PAN is 10 characters: AAAAA9999A - First 5 letters (entity type + name initials), 4 digits (sequence), 1 alphabet (check digit). 4th letter indicates: P=Person, F=Firm, C=Company, H=HUF, T=Trust.
How to check PAN validity?+
Format check: matches AAAAA9999A pattern. Database check: visit incometax.gov.in → Verify Your PAN. Our tool checks format - government portal checks if PAN exists.
What does each PAN character mean?+
1-3: Alphabetic series, 4: Status (P=Individual), 5: First letter of surname/name, 6-9: Sequential 4-digit number, 10: Alphabetic check digit. Built systematically.
How to apply for PAN?+
Online via tin-nsdl.com or utiitsl.com. Cost ₹107 (Indian) or ₹1017 (NRI). Upload Aadhaar/passport. Receive e-PAN in 2-7 days, physical PAN in 15-21 days.
Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline?+
Mandatory for tax filing. If not linked, PAN becomes inoperative. Linking penalty ₹1,000. Unlinked PAN: no IT returns, no high-value transactions, double TDS.
Can I have multiple PAN cards?+
No - illegal under Section 272B. Penalty ₹10,000. If you have duplicate PANs, surrender extra ones via Form 49A. Only one PAN per person/entity allowed.
Lost PAN - how to recover?+
Free: download e-PAN from incometax.gov.in or NSDL portal using Aadhaar. Reprint: ₹50 via tin-nsdl.com - get duplicate physical PAN delivered in 15 days.