The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier assigned to every taxpayer in India. However, an individual is allowed to have only one PAN throughout their lifetime. If circumstances necessitate the surrender or cancellation of a PAN card, the process can be completed either online or offline.
Reasons for PAN Card Surrender or Cancellation
1. Permanent relocation outside of India.
2. Issuance of two PAN cards by mistake.
3. Errors on the current PAN card.
4. Death of the PAN cardholder.
5. Dissolution of a company, LLP, or partnership firm.
Consequences of Holding Multiple PAN Cards
According to Section 139A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, an individual can possess only one PAN number. If an individual has multiple PAN cards, they must surrender the additional cards. Linking more than one PAN number with an Aadhaar card or using multiple PAN cards for financial transactions can attract a penalty of Rs.10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.
Online Process to Surrender PAN Card
1. Visit the NSDL website.
2. Select the ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN data/ Reprint of PAN card’ application and choose the category.
3. Submit the form and receive a unique token number via email.
4. Continue with the PAN application form and select the mode of document submission.
5. Fill in personal details, select additional PANs for surrender, and upload proof of identity, date of birth, residence, and additional PANs.
6. Submit the declaration and make the payment through credit/debit card, demand draft, or internet banking.
7. Generate the acknowledgement slip, print it, sign it, and send it along with the documents to:
Income Tax PAN ServicesUnit,
Protean eGov Technologies Limited,4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers,Baner Road, Baner, Pune – Offline Process to Surrender PAN Card
Method 1:
1. Collect the ‘Request for a New PAN Card Or/and PAN card correction’ Form from a PAN centre or download it from the Income Tax Department website.
2. Fill in the required details and mention the PAN number to be surrendered under item number 11.
3. Submit the form along with proof of identity, date of birth, address, and the PAN card to be surrendered.
4. Receive an acknowledgement slip upon submission.
Method 2:
1. Write a letter to the area’s immediate assessing officer, including the reason for surrender and details of the PAN cards issued.
2. Submit the letter and collect an acknowledgement copy.
Surrender of PAN Card for Firms or Companies
Online Process:
1. Visit the NSDL website.
2. Select the relevant application form and fill in the required details.
3. Enter the details of the PAN number to be cancelled.
4. Make the payment and submit the form.
5. Send the acknowledgement, dissolution deed, and PAN card to be surrendered to the ‘Income Tax PAN Services Unit’ at Pune.
Offline Process:
1. Write a letter to the Income Tax officer, mentioning the dissolution of the firm and the need to surrender the PAN card.
2. Attach the dissolution deed and PAN card, and submit the letter.
3. Collect the acknowledgement.
Surrender of PAN Card of a Deceased Person
Relatives can surrender a deceased person’s PAN card by writing a letter to the respective jurisdiction’s Income Tax officer. The letter should state the reason for surrender and include details of the deceased and their death certificate.
Checking PAN Card Cancellation Status
1. Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website.
2. Select ‘Verify PAN Status’ under ‘Quick Links’.
3. Enter PAN number, name, date of birth, and mobile number.
4. Validate with the OTP sent to your mobile number.
5. The status of the PAN card will be displayed.
Considerations Before Surrendering PAN Card
1. Clarify the reason for surrendering the PAN card.
2. Verify all required documents.
3. Decide between online and offline surrender methods.
4. Review guidelines and ensure complete and correct submission.
5. Contact customer care for assistance if needed.
6. Update relevant records and notify banks or other entities.
7. Maintain copies of all submitted documents and receipts.
8. Follow up with the Income Tax Department if necessary.
Holding more than one PAN card can lead to penalties. Individuals must surrender any additional PAN cards to avoid such issues.
