department. It contains a QR code that holds demographic details of the PAN card holder such as the person’s name, date of birth, and photograph. This unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the tax department is valid for a lifetime.
How to apply for E PAN
Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for an e-PAN through Aadhaar:
- Visit the official income tax website.
- From the ‘Quick Links’, select ‘Instant e-PAN’.
- Click on the ‘Get New e-PAN’ option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and tick the declaration.
- Check the relevant details and submit the application.
Remember, generating an e-PAN is a free of cost, online process that does not require you to fill up any forms. Once your request is submitted successfully, you’ll receive an Acknowledgement ID for future reference. Keep in mind that e-PAN is a valid form of PAN and does not result in a physical PAN card.
How to Download E PAN?
Downloading your e-PAN from the NSDL and UTIITSL websites is a straightforward process.
For UTIITSL, visit the official website and click ‘Download’ under ‘Download e-PAN’. Enter your PAN, date of birth, GSTIN (if applicable), and submit. You will receive a link on your registered mobile or email. The e-PAN will be sent only on the email ID available as per PAN records with the Income Tax Department.
For NSDL, visit the official website and click on ‘Download e-PAN/e-PAN XML’. Enter your Acknowledgement Number or PAN Card Number, provide your Aadhaar card number, enter your date of birth and, if applicable, your GSTIN. Submit the captcha code and click on the submit button.
step-by-step guide to download your e-PAN
here’s a step-by-step guide to download your e-PAN card from the NSDL and UTIITSL websites:
For UTIITSL:
- Visit the official UTIITSL website.
- Click ‘Download’ under ‘Download e-PAN’.
- Enter your PAN, date of birth, GSTIN (if applicable), and submit.
- Receive a link on your registered mobile or email.
- The e-PAN will be sent only on the email ID available as per PAN records with the Income Tax Department.
- If your e-PAN was issued within the last month, you can download it for free. For requests received after one month of the last issuance of their e-PAN, you will have to make an online payment of Rs.8.26 (inclusive of taxes) for each subsequent e-PAN download.
For NSDL:
- Visit the official NSDL website.
- Click on ‘Download e-PAN/e-PAN XML’.
- Enter your Acknowledgement Number or PAN Card Number.
- Provide your Aadhaar card number.
- Enter your date of birth and, if applicable, your GSTIN.
- Submit the captcha code and click on the submit button.
Please note that the request for e-PAN will be verified with OTP-based authentication through email only. If your email is not available/updated with ITD Records, you should get this updated by applying through a change/correction request application to avail the e-PAN request facility later.
Validity of E PAN
The e-PAN is a valid form of PAN and is recognized by the Income Tax Department of India. It is valid for a lifetime and can be obtained digitally. However, you will not receive a physical PAN card when you apply for an e-PAN. If you need a physical PAN card, you will have to apply for it separately.
benefits of having an e-PAN card
The e-PAN card offers several benefits. It is convenient, easy to carry, and supports the government’s initiative towards digitization. It comes in handy when you are filing income tax returns, buying or selling property, investing in mutual funds, registering a business, and carrying out other financial transactions.
The e-PAN card offers several benefits:
- Convenience: e-PAN is a digitally signed PAN Card that the Income Tax department issues in an electronic or digital format. It is easy to carry as it can be stored on your phone or computer.
- Speed: The allotment process is paperless and you can avail an e-PAN free of cost if you possess a valid Aadhaar number and have your mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
- Accuracy: It reduces the chance of errors that might occur when manually entering the PAN details.
- Digitization: It supports the government’s initiative towards digitization.
- Financial Transactions: It comes in handy when you are filing income tax returns, buying or selling property, investing in mutual funds, registering a business, and carrying out other financial transactions.
Please note that e-PAN is a valid proof of PAN and has a QR code that possesses demographic details of PAN card holders such as the person’s name, date of birth, and photograph.
In conclusion, the e-PAN is a significant step towards digitization, making it easier for taxpayers to manage their financial transactions. It is a testament to the power of technology in transforming the way we live and work.