It’s a very common question: What should someone do if they accidentally have two PAN cards? The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit, unique alphanumeric identification number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is also a very important identification document. The law clearly states that a person can have only one PAN card. If someone is found to have two PAN cards, they may face action and a fine of up to ₹10,000.
How are two PAN cards issued
In many cases, people mistakenly obtain a second PAN. The main reason for this is the need for correction. People obtain a new PAN instead of making changes to the old one. Sometimes, delivery of the PAN card is delayed, and the person reapplies, resulting in the issuance of two PAN cards.
After marriage, many women obtain a new PAN card when they change their surname, whereas this change should be made on the old PAN. Some people intentionally obtain multiple PANs for fraudulent purposes, which is a serious offense. Under the Income Tax Act, holding an additional PAN can result in a penalty of ₹10,000. Therefore, if you have two PANs, it is important to surrender them immediately.
Process to surrender PAN online
You can surrender your PAN online through the NSDL (Protean eGov) or UTIITSL portal:
Visit the official website of NSDL (Protean eGov) or UTIITSL. Select the ‘Changes or Correction in Existing PAN Data/Reprint of PAN Card’ option and select the category.
Enter the correct information and submit the form. After submitting the form, you will receive a unique token number in your email. Keep it safe.
Click ‘Continue with the PAN application form’. On the new page, select the method of document submission. Enter your personal information and press ‘Next’.
Tick the box on the left in the Contact Details section and enter the PAN card number to be surrendered/cancelled. Then press ‘Next’.
Upload a copy of your identity card, date of birth, address, and the PAN card to be surrendered. Ensure only the correct documents are uploaded.
Fill out the declaration and submit the form. You will now be taken to the payment page. Payment can be made by credit/debit card, demand draft, or net banking.
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement slip. Print it, sign it, and send it to the provided address.
If you have more than one PAN card, mention all the numbers in the “Mention other Permanent Account Numbers (PANs)” section of the form and attach a copy of each.
Offline Ways to Surrender PAN
You can also surrender your PAN through two simple offline methods:
Through a PAN Center
Visit the nearest PAN Center and obtain 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 information and enter the PAN number to be surrendered in item 11.
Submit the form along with identity proof, date of birth, address, and a copy of the PAN card. You will receive an acknowledgment slip upon submission.
Letter to the Assessing Officer
Write a letter to the Assessing Officer of your area.
Clearly mention your name, address, and details of both PAN cards in the letter. Also state that you wish to surrender one PAN and the reason for it.
After submitting the letter, you will receive an Acknowledgement Letter, which will prove that the additional PAN card has been cancelled.
