If you suddenly need a PAN card to open a bank account or make a large investment and don’t have one, the Income Tax Department has now launched a seamless facility to generate an instant PAN card using your Aadhaar card. There’s no need to fill out lengthy forms, visit agents, or wait for weeks. With this innovative technology, you can obtain your e-PAN from the comfort of your home in just 10 minutes, completely free of charge. In this article, we’ll explain step-by-step how you can instantly obtain a valid, lifetime PAN card using your Aadhaar.
What is the Instant PAN Card Facility
Instant PAN is a revolutionary service based on Aadhaar-based e-KYC. The Income Tax Department accesses your identity, date of birth, and photo directly from your Aadhaar database. Its biggest advantage is that you don’t need to upload any physical documents. This facility is a boon for those who need a PAN number immediately. This e-PAN is valid everywhere, just like a physical PAN card.
Eligibility and Conditions for Making a PAN Card
To obtain an instant PAN card through Aadhaar, certain basic conditions must be met. First, your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar, as the entire process is OTP-based. Second, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Third, and most importantly, you must not already have a PAN card. If you reapply, you may incur penalties under Income Tax rules. This entire process is 100% free, so avoid paying anyone.
How to Make an Instant PAN Card through Aadhaar
If you have an Aadhaar card and a mobile number linked to it, you can complete your task by following the simple steps below:
First, open the Income Tax Department’s e-filing website (incometax.gov.in).
Go to the ‘Quick Links’ section on the homepage and click on the ‘Instant E-PAN’ option.
You will now see the ‘Get New e-PAN’ button. Click it firmly.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and tick the ‘I Confirm That’ checkbox.
An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter and validate it.
All your Aadhaar details (name, photo, address) will appear on the screen. Check them carefully and click ‘Accept’.
Once you submit, you will receive an Acknowledgement Number. Keep it safe.
Process to Download e-PAN Card
Your PAN number will be allotted approximately 10 to 15 minutes after applying. To download it, you will need to go back to the ‘Instant E-PAN’ page. Select the ‘Check Status / Download PAN’ option. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify it again with the OTP received on your mobile. Once the verification is successful, your e-PAN will be available for download in PDF format. Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) is your password to open this PDF.
These tasks can be hindered without a PAN card
A PAN card is not just for filing taxes, but also a shield for your financial security. Without it, you cannot open a savings account in a bank, make cash transactions of more than ₹50,000, invest in the stock market or mutual funds, or avail of any government subsidy. If you want to purchase a new vehicle or register a property, a PAN card is also required as a mandatory document.