Whether you wish to save, invest, borrow, or spend, having a PAN Card is a must. PAN is an essential document when you want to open a bank account, invest in securities, apply for credit cards, and spend on above Rs. 2 Lakhs at online marketplaces and offline stores. While the PAN application process is simple, getting a physical PAN Card delivered to your registered address can take 15-20 days. If you don’t wish to wait that long, follow the tips outlined in this article.
Eight easy steps to expedite your PAN Card application
Listed below are 8 steps that can expedite your PAN Card application:
Apply online
Generally, online PAN applications are processed faster than offline ones. Applying for a PAN Card online saves you the time and effort of physically visiting a PAN service centre or NSDL office. If you apply offline, you will have to visit the PAN center to collect the form, then fill out the form, and revisit the center for submission. All this can delay the process. Instead, you can complete your PAN application online using either the Protean (formerly NSDL) website or the UTIITSL website in a matter of minutes.
E-sign your application
Signature is mandatory for PAN Card applications. Instead of printing out the form and signing on its physical copies, you can authenticate your application using the e-sign option. You can use an Aadhaar-based e-signature or obtain a class III DSC (digital signature certificate) to electronically sign your application. For the former, ensure that your Aadhaar is linked to the registered number for OTP verification.
Gather all the documents in advance
Another prudent way to expedite your PAN Card application is ensuring all your documents are in order. PAN applications primarily require identity proof, address proof, and age proof documents for individual applicants. Make sure you have these documents lined up, scanned, and uploaded on your laptop in the right format to avoid wasting time while filling out the form. Moreover, having all your documents in order also reduces chances of errors.
Use Aadhaar-based e-KYC
To expedite your PAN Card application, opt for the Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification option. This option allows your application to be processed electronically and verified using the UIDAI database. In other words, you don’t even need to upload documents. Digital verification eliminates the need to physically post documents, which might require days to reach the IT Department.
Double check your application form
Mistakes in your PAN application form can cause unnecessary delays in processing. You can avoid this by ensuring that the details filled into the form are accurate and match the documents you submit to validate this data. Always remember to double check the spelling of your name, DOB, address details, and communication details before you submit the form.
Pay the application fees online
When you apply for a PAN Card, try paying for the application online. Protean and UTIITSL offer various online payment modes including payment gateways, NEFT, debit/credit cards. Choose a preferred payment option and complete this step digitally. Electronically payments are processed almost instantly ensuring quick confirmations, while demand drafts and cheques can take time to clear, delaying PAN allotment.
Opt for an e-PAN over physical PAN
Another way to expedite your PAN Card application is opting for a digital or e-PAN rather than a physical card. When you apply for PAN online, you get to choose between two delivery mode options. Choosing the digital PAN option ensures that the PAN is sent to your registered email ID as soon as the application is verified and PAN allotted. However, the physical PAN Card can take about 15-20 days to arrive via the courier service. Since e-PAN has the same validity as your regular PAN Card, opting for this option will simply help eliminate wait times.
Apply for an instant e-PAN
The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal now allows you to apply for an Instant e-PAN which is essentially a digital version of your PAN Card. If you don’t have a PAN allotment, but possess a valid Aadhaar-registered number, you can apply for the e-PAN service. This paperless application process ports data from the UIDAI database and electronically verifies your submission to cut-down on processing delays. In fact, an Instant e-PAN is generated in about 10 minutes, making it the fastest way to acquire a PAN Card.
Conclusion
Following the 8 steps outlined above will help you expedite your PAN Card application. Simply applying online, using e-KYC verification, e-signing your application, and digitally paying the fee can streamline the process. Similarly, checking your details and having documents ready can help speed things up. However, if you need PAN instantly to open a Demat account with an NBFC or purchase property, choosing the instant e-PAN option might be best.
