What is a Permanent Account Number or PAN?

AD Posted by: Abhinav Deshmukh
• 10 June, 2025
6 Reply
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier, similar to ABCDE1234F. It is issued by the Income Tax Department of India to facilitate tax collection and various financial transactions.
Tags : Permanent Account Number

  • Omkar Shetty 18 June, 2025

    Everybody cleared the confusion about what a PAN card is, who issues it, and what its use is. I will tell you what the alphabets on your PAN card mean. Okay, so the first three characters are nothing but random alphabets. The fourth character identifies the status of the PAN cardholder, so if it's written P, then it stands for individuals like me, F stands for a Firm, A stands for AOP, C stands for a Company, H stands for HUF, and T stands for trust. The fifth character is the first letter of the PAN holder's last name. The next four characters are unique sequential numbers starting from 0001 to 9999. The last character is an alphabetic check digit.

  • Shilpa Kapoor 17 June, 2025

    That is a very easy question. A PAN or Permanent Account Number is a vital document that has ten unique alphanumeric characters. It acts as an important identity proof and is also issued to foreign nationals. A PAN card is also important for filing income tax returns. It is linked under the section on 139A of the Income Tax Act by the Income Tax Department under the supervision of the Central Board for Direct Taxes (CBDT).

    • PK
      Prateek Khanna 08 July, 2025

      A PAN permanent Account Number is an identification and financial document which is used for various purposes like filing ITRs, making payments, financial transactions, to getting loans. I have also applied for a PAN card through the UTIITSL website and got my PAN card easily without any rejections or delays. This document helps me manage my business finances and for identification purposes. 

       

  • Parth Shah 16 June, 2025

    The PAN card has a 10-alphanumeric identifier, issued in the form of a laminated card. The first three characters of the PAN card identifier are alphabets, the fourth character represents the status of the PAN cardholder, the fifth character represents the first character of the PAN holder's surname, the next four characters are numbers running from 0001 to 9999, and the last character is an alphabetic check digit.

  • Smita Bhargava 14 June, 2025

    Any person who files their income tax returns needs to have a PAN card. The Income Tax Department records every tax-related transaction and information of a person through his/her unique Permanent Account Number. A PAN number would typically look something like AHISH4567F.

    • MP
      Mrinalini Pandey 23 July, 2025

      According to the government of India, every Indian citizen who earns in India should have a PAN card, whether it is an individual or a business person. Every individual needs a PAN card to file Income Tax returns, to get TCS and TDS credit, and to manage financial transactions. A PAN card helps individuals in a smooth and secure transaction, with a secure tracking system that helps the Income Tax department track the finances of an individual or business person.

       

Join The Discussion

Share Your Thoughts and Connect with Others.

Releated Topics
  • How can I update my PAN details after becoming an NRI?

    I am an Indian citizen who recently moved to the USA for work and will be living there for the foreseeable future. I already have an Indian PAN card, which...

    • 3 Reply
    • 93 Views
    How can I update my PAN details after becoming an NRI?
  • Can an OCI holder apply for an Indian PAN card?

    I’m an OCI cardholder currently living in the UK and need to apply for an Indian PAN card. I was previously an Indian citizen but acquired British citizenship a few...

    • 3 Reply
    • 87 Views
    Can an OCI holder apply for an Indian PAN card?
  • Can I get a PAN card reprint while living outside India?

    Hi everyone, I’m an Indian citizen currently living in the USA, and I’ve misplaced my physical PAN card. I still have my PAN number and need the card for some...

    • 3 Reply
    • 77 Views
    Can I get a PAN card reprint while living outside India?
  • Can I apply for a PAN card if I don't have an Indian address?

    I’m an Indian citizen currently living in Australia as a permanent resident, and I need to apply for an Indian PAN card for the first time. I moved abroad several...

    • 3 Reply
    • 80 Views
    Can I apply for a PAN card if I don't have an Indian address?
  • What documents are required for an NRI PAN card application?

    I’m an Indian citizen currently living in Canada as a permanent resident, and I’m planning to apply for an Indian PAN card for the first time. I still have financial...

    • 3 Reply
    • 82 Views
    What documents are required for an NRI PAN card application?
  • Can a foreign citizen apply for an Indian PAN card?

    I am a British citizen living in the UK and may need an Indian PAN card for financial transactions related to India. I am considering purchasing property in India and...

    • 3 Reply
    • 94 Views
    Can a foreign citizen apply for an Indian PAN card?
  • How can I correct my name on my PAN card from abroad?

    I am an Indian citizen currently living in Australia and recently noticed that my name is spelled incorrectly on my Indian PAN card. My passport has the correct spelling, but...

    • 3 Reply
    • 83 Views
    How can I correct my name on my PAN card from abroad?
  • How can I apply for a PAN card from the USA as an NRI?

    I’m an Indian citizen currently living in the USA on an H-1B visa, and I need to apply for an Indian PAN card. I moved to the US a few...

    • 3 Reply
    • 90 Views
    How can I apply for a PAN card from the USA as an NRI?
  • Is there a separate PAN card for NRIs?

    I’m an Indian citizen currently living in the USA on an H-1B visa, and I’m trying to understand whether NRIs need a separate type of PAN card or can apply...

    • 3 Reply
    • 85 Views
    Is there a separate PAN card for NRIs?
  • Can an NRI apply for a PAN card without Aadhaar?

    I’m an Indian citizen living in the UK and have been classified as an NRI for income tax purposes. I need to apply for a PAN card because I have...

    • 3 Reply
    • 102 Views
    Can an NRI apply for a PAN card without Aadhaar?
comunity img

Join Our Facebook Community of
NRIs/OCIs Like You

Join Community