“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin.
While not the most likeable part, paying taxes is an indispensable part of adulthood. Taxes are the subscription fee for being a card-carrying member of the “Grown-up Club.” And what’s that membership card, you ask? Well, it’s none other than the PAN card.
A PAN card is a must-have document for all Indian and foreign citizens who wish to conduct financial transactions in the country. In addition, a PAN card is necessary for individuals and entities with an income source.
So, if you are a new member of the “Grown-up Club” or want to start your business, you need to know how to apply for a PAN card and the charges associated with the same.
The Income Tax Department of India issues a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code known as permanent account number or PAN. The PAN card is a laminated plastic card sent by the IT department that contains your:
Apart from filling out an ITR, a PAN card is essential to conduct financial transactions, record revenue, buy and sell assets, and receive benefits from government subsidies. Companies and Hindu Undivided Families (HUF) also need a PAN card to conduct business in India.
Note: A PAN card is not a proof of nationality as foreign individuals and entities also use it.
The IT department charges a nominal fee for issuing a fresh PAN card. However, foreign citizens have to pay ten times more than national applicants. The disparity in amount is due to the higher dispatch fee for PAN card delivery outside India.
The final amount decreases if the applicant opts for an e-PAN card which is delivered to their registered email ID. Lastly, the amount also varies depending on the submission mode.
This Includes:
Submission Mode | Dispatch Mode | Fees (inclusive of 18% GST) |
Physical Mode | Physical PAN card in India | ₹ 107 |
Physical PAN card outside India | ₹ 1017 | |
e-PAN card | ₹ 72 | |
Paperless Mode | Physical PAN card in India | ₹ 101 |
Physical PAN card outside India | ₹ 1011 | |
e-PAN card | ₹ 66 |
Also, Read: How to Change Mobile Number in PAN Card
Applying for a PAN card is no rocket science. Apply from your computer or contact your Chartered Accountant (CA) to do it on your behalf.
Now, the Government of India has two official websites for online PAN card applications: NSDL and UTIITSL.
We have covered the steps for both websites and the offline method.
The PAN card is issued within 15 days of successful document verification. Use the acknowledgement number to track the application status during that time. Always double-check your information before submitting your application.
Also, Read: How To Check Active Loan On PAN Card?
The Incone Ta Department of our country issues a duplicate PAN card when you misplace it, or by mistake, you end up damaging your PAN card. You will be required to pay a processing fee of Rs 93, with a GST of 18%, which means overall you will have to pay Rs 110.
If you are someone who doesn’t live in India and want to know how much you will have to pay, read further to find out!
If you are living outside India and want to do even a tiny transaction, you will require a PAN card. So look at the table below to learn about the PAN card fees and charges for citizens outside the country:
Application Mode | Charge on Physical PAN Card | Charge on e-PAN Card |
Offline | Rs. 1011 | Rs. 66 |
Online | Rs. 1017 | Rs. 72 |
The e-PAN card will be directly mailed to you on your mail ID.
The Income Tax Department accepts both online and offline payment methods. Here are all the acceptable payment options for a PAN card.
The NSDL or UTIITSL website redirects you to a payment gateway where you can pay the PAN card online fees using a credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking.
The same payment gateway generates e-wallet payment options like Paytm, Mobikwik and Freecharge.
You can pay using a demand draft drawn in favor of NSDL-PAN, payable in Mumbai.
You can pay through cash or cheque as well. However, this option is only available for physical applications.
Just because the PAN card is laminated does not mean it is bulletproof. A PAN card may get damaged during regular use or PAN card need some correction. You can get it rectified by paying a small correction charge.
The Government of India is not like one of your friends who always promises to return your money but never does. So, yes, if you accidentally overpay for your PAN card, you will promptly get a refund. Let’s look at the situations where you are eligible for a refund.
In such cases, follow these steps to get a refund.
Believe it or not, getting a PAN card approved is a big deal. So, it is recommended to prepare all the supporting documents and get the photocopies attested by a Gazetted officer before proceeding with the applications. It reduces the chances of getting your PAN card application rejected.
Identity Proof | Aadhar card Voter ID card Passport Driving license Government-Issued Employee ID Card |
Address Proof | Aadhar Card Voter ID Card Passport Driving License Utility Bills |
Date of Birth Proof | Birth Certificate Matriculation Certificate Aadhar Card Voter ID Card Passport Driving License |
We have mentioned a few different documents under each subheading to cover all bases. But, in reality, you will only require one or two documents to prove your eligibility.
Moreover, none of the documents are required if you opt for the DSC or eSign method.
Getting a PAN card is the first step towards financial freedom because it allows you to opt for loans, trade assets, and undertake large financial transactions.
We recommend going through the online route with the eSign option as it is the simplest method. It takes around 30-45 mins to fill out the application and another 15 days to get the final product. So, what are you waiting for?
Also, Read: How To Get a Personal Loan On A PAN Card?
The fee for Indian individuals ranges from ₹ 66 to ₹ 107. While the fees for foreigners range between ₹ 1011 and ₹ 1017.
Yes, others can apply for your PAN card. Here’s a list of people who are eligible to do so-
Yes, NRIs have to pay a higher amount due to increased dispatch charges.
It takes around 15 days to receive a PAN card.
No, a PAN card is not proof of one’s nationality as companies, firms and foreigners can apply for one.
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