A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital document issued by the Income Tax Department of India. This 10-digit unique identification number is not only essential for financial transactions but also serves as proof of identity and age. But have you ever checked if your PAN card is active? An inactive PAN can cause unexpected problems, especially in financial and legal matters. Thankfully, verifying your PAN status is easy and can be done online from the comfort of your home.
Steps to Verify Your PAN Card Status Online
Follow these simple steps to check if your PAN card is active:
- Visit the Income Tax Portal
Go to the official website of the Income Tax Department:
Income Tax Portal. - Navigate to PAN Verification
In the Quick Links section on the homepage, select Verify Your PAN Status. - Enter Your Details
On the new page, enter:- Your 10-digit PAN number
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Registered mobile number
- Validate OTP
You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated field and click Validate. - Check Your Status
If your PAN card is active, you will see a green tick along with the message “PAN is Active and details are as per PAN.”
Common Reasons for PAN Card Inactivation
There are several reasons why a PAN card may become inactive:
- PAN-Aadhaar Link Missing
The government has made it mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar. Failure to do so can result in deactivation. - Multiple PAN Cards
If a person holds multiple PAN cards, the Income Tax Department deactivates the additional cards. - Fake or Fraudulent PANs
PAN cards issued with false identities or non-existent details are marked as inactive.
What to Do If Your PAN Card Is Inactive?
If your PAN card becomes inactive, you must take steps to reactivate it. Here’s how:
- Draft a Request Letter
Write a letter to your jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO) in the Income Tax Department, explaining the issue and requesting reactivation. - Attach Necessary Documents
Include the following with your letter:- A copy of the inactive PAN card
- Proof of the PAN being used for filing past income tax returns
- Copies of ITR filed in the last three years using the deactivated PAN
- An indemnity bond in favor of the Income Tax Department
- Submit the Request
Send the letter and documents to the AO’s office. Once your request is reviewed and approved, the department will reactivate your PAN within 15-30 days.
Why Keeping Your PAN Active Is Important
An inactive PAN card can cause significant issues, including:
- Problems with income tax filings
- Rejections during financial transactions
- Ineligibility for opening bank accounts or applying for loans
Regularly verifying your PAN status ensures you avoid these complications.
Key Takeaways
Your PAN card is more than just an identification document—it’s an essential tool for financial and tax-related activities. Make sure to check its status periodically to avoid any interruptions. Verifying and reactivating your PAN is a straightforward process, and staying proactive can save you from unnecessary hassles.
