PAN 2.0: The Income Tax DepartmentOf PAN 2.0 The project has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The initiative aims to improve and digitize the PAN and TAN administration system, which will improve accessibility and efficiency.
The modern system aims to provide better service performance, stronger complaint resolution, and stronger data protection. Users will benefit from seamless online applications, easy updates, and digital PAN authentication.
Current PAN Card Holders can rest assured as there is no need for reapplying under the government’s new scheme. During the Cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vishnu clarified that the enhanced features of the PAN card, including the newly added QR code, will not incur any additional cost to taxpayers.
What is PAN 2.0?
The PAN 2.0 project represents the Income Tax Department’s electronic governance initiative, which aims to modernize taxpayer registration services. This initiative focuses on improving PAN services through modern technological solutions. The project integrates all PAN-related processes, including allotment, updates and modifications, while incorporating TAN services into its framework.
Additionally, the project will offer online PAN verification and validation services to various organizations including financial institutions, banks and government agencies at both central and state levels.
Answers to PAN 2.0 FAQs:
For more clarity on the PAN 2.0 project and what it means for taxpayers, the Ministry of Finance has released a list of frequently asked questions or frequently asked questions:
How will PAN 2.0 differ from the current setup?
- Integration of platforms: Currently, PAN services operate on three separate portals (e-filing portal, UTIITSL portal and Protean e-Gov portal). The PAN 2.0 project will consolidate all PAN/TAN services on a single ITD portal. This central platform will provide comprehensive services including allotment, updates, amendments, Online PAN Verification (OPV), Know Your AO, Aadhaar-PAN linking, PAN verification, e-PAN applications, and PAN card issuance. Includes reprint requests.
- Digital Transformation: This system will implement a completely online paperless workflow in place of existing operational methods.
- Convenience of taxpayers: PAN allotment, updates and corrections will be provided free of charge, e-PAN documents will be provided to registered email addresses. A physical PAN card requires a separate application with a fee of Rs 50 for domestic delivery. For international delivery, applicants have to pay Rs.15 plus actual Indian postal charges.
Will existing PAN card holders have to apply for a new PAN under the upgraded system? Do you need to change your PAN number?
No, existing PAN card holders need not worry about getting a new PAN under the upgraded system (PAN 2.0). Their existing PAN numbers remain valid and unchanged.
If the new PAN cards are QR code enabled, will the old cards continue to work the same way? What will the QR code help with?
- QR codes have been a standard feature on PAN cards since 2017-18, and this functionality will be enhanced under the PAN 2.0 project through dynamic QR codes that reflect the latest information in the PAN database. Those who have old PAN cards without QR codes can apply for new ones with QR codes through the existing PAN 1.0 system or the new PAN 2.0 platform.
- The QR code serves as a tool to verify both the PAN and its related information.
- Currently, a dedicated reader application is required to verify QR code information. When scanned using this application, it displays comprehensive information including photo, signature, name, father’s name/mother’s name, and date of birth.
Do I need to change my PAN card under PAN 2.0?
No, existing PAN card holders do not need to change their cards unless they require an update or correction. All valid PAN cards will continue to work under PAN 2.0.
For people with multiple PANs, how do you identify and eliminate redundant PANs?
As per the Income Tax Act, 1961, holding more than one PAN is not allowed. Individuals with multiple PANs should inform their Jurisdictional Designating Officer to deactivate or delete the additional PAN.
PAN 2.0 introduces a sophisticated system to detect potential duplicate PAN applications. Its centralized mechanism to resolve duplicates will significantly reduce the incidence of multiple PAN holders.
What does “Unified Portal” mean?
Currently, PAN services operate on three separate portals. The new PAN 2.0 project will consolidate all PAN/TAN services on a single integrated portal managed by the Income Tax Department. This unified platform will cover comprehensive services including allotment, amendment, correction, online PAN verification (OPV), AO information, AADHAAR-PAN linking, PAN verification, e-PAN applications and PAN card reprinting facilities. are included.
The consolidation is aimed at streamlining the process and eliminating delays in service delivery and grievance redressal that were previously caused by multiple application channels (online eKYC, online paper mode and offline submissions).
Do people have option to make corrections on PAN, like change of name, spelling, address etc.?
PAN card holders can update or correct their existing PAN information including email, mobile, address and personal details like name and date of birth after the launch of the PAN 2.0 project.
Before the launch of the PAN 2.0 project, holders can change their email, mobile and address details at no cost through Aadhaar-based online services:
* https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserAddressUpdate.html
* https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN_ONLINE/homeaddresschange
For amendment or correction of all other PAN details, holders should follow existing procedures, which include either visiting physical centers or submitting online applications along with applicable fees.
Many people have not changed their addresses and continue with the old address. How will the new PAN be delivered? How long will it be? New PAN Card be delivered?
PAN card holders will get a new card only if they specifically request one due to necessary updates or corrections in their existing PAN details. For those who wish to amend their old address, a complimentary Aadhaar-linked online service is available through these websites:
* https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN_ONLINE/homeaddresschange
* https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserAddressUpdate.html
Once completed, the address modification will be reflected in the PAN database system.
What is – “common business identifier for all business related activities in specific sectors”?
Union Budget 2023 announced that organizations requiring PAN will use it as their unified identifier on digital platforms of designated government agencies.
Will the Common Business Identifier replace the existing Unique Taxpayer Identification Number i.e. PAN?
No, the existing PAN will serve as the Common Business Identifier.