PAN Card is essential for every taxpayer in India. It is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identity allotted to each taxpayer by the Income Tax Department under the supervision of the Central Board of Direct Taxes. Multiple times one is in a situation where they need to check their PAN card status. Fortunately, this can easily be done online. Understanding how to check your PAN card status online is necessary, especially in this digital age.

 

Why Do You Need to Check Your PAN Card Status?

One might think, why they would need to check their PAN card status? Well! The reasons are invariably simple. The most common reason is the application for a new PAN card. The processing time from when you submit your PAN card application to receiving the physical PAN card could typically take 15-20 working days. During this time, you’ll likely want to know the status of your application.

So, suppose you’ve lost or misplaced your PAN Card and have applied for a duplicate one, or you’ve made corrections in your PAN data and are awaiting the updated card. In that case, it will also be beneficial to be able to check your PAN card status online.

Moreover, knowing how to check PAN card status online carries an immense significance for those who have chosen the e-PAN. An e-PAN is a digitally signed PAN card issued in an electronic or digital format. You will need to know your PAN card status before proceeding with the e-PAN download.

 

Easy Steps to Check PAN Card Status Online

Before diving into the steps to check your PAN card status, remember that you’ll need your 15-digit acknowledgment number handy. This number is provided after you submit your PAN application. Now, follow these simple steps to check your PAN card status online:

1. On your web browser, visit the official Income Tax e-Filing website.
2. Locate and click on the ‘Track Status’ option.
3. Key in your acknowledgment number in the designated text box.
4. Captcha Code: Fill this in with the code provided.
5. Click on the ‘Submit’ button.

The site will then display your PAN Card status. The status could show as ‘Under Process,’ ‘Dispatched,’ ‘Cancelled,’ or any such related terms defining your PAN card’s present position.

 

Check e-PAN Download Status Online

The introduction of e-PAN has made access to a PAN card swift and straightforward. An e-PAN is just a digital version of your PAN card. You can easily download and print the e-PAN whenever needed, thus eliminating the dependency on a physical card.

Here are the steps to check e-PAN download status online:

1. Visit the official NSDL e-Governance or UTIITSL website.
2. On the homepage, go to the ‘PAN’ section.
3. Click the ‘Check Status/ Download e-PAN’ button.
4. Enter your 15-digit acknowledgment number or the PAN and Date of Birth (DOB) on the designated areas.
5. After filling in the necessary details, click the ‘Submit’ tab.

At this point, the current status of your e-PAN card will be displayed. If the status indicates ‘Issued’, you can proceed with the e PAN download.

 

Why is electronic PAN (e-PAN) Beneficial?

The e-PAN is a step towards digitization that carries numerous benefits. It is equally valid as the physical PAN card and is accepted as valid identity and address proof. The e-PAN eliminates the possibility of losing or misplacing your PAN card. You can quickly pull up your e-PAN online, undertaking the e-PAN download when required. The e-PAN prevents waiting for the physical PAN card’s delivery after application.

 

Final Thoughts

In an era dominated by digital services, knowing how to check your PAN Card status online becomes extremely beneficial. It provides peace of mind since you can track the progress of your requested PAN card, whether physical or electronic. The introduction of the e-PAN has added further convenience to PAN card holders, making it possible to have the PAN card handy without carrying around a physical copy. Understanding the steps for checking PAN card status and performing e-PAN downloads accurately will further solidify your digital literacy, saving you time and hardship.

Remember, your PAN card is an essential document linking all your financial transactions. So, whether you are checking your PAN card status or doing an e-PAN download, make sure you are using trusted and secure platforms. Stay vigilant and take full advantage of these digital conveniences.