Mistakes to Avoid on PAN Card Application

Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a mandatory identity proof for your income tax filings. It is a ten-digit alphanumeric code laminated on a card that is issued by the Income Tax Department of India. You can apply for a PAN card online or by submitting the application form at a PAN centre. Due to its significance of national value, avoid making mistakes on your PAN card. In most cases, mistakes occur while filling out the application form. Some of the common mistakes that applicants make while submitting the form are the PIN code of their area, incorrect format of the photograph etc. Rectification of PAN card if there is any, needs to be addressed with urgency because it serves multiple purposes.

Five Mistakes that Applicants Can Avoid

• Mistakes related to name: One must fill in their full name without using any abbreviations or initials. To avoid spelling mistakes, go through your application once before submitting it. However, there is no need to worry as you can make the spelling correction of your PAN card from the comfort of your home.
• Mistakes related to signature: Applicants need to be mindful that there are two allotted spaces for signing while filling up the application form for a PAN card. Signing elsewhere rather than across the photo or below in the dedicated blank box would result in the rejection of your application. Signature is mandatory on a PAN card and applicants must use black ink.
• Incorrect address: Mistakes are inevitable so applicants must be extremely mindful while filling up the form with inputs related to postal addresses and PIN codes. Follow the guidelines if you are filling up the PAN card application online, or in the presence of an individual at the PAN centre who is responsible for carrying out the process.
• Mistakes related to photographs: Applicants must paste the original passport-size photograph on the form. Avoid using scanned copies of photographs as they are unclear and make identification difficult. Moreover, while signing on the application form for a PAN card, the sign size should not affect the visibility of your photograph.
• Mistakes related to communication details: Individuals and Hindu Undivided Family applicants must mention their residential address and submit proof for the same. While others in the category like firms or local authorities, must submit their office address. Whether you are applying for a PAN card online or at the PAN centre make sure that you provide clear communication details.

List of Steps to Rectify Errors in your PAN Card Online

• Step 1:Visit the official website of NSDL.
• Step 2:Click on Application Type
• Step 3:Now, click on 'Changes/Correction to PAN Card
• Step 4:Select the category and fill in the details under 'Application Information', including your first name, middle name, surname, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID
• Step 5:Now, click on the checkbox confirming you are an Indian citizen
• Step 6:Enter PAN number
• Step 7:Enter the CAPTCHA code and click on 'Submit'
• Step 8:Your registered token number appears on the screen and will be sent to your email ID
• Step 9:Click on the button at the bottom of the page
• Step 10:Enter the required information left to be filled
• Step 11:Make the changes needed and double-check the details
• Step 12:Now, submit the form and the required documents and click 'save draft'
• Step 13:Make payment to complete the process for correction of PAN card mistakes
• Step 14:After completing all the above steps, one will receive a PAN acknowledgement number of 15 digits.

As stated, PAN serves the purpose of identity proof and is required for other purposes like opening a bank account, getting a job or buying a car. You should fill the application with great care to avoid mistakes because petty errors tend to occur despite taking precautions. Some common mistakes can be avoided while going ahead with formalities. However, if mistakes still occur, you can apply for corrections of the PAN card details. The Income Tax Department will send you a new PAN card with updated details.

With Muthoot Finance, you can avail PAN card issuance in a hassle-free manner. Visit your nearest Muthoot Finance branch to know more.