e-PAN Card: What is it, Eligibility and Application Process

An e-PAN (electronic permanent account number) is a new initiative introduced by the Income Tax Department. It is a digital version of the traditional PAN card that serves the same purpose as a physical PAN card, like filing income tax returns, opening a bank account, and as a form of identity proof for various financial transactions.

It is a digitally signed, tamper-proof document issued in electronic format (PDF). An e-PAN can be obtained instantly by applying online using an Aadhaar card. If you are a company, LLP, or partnership firm, you are not eligible to apply for an e-PAN. In this blog, we will discuss what an e-PAN card is, who can apply for one, the required fees, and much more.

What is an e-PAN Card? 

An e-PAN is a digitally signed, electronic version of the traditional PAN (Permanent Account Number) card issued by the Income Tax Department. It holds the same legal validity, serves the same purpose as a physical PAN card, and can be obtained for free. One key benefit of an e-PAN card is that it offers a swift and eco-friendly alternative to the physical card. 

You can easily store an e-PAN card on a digital platform and use it for verification of tax-related transactions. However, it is vital to note that the e-PAN is only for individual taxpayers who don't already possess a PAN card. 

It is a safe and convenient option that is widely accepted as a valid identity proof across various services. This digital format can be used for filing ITR (Income Tax Returns), conducting financial transactions, KYC verification, and using a digital backup. 

Who Can Apply for an e-PAN Card Online?

If you fulfill the following requirements, you can Apply for an e-PAN card:

• You must be a resident of India
• You must not already hold a PAN card
• You must be an individual taxpayer, meaning you must not be a company or an HUF. 
• You must have an Aadhaar card that is linked to an active mobile number
• The Aadhaar card must have your updated and correct information.

What is an Instant e-PAN?

An instant e-PAN card can be obtained instantly by an individual within 10 minutes, provided he/she have a valid Aadhaar number. If you don't have a PAN card, you can apply for an instant e-PAN card free of cost on the Income Tax website. 

You don't need to fill out the PAN card application or submit any documents to get an instant e-PAN card. However, you will have to provide your Aadhaar number along with the OTP received at your Aadhaar-registered mobile number to obtain the instant e-PAN card.

What is the Difference Between e-PAN and an Instant e-PAN?

The table below lists the differences between an e-PAN and an instant e-PAN:

How to Apply for an e-PAN Card Online?

You can apply for an e-PAN card through the NSDL or UTIIITSL website. Additionally, you can also apply for an instant e-PAN card through the Income Tax website. Let's understand both the options to apply for an e-PAN or an instant e-PAN:

Applying for an e-PAN via the NSDL or UTIITSL website

Follow the steps below to apply for an e-PAN (electronic permanent account number) through the NSDL or UTIITSL website:

1. Step: Go to the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
2. Step: On the PAN card application, choose the option to not receive a physical PAN card or "e-PAN card". 
3. Step: Fill in the required details on the PAN application, upload the required documents, and submit the form.
4. Step: Pay the required fees and receive the Acknowledgement Number.
5. Step: You will receive the e-PAN card at your registered email address. 

Get Instant e-PAN from the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Follow the steps below to apply for an instant e-PAN easily through the income tax e-filing portal:

1. Step: Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
2. Step: On the homepage, select the "instant e-PAN" option.
3. Step: Enter your Aadhaar number and OTP received on the registered mobile number and submit it.
4. Step: You will receive the e-PAN card at your registered email address. 

How to Check e-PAN Status?

You can monitor your e-PAN card status online using your acknowledgment number or Aadhaar number, based on where you applied for the PAN card. Follow the steps below to check your e-PAN card application status:

1. Step: Navigate to the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
2. Step: Provide the acknowledgement number or the application number. 
3. Step: Enter the captcha code and click on "Submit".
4. Step: The status of your e-PAN card will be displayed on the screen. 

To track instant e-PAN card status, visit the Income Tax e-filing portal and enter your Aadhaar and OTP to check real-time updates. 

How to Download e-PAN?

Once the e-PAN is processed and generated, you will receive it at your registered email address. However, if you are not able to find the email or have deleted it without saving the e-PAN card, you have the option to download the e-PAN card directly through the NSDL or UTIITSL website. Here is the e-PAN download process that you need to follow: 

1. Step: Visit the NSDL or the UTIITSL website.
2. Step: Provide the required details, like acknowledgment number, PAN, birth date, etc. 
3. Step: Enter the OTP, pay the fees*, and click on "Download e-PAN". 

*A fee is applicable if you download the e-PAN after 30 days of its allotment. 

In the case of an instant e-PAN card, you can download it from the Income Tax website by providing your Aadhaar number, OTP, and clicking on the "Download e-PAN" button. 

Also, the application process for an e-PAN card for an NRI is the same as a resident Indian. However, there may be key differences in the form type, required documentation, and document submission methods. 

What is the e-PAN Password Format?

The e-PAN card is password-protected. When you download the e-PAN, it will be provided as a secure PDF file, which will require a password to open and see the details. 

The password for your e-PAN PDF is your date of birth in the following format: "DD/MM/YYYY". For example, if your date of birth is the 15th of June, 1998, the password will be 15061998. 

How to Get a Physical PAN Card After e-PAN?

You can request a re-print of the e-PAN card to get a printed copy of a physical copy of it. When you request the re-print of an e-PAN card, you receive the PAN card printed copy delivered to your residential address. Follow the steps below to apply for a re-print of the e-PAN card:

• Step 1: Navigate to the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
• Step 2: Provide the required details, like PAN, Aadhaar number, birth date, GSTIN (if applicable), and captcha code, and click on "Submit".
• Step 3: Enter the OTP, pay the required fee, and submit it. 
• Step 4: You will receive the printed PAN card at your address. 

e-PAN Fees and Charges

If you apply for an instant e-PAN through the Income Tax e-filing portal, no fees will be applicable. However, when you apply for an e-PAN card through the NSDL or UTIITSL website, you will have to pay a fee. The following table outlines the e-PAN card 

Final Thoughts 

An e-PAN card is a safe and convenient digital alternative to the traditional PAN card. You can obtain one for free, download it instantly, and use it for all the same purposes as a physical PAN card. It is considered legally valid and can be used a proof of identity, Income Tax Filing (ITR), conduct financial transactions, and much more. The process to apply for a new e-PAN, track e-PAN card status, and reprint your card can be done entirely online, making it a simpler and faster option. 

Furthermore, the process can be streamlined even more with the help of an expert from Savetaxs. We have a team of experts carrying years of experience who can offer specialized assistance, mainly for NRI PAN card. We offer expert-assisted services designed to make the complex procedures easy and ensure accurate compliance. Reach out to us today and avoid the common pitfalls that could lead to rejections or delays.