Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a number which is used by Income Tax Department as an identification of a person. The Income tax department can get all the details about the assessee through this number.

The PAN card consists of a 10 digit alphanumeric number which is printed on a laminated card along with other details like PAN number, name of the applicant, father’s name date of birth and a passport size photo.

According section 139A, having a PAN card is mandatory for the following people:

• An individual who is required to furnish a return of income, even on behalf of others.

• An individual who intends to enter into any kind of financial transaction where quoting PAN is mandatory.

• The Assessing officer may allot PAN to any person on his own or on a specific request from such person.

Transactions in which PAN is necessary:

• For any correspondence with the income tax department, an individual will need a PAN.
• For filing an income tax return.
• While submitting challans for payment of any tax to the department.
• During the time of verifications of indentity of assessee in the income tax department.

PAN is an important part of Income Tax Return filing. Under the Income Tax Act, 1961 every person must have a PAN for filing Income Tax Return.

Click here to download PAN application form: Download