#AD
PAN or Permanent Account Number is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department to taxpayers in India. Checking PAN card status regularly is important to ensure it remains valid and active. One can easily verify their PAN Card Status by following some simple steps online or offline. This blog covers the prerequisites, various methods and benefits of checking PAN status before using it for financial transactions.
Prerequisites for Checking PAN Status
Before checking the status, keep the following items ready:
- PAN number – 10-digit alphanumeric number printed on card
- Aadhaar number linked to PAN (optional but preferable)
- Registered mobile number
- Email ID provided at time of application
- PAN application date or acknowledgement number (if available)
You must be the PAN cardholder or an authorized person to check its status. Only valid PANs can be used for financial transactions.
Check PAN Status Online
Follow the steps below to check PAN status instantly through online modes:
- Visit websites like NSDL, UTIITSL, Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Select ‘Check PAN Status’ option and submit PAN details.
- Enter captcha code and submit.
- The PAN status will be displayed – active, inactive etc.
- Websites also allow checking via PAN-Aadhaar linking status.
- Taxpayers can also view status in their Form 26AS on TRACES portal.
Check PAN Status by SMS
An easy way to find PAN status is to send an SMS from your registered mobile number:
- Send SMS to 567678 or 5757 from your registered mobile number.
- Use syntax – UTIITSLPAN<space><10-digit PAN>
- You will receive an SMS response with current PAN status.
- Toll free IVR service options are also available for PAN status through call.
Check PAN Status Offline
To check PAN status offline, you can:
- Visit nearby PAN service centres or TIN-FC offices.
- Fill status verification form and submit self-attested copies of documents.
- The tax officer will check database and provide current status of your PAN.
- A status print out can also be collected from PAN office after verification.
Check PAN Status in Income Tax Returns
While e-filing income tax returns, you can also view PAN status under ‘Profile Settings’ on the e-filing portal:
- Log in to e-filing account using credentials.
- Go to ‘My Account’ and select ‘My Profile’.
- Under ‘PAN details’, the status will be shown as active/inactive.
- You can also try linking your PAN with Aadhaar to re-activate.
Importance of Checking PAN Status
Checking PAN status helps:
- Ensure PAN is active and valid before usage for financial transactions.
- Confirm if PAN is linked with Aadhaar.
- Update any changes in personal details linked to PAN.
- Track delivery status in case of PAN allotment or reprint.
- Detect misuse by unauthorized persons for tax filings.
Conclusion
Many options like SMS, calls, online portals, authorized centres facilitate easy PAN status check. Regular status verification is advisable to avoid PAN deactivation or misuse due to non-filing of returns. Citizens should cross check their PAN details twice a year for accuracy to ensure seamless e-filing of income tax returns and use of PAN for other government services and financial transactions. A few simple steps can help you validate proper usage of PAN for taxes and other financial purposes.
