A PAN Card No is a number that is associated with a tax-paying person in India. The PAN Card No is similar to the Social Security Number in the US or the Social Insurance Number in Canada. This is the main number you will be associated with in regard to the Indian Government.
PAN is an acronym for Permanent Account Number. Citizens are only allowed to have one PAN for them individually. The PAN is a 10 digit alpha-numeric number with 5 letters, then 4 numbers then one final letter. It is a criminal offence to have more than one PAN Card no or use another person’s PAN number. It is an offence to apply for a new PAN number if you already have a PAN.
It is also illegal to knowingly use a number that is not valid. Data can be changed and another card with the proper information will be dispatched. The number on the new card will be the same as the original number. It is possible to be able to verify that a number is fake or invalid if you know that format of the structure of the PAN.
You can change the number if you have personal reasons that warrant the number to be changed. This requires a form to be completed in full and fees to be paid. The application is submitted and then you need to wait for the processing to be completed.
PAN is not mandatory if you make no income. If you earn income, have taxable income, want to buy a car, want to buy land or hook up utilities or even use PayPal, you need to have a PAN number. It is in your best interest to get a PAN before you need it. It is safe to say that every Indian citizen will need a PAN as some point in their life.
A PAN and PAN Card are distributed by the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). All issuances of cards are performed by the NSDL. All data correction are submitted and processed through the NSDL as well. If you lose, destroy or have your PAN Card stolen, it is your responsibility and in your best interests to contact local authorities and make a statement.
In addition, you should contact local authorities if you suspect someone of using a fake or other person’s PAN.
If you submit a PAN Card Enquiry you can find data associated with a PAN Card No, if the number is valid or if the status of the card is valid or not.