PAN Card: In today’s modern digital age, both the PAN card and Aadhaar card have become extremely important and essential documents. Without these two documents, no one can complete their various financial tasks. Whether opening a bank account, filing an income tax return, purchasing property, or conducting any major financial transaction, both documents are required everywhere.

Given this importance, and with the aim of preventing tax evasion and increasing financial transparency, the Government of India and the Income Tax Department have made it absolutely mandatory to link the PAN card with the Aadhaar card. This is a legal requirement that every citizen must comply with.

However, there are still many people in the country who have not yet linked their PAN card with Aadhaar. Such people’s PAN cards may be declared inoperative. Despite this, if a person uses an inactive PAN card for any financial transaction, they may face strict legal action and heavy fines under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act. In this article, we will explain in detail what a PAN card is, why it is necessary to link it with Aadhaar, and the entire online linking process.

What is PAN card and its importance?

A PAN card, which stands for Permanent Account Number, is a crucial financial document issued by the Income Tax Department to individuals, companies, and various institutions. It is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric identification number consisting of both letters and numbers. The PAN card is primarily used as proof of identity and for all types of financial transactions. It is a universal identification card valid throughout India. The PAN card contains the holder’s full name, date of birth, father’s name, and unique PAN number.

A PAN card is used for a variety of important purposes. It is mandatory to open a new bank account. It is required to file income tax returns. A PAN card is essential for investing in the stock market, purchasing mutual funds, or making any other financial investment. Providing a PAN card is mandatory for cash deposits or withdrawals exceeding Rs 50,000. It is also required for buying or selling property. Thus, the PAN card has become an integral and vital part of the tax system and financial system in India.

Penalty for holding more than one PAN card

According to the rules set by the Income Tax Department, any individual should have only one PAN card. This rule is strictly enforced. Each individual is allowed to have only one PAN card issued in their name, which is unique and specific to them. This PAN card cannot be transferred to another person. If a person accidentally or intentionally possesses more than one PAN card, it is considered a serious offense. The Income Tax Department takes this very seriously because multiple PAN cards can be used for tax evasion and financial fraud.

If an individual is found to possess more than one PAN card, the Income Tax Department can initiate action under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Under this section, a person possessing multiple PAN cards can be fined up to ten thousand rupees. Therefore, it is extremely important that each individual possess only one PAN card. If two PAN cards are accidentally issued, surrender one immediately. One should never attempt to obtain a PAN card again. Doing so could result in serious legal trouble.