PAN Card Surrender: Do you also have two PAN cards? Then be careful today. If anyone possesses two PAN cards, they should submit one of them to the government as soon as possible. People are asking who will be prosecuted for possessing two PAN cards and who will not. Amidst this discussion, a question has also begun to arise among the general public: what should be done if someone accidentally possesses two PAN cards?

What is PAN and why is it illegal to have two PANs?

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit, unique alphanumeric identification number issued by the Income Tax Department. It serves as a vital identification document. The law clearly states that a person can have only one PAN card. Anyone found to have two PAN cards can face legal action and a fine of up to Rs 10,000.

How can two PANs be made in one name?

In many cases, people mistakenly obtain a second PAN. The primary reason is the need for correction. Instead of making changes to the old PAN, people obtain a new PAN. Sometimes, a situation arises where the delivery of the PAN is delayed and the person applies again, resulting in the issuance of two PANs. After marriage, many women obtain a new PAN upon changing their surname, whereas the change should be made on the old PAN. Some people also deliberately obtain more than one PAN for fraudulent purposes, which is a serious crime.

Double PAN will attract this much penalty

Under the Income Tax Act, holding an additional PAN can attract a penalty of Rs 10,000. Therefore, if you have two PANs, it’s important to surrender them immediately.

Online Method (NSDL/UTIITSL Portal)

Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL (Protean eGov) or UTIITSL.

Step 2: Choose the option ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN data/ Reprint of PAN card’ and select the category.

Step 3: Fill in the correct details and submit the form.

Step 4: After submitting the form, you will receive a unique token number in your email. Keep this safe; it will be useful later.

Step 5: Click on ‘Continue with PAN Application Form’.

Step 6: On the new page, select the document submission method. Enter your personal details and press ‘Next.’

Step 7: Tick the box on the left side of the Contact Details section and enter the PAN card numbers you want to surrender/cancel. Then press ‘Next.’

Step 8: Upload a copy of your identity card, date of birth, address, and the PAN you want to surrender. Ensure you upload the correct documents.

Step 9: Fill the declaration and submit it.

Step 10: If the PAN card is in the name of a company or partnership firm, then the form must have an authorized signature.

Step 11: You will now be taken to the payment page. Payment can be made using a credit/debit card, demand draft, or net banking.

Step 12: After submitting, you will receive an Acknowledgment Slip. Print and sign it and send it to the address provided.

Address: Income Tax PAN Services Unit, Protean eGov Technologies Limited, 4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune – 411045

If you have more than one PAN card, write all the numbers in the “Mention other Permanent Account Numbers (PANs)” section of the form and also attach their copies.

Offline Method

Visit the nearest PAN centre and collect the ‘Request for a New PAN Card Or/and PAN card correction’ form or download it from the Income Tax Department website.
Fill in the required details in the form and in item number 11, write the PAN number which is to be surrendered.
Submit the form by attaching proof of identity, date of birth, address and copy of PAN card.
After submission, you will get an acknowledgment slip.