e-PAN Card: How to Download & Print Electronic PAN Online?

Thanks to the initiatives taken by the Indian government, the number of taxpayers is consistently increasing in the country. As PAN is a mandatory requirement for financial and tax-related activities, there has been a significant rise in the number of first-time taxpayers applying for PAN.To make it easier and faster for such taxpayers to receive their PAN, the government has recently introduced e-PAN or electronic PAN. Check out what electronic PAN is and how you can download and print your e-PAN-

PAN or Permanent Account Number is a 10-digit alphanumeric identity of every taxpayer. When you apply for PAN, you receive a plastic card imprinted with your PAN, name, DOB, and other details. As the number of PAN applicants is rising, the government has recently introduced e-PAN, which people can apply for or download online.The e-PAN is a valid substitute for physical laminated PAN card and has the same functionality and features. Currently, only individual taxpayers who have Aadhar Card with their mobile number linked to Aadhar can apply for an e-PAN. Even individual taxpayers who already have a physical PAN card can download the electronic version of their PAN.

You can apply for e-PAN online by visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website. Fill the application form and attach relevant identity and address verification documents before submitting.While filling the application form, you’ll get the option of whether you want a physical PAN card. Select “No” if you want to apply for e-PAN. If you want to apply for e-PAN through e-KYC and e-sign, the application fee is Rs. 66. If you want physical application, the fee is Rs. 72.Once you successfully submit the application form, along with the documents, and pay the application fee online, you’ll receive your e-PAN on your registered email ID within 10-15 days. The e-PAN is in PDF format, which applicants can easily download and print.

If you already have a PAN card and want the electronic version of the same, you can visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website. On the NSDL website, you can apply for e-PAN through the Acknowledgment Number that you’d have received while applying for PAN. This facility is available for people who’ve applied for PAN in the last 30 days.On the UTIITSL website, you can download e-PAN using your PAN number and Date of Birth. But note that only PAN card holders who also have Aadhar Card and their mobile numbers linked to Aadhar can use this facility. You can download your e-PAN for free within 30 days from the date of application. Service fee is applicable beyond the 30 days limit.

After providing the required details on either NSDL or UTIITSL portal, you’ll be able to download the electronic version of your PAN in PDF format. This PDF file can be downloaded and saved on your computer. Once downloaded, you can easily take prints of your e-PAN and use it as and when needed.The e-PAN card is a valid document for all your financial or tax-related activities for which you’re required to submit a copy of your PAN online or offline. But remember that the e-PAN facility is available for new PAN applicants and people who already possess a PAN but want a digital version of the same.If you already have a PAN card, you should not apply for a new e-PAN. Know that having more than one PAN card or e-PAN is a punishable offense with a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.

The process of applying for a physical PAN or e-PAN is highly convenient and quick. But with e-PAN, your PAN is instantly delivered to your email address or can be downloaded from NSDL or UTIITSL website as soon as it is generated. With a physical PAN card, you need to wait for a few days for the card to get delivered to your registered postal address.It is up to you whether you want a physical PAN card or an electronic version of PAN. Both PAN and e-PAN have the same features and functionalities. The only difference is that one is a physical card, and the other is a digital card.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.