Need for an Instant e-PAN
Traditionally, acquiring a PAN card involved time-consuming paperwork. With modern technological advancements, it is now possible to obtain an instant e-PAN. This streamlined service is not only swift but also free of charge for individuals who haven’t been issued a PAN.
Prerequisites for Instant e-PAN Card
Before you get started with the instant PAN card application procedure, it is essential that you learn about certain prerequisites. An applicant must have the Aadhaar card and a mobile number that is registered with his/her Aadhaar card. Notably, this registered number plays a crucial role in OTP (one-time password) verification during the application process. It is also vital to ensure that you do not already hold a PAN, as this facility is solely available for first-time applicants.
Step-by-Step Guide
Generate New e-PAN
Step 1: Go to the e-Filing portal homepage, click Instant e-PAN.
Step 2: On the e-PAN page, click Get New e-PAN.
Step 3: On the Get New e-PAN page, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, select the I confirm that checkbox and click Continue.
Note:
- If the Aadhaar is already linked to a valid PAN, the following message is displayed – Entered Aadhaar Number is already linked with a PAN.
- If the Aadhaar is not linked with any mobile number, the following message is displayed – Entered Aadhaar Number is not linked with any active mobile number.
Step 4: On the OTP validation page, click I have read the consent terms and agree to proceed further. Click Continue.
Step 5: On the OTP validation page, enter the 6-digit OTP received on the mobile number linked with Aadhaar, select the checkbox to validate the Aadhaar details with UIDAI and click Continue.
Note:
- OTP will be valid for 15 minutes only.
- You have 3 attempts to enter the correct OTP.
- The OTP expiry countdown timer on screen tells you when the OTP will expire.
- On clicking Resend OTP, a new OTP will be generated and sent.
Step 6: On the Validate Aadhaar Details page, select the I Accept that checkbox and click Continue.
Note:
- Linking / Validating email ID (registered with your Aadhaar) is optional.
- If you have updated your email ID in Aadhaar but it has not been validated, click Validate Email. On the Validate Email ID page, enter the 6-digit OTP received on your mobile number linked with Aadhaar and click Continue.
- If you have not updated your email ID in Aadhaar, click Link Email ID. On the Validate Email ID page, enter the 6-digit OTP received on your mobile number linked with Aadhaar and click Continue.
On successful submission, a success message is displayed along with an Acknowledgement Number. Please keep a note of the Acknowledgement ID for future reference. You will also receive a confirmation message on your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
3.2 Update PAN details as per Aadhaar e-KYC
Step 1: Go to the e-Filing portal homepage and click Instant e-PAN.
Step 2: On the e-PAN page, click Update PAN.
Step 3: On the Update PAN Details page, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, select the I confirm that checkbox and click Continue.
Note:
- If the Aadhaar is already linked to a valid PAN, the following message is displayed – Entered Aadhaar Number is already linked with a PAN.
- If the Aadhaar is not linked with any mobile number, the following message is displayed – Entered Aadhaar Number is not linked with any active mobile number.
Step 4: On the OTP Validation page, enter the 6-digit OTP received on your mobile number registered with Aadhaar and click Continue.
Note:
- OTP will be valid for 15 minutes only.
- You have 3 attempts to enter the correct OTP.
- The OTP expiry countdown timer on screen tells you when the OTP will expire.
- On clicking Resend OTP, a new OTP will be generated and sent.
Step 5: After OTP validation, Aadhaar e-KYC details along with the details registered with PAN is displayed. Select the details to updated as per Aadhaar e-KYC by clicking on the respective checkboxes to be updated as per Aadhaar details and click Continue.
Please note that only the following details can be updated as per Aadhaar Details:
- Photo
- Name
- Date of Birth (If you only have year of birth in PAN, you will have to update it in Aadhaar before updating it in PAN).
- Mobile Number (It is updated by default)
- Email ID (You need to validate the email ID to be updated in PAN details)
- Address
Step 6: After selecting all the details which you want to update as per Aadhaar details, click Confirm.
On confirmation, a success message will be displayed with an Acknowledgement Number. Please keep a note the Acknowledgement ID for future reference. You will also receive a confirmation message on your mobile number and email ID linked with Aadhaar.
Common mistakes to avoid while applying for an instant PAN card
Acquiring an instant e-PAN card is a straightforward process, provided you avoid certain common pitfalls. Here are a few prevalent errors and ways to avoid them:
- Incorrect Aadhaar details: Inputting incorrect Aadhaar details is one of the most frequent errors that applicants make. Ensure that you correctly enter the Aadhaar number and cross-verify it before proceeding to the next step.
- Ignoring OTP verification: During the instant PAN card application process, an authentication OTP is sent to your registered mobile number. Many times, applicants overlook this step, leading to a failed application. Please pay close attention to the OTP and enter it promptly when required.
- Incomplete form submission: Often, applicants do not fully complete the instant PAN card application form, leaving certain fields blank. This leads to application rejection. Ensure that you fill in all the fields, providing complete and accurate information.
- Incorrect personal information: Your personal details must match those provided on your Aadhaar card. Any discrepancy, such as an incorrect date of birth or misspelt name, can lead to application rejection.
- Multiple applications: Only one application per person is permitted. Applying more than once using the same Aadhaar number will lead to the application being rejected. Be patient and wait for the outcome of your application before attempting to apply again.
With the advent of ‘Digital India,’ most services have become easily accessible. Just a few clicks and 10 minutes of your time are all that is needed for you to get your e-PAN. The hassle-free procedure of getting your e-PAN circumvents all the old problems of waiting in lines and more. It is to be noted that you can ensure a smooth and successful application process for your instant PAN card through Aadhaar.
Read more at: How to Download an e-PAN Card Online using the NSDL Portal, Income Tax Website, UTIITSL ? -Step by Step Guide