Introduction
Having multiple PAN cards is not only illegal but can also result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Following the government’s mandate to link Aadhaar with PAN cards, many individuals and corporate entities have found themselves in possession of duplicate or additional PAN cards. This guide will walk you through the process of surrendering these extra PAN card Cancellation online.
Why is PAN Card Cancellation Important?
The Indian government has made it mandatory to have only one PAN card per individual or entity. This measure helps prevent tax evasion and ensures accurate tracking of financial transactions. If you have more than one PAN card, it is crucial to cancel the additional ones to avoid legal consequences.
PAN Card Cancellation Form
To begin the process of cancelling an additional PAN card, you must first obtain the PAN card cancellation online form. This form is identical to the one used when applying for a new PAN card or requesting corrections to an existing one. You can access this form both online and offline.
Here’s how you can access and fill out the form:
- Online Access: Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department and select the ‘Apply for PAN Online’ option.
- Form Completion: Enter the necessary details, including the PAN card number you wish to retain and the additional PAN card numbers you want to cancel.
- Submission: Once completed, submit the form online.
How to Cancel PAN Card Online?
Cancelling a PAN card online is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of Income Tax Department.
- Fill the ‘PAN Change Request’ Application Form: Carefully enter all the required information.
- Enter PAN Details: On the top of the form, input the details of your current PAN card.
- Enter Additional PAN Details: In item no. 11 of the form, provide the details of the additional PAN cards you wish to cancel.
- Submit PAN Card: Ensure that the PAN card you want to cancel is submitted along with the form.
You may also want to know PAN Card KYC
PAN Card Cancellation Offline Process
If you prefer to cancel your PAN card offline, you can do so by visiting an authorized PAN center. Here’s how:
Method 1: Submitting Form 49A
- Obtain Form 49A from any NSDL PAN card cancellation facility.
- Fill out the form with accurate details.
- Submit it at any NSDL Tin facilitation center and request the cancellation.
Method 2: Sending a Letter to the Assessing Officer
- Write a letter to the Assessing Officer in charge of your jurisdiction.
- Include accurate details such as your full name (as per legal documents), address, and the PAN card numbers you wish to cancel.
- Submit the letter along with the required documents.
How to Check PAN Card Cancellation Status?
After submitting the PAN card cancellation form, you can easily track the status online:
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Go to this link.
- Select ‘Know Your PAN/TAN/AO’: From the Quick Links menu, choose this option.
- Enter Required Information: Fill in details like your name, date of birth, gender, and mobile number.
- OTP Verification: An OTP will be sent to your mobile number; enter it to validate your request.
- Check Status: The status of your PAN card will be displayed on the screen.
Reasons for PAN Card Cancellation
There are several reasons why a PAN card might need to be cancelled:
- Multiple PAN Numbers: Due to human errors, the IT department might issue multiple PAN numbers to a single taxpayer.
- Incorrect Information: If a PAN card contains incorrect details like a misspelled name or wrong date of birth, the cardholder may need to cancel and apply for a new one.
You may also want to know Know Your PAN Jurisdiction
Consequences of Not Cancelling Additional PAN Cards
Failing to cancel additional PAN cards can lead to significant penalties:
- Legal Penalty: Under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, 1961, individuals possessing more than one PAN card can be fined up to INR 10,000.
- Legal Implications: Holding multiple PAN cards is against the law, and failing to cancel them can result in further legal consequences.
You can avoid these penalties by cancelling your extra PAN cards through the NSDL portal or by submitting the PAN Correction Form at your local NSDL Collection Centre.
Conclusion
Cancelling extra PAN cards is essential to avoid legal penalties and ensure compliance with the law. Whether you choose to cancel your PAN card online or offline, the process is straightforward. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively cancel any additional PAN cards and avoid the associated risks.