A PAN card is no longer just an identity card, but has become a modern digital tool. The government has launched PAN 2.0, which is equipped with modern features like a paperless process, an integrated portal, and a dynamic QR code. This step has been taken to make services better, faster, and safer for taxpayers. If you have an old PAN card, then there is no need to panic, because your card is also completely valid. Let us know about this new PAN system (PAN 2.0) in detail.
What is PAN 2.0, and why was it launched?
The Ministry of Finance launched PAN 2.0 in November 2024. Its main objective is to provide better, faster, and more reliable services to taxpayers. Under this initiative, all the services related to PAN will be available on a single portal, and the entire process will be digital and paperless. This is a big step towards further strengthening India’s digital infrastructure.
How different is the new PAN 2.0 from the old PAN card?
The QR code has been given on the PAN card since 2017, but in PAN 2.0, this QR code has now become dynamic. This means that when you scan this QR code, it will show updated information in real time. This will make it much easier to check the validity of the card, verify identity, and prevent fraud. This is a major security upgrade.
What will the old PAN card holders have to do?
The government has clarified that the old PAN cards will also remain fully valid under PAN 2.0. Those who have cards before 2017, which do not have a QR code, can get a new card if they want, but it is not mandatory. Unless you make any update or correction, there is no need to panic or make a new request.
New changes and benefits related to PAN 2.0
With PAN 2.0, you can now update information such as mobile number, email, address, name, and date of birth easily and for free. This process was easy earlier also due to being linked to Aadhaar, but now it has been made more convenient. Apart from this, the person can be verified by scanning the QR code with a special QR reader app.
Same platform for all services
The integrated portal launched under PAN 2.0 will provide all services related to PAN and TAN on a single website. This will not only improve the user experience, but complaints will also be resolved faster. Transparency and tracking will also become easier due to the process being paperless.
Penalty for negligence regarding PAN, know the rules
According to section 272B of the Income Tax Act, if a person holds more than one PAN or gives wrong information, then they can be fined up to ₹ 10,000. In such cases, the person will have to go to their respective income tax office and deactivate the additional PAN card. The government is going to be strict on this issue as well.