🇮🇳 India · Guide

PAN Card — Complete Guide

Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is the foundation of your tax identity in India — here's what it means and how to get one.

Last reviewed 24 Jul 2026

Decoding your PAN

A PAN is a 10-character alphanumeric code, e.g. ABCPD1234E:

ABC

Alphabetic series (random)

Holder type — P for individual, C for company, H for HUF, etc.

First letter of surname/entity name

1234

Sequential number (random)

Check-digit (alphabetic)

Why you need one

Mandatory for filing an income tax return
Required for opening a bank account, buying/selling property above certain values, and high-value transactions
Banks deduct TDS at a higher rate (often 20%) if PAN isn't provided

How to apply

Apply online via the NSDL/UTIITSL portals (now under Protean/TIN facilitation), or via the simplified instant e-PAN process using Aadhaar — usually issued within minutes if your Aadhaar details are up to date.

PAN-Aadhaar linking

PAN must be linked with Aadhaar; an unlinked PAN becomes inoperative, which can block TDS credit and ITR filing until it's linked (usually with a penalty fee).

GENERAL GUIDANCE

Apply for or update your PAN through official government portals only — never share PAN details with unverified third parties.