Permanent Account Number (PAN)
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 9-digit number assigned to each Indian citizen by the Income Tax Authorities. It is used to track and identify taxpayers and is required to be quoted on various documents, including tax returns, bank statements, and invoices.
Format:
The PAN is a 9-digit number in the format XXXXXXXXXX, where:
- XXX is the first block of three digits, which is unique to each state/Union Territory.
- XXXX is the second block of four digits, which is assigned to the specific branch of the bank where the account is opened.
- XXX is the last block of three digits, which is a serial number issued to the specific account.
Purpose:
- Tax identification: The PAN is used to identify taxpayers and determine their tax liability.
- Financial transactions: The PAN is used for various financial transactions, such as opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and filing taxes.
- Other official purposes: The PAN is also used for other official purposes, such as obtaining passports and driving licenses.
Additional Information:
- The PAN is a permanent number and should not be changed unless specifically required by the authorities.
- You can find your PAN on your income tax return, bank statements, or other official documents.
- If you do not have a PAN, you can apply for one at any Income Tax Office (ITO) in India.
Please note that this is just a summary of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) in India. There may be additional information or regulations related to PAN that are not covered in this text.
FAQs
What is a Permanent Account Number (PAN)?
PAN is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Indian Income Tax Department to individuals, companies, and entities for tax and identification purposes.
How can I know my PAN card’s Permanent Account Number?
You can find your PAN on your physical PAN card, or retrieve it online using the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal by entering personal details such as your name and date of birth.
What do the 10 digits in a PAN represent?
The PAN format includes 10 characters: the first five are letters (the fourth letter represents the type of holder, like P for an individual), followed by four numbers, and a final letter for validation.
Is PAN the same as a bank account number?
No, PAN is not the same as a bank account number. PAN is used for tax identification, while a bank account number is unique to each bank and is used to manage an individual’s bank account.
How can I check my PAN card status?
You can check your PAN application status on the NSDL or UTIITSL website by entering your application reference number. You can also verify an existing PAN using your name and date of birth on the Income Tax e-filing website.
