The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Income Tax Department’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) 2.0 Project. This project aims to streamline and modernise the process of issuing and managing PAN and TAN, making it more user-friendly and efficient.
PAN 2.0 Project is a one-stop platform to comprehensively address issues/matters related to PAN and TAN, including application, updates, corrections, Aadhaar-PAN linking, re-issuance requests, and even online PAN validation
PAN 2.0 Project focuses on eco-friendly, paperless processes while establishing PAN as a common identifier for all digital systems of specified Government agencies
What is PAN 2.0?
PAN card 2.0 is an e-governance project to re-engineer the taxpayer registration services process through a technology-driven transformation of PAN or TAN services. It aims to provide taxpayers with a seamless, enhanced digital experience.
PAN 2.0 is a comprehensive upgrade to the Permanent Account Number (PAN) system, which will integrate core and non-core PAN or TAN services and PAN validation services into a paperless, unified platform, aligning with the government’s Digital India programme.
The PAN 2.0 project resonates with the government’s vision enshrined in Digital India by allowing PAN to be used as a common identifier for all digital systems of specified government agencies. It is expected to cater to the business’s demands, focus on effective grievance redressal, and give better cybersecurity.
Key Features of the PAN 2.0
- A single portal for all PAN/TAN-related services to simplify access for users.
- Eco-friendly paperless less processes to reduce paperwork.
- PAN will be issued free of cost, with quicker processing times.
- Personal and demographic data will be protected through enhanced security measures, including a PAN Data Vault.
- A dedicated call centre and helpdesk to address user queries and issues.
Benefits of PAN 2.0
The PAN 2.0 Project has significant benefits, including:
- Speedy service delivery and ease of access with improved quality
- Data consistency with a single source of truth
- Eco-friendly processes and cost optimisation
- Optimisation of security and infrastructure for greater agility.
Changes/ Upgrades from Existing PAN Card to PAN 2.0
PAN 2.0 introduces enhanced functionalities in the existing PAN card. One prominent update in the existing PAN card is the QR code feature, which facilitates easier data access, verification and quicker eco-friendly services. The PAN 2.0 will contain a QR code for quick scans.
The upgrade from the existing PAN card to PAN 2.0 will streamline taxpayer registration and verification through a paperless and secure digital system. However, the existing PAN cards will remain valid. The upgrade of PAN cards to PAN 2.0 will be free of cost.
Who Needs to Apply for PAN Card 2.0?
Citizens having a PAN card can apply for a new PAN card 2.0 through the unified portal, which is yet to be launched by the government.
They can upgrade their existing PAN card to PAN 2.0 with new QR code features at no additional cost.
However, the government has yet to announce the launch date for PAN 2.0. Thus, citizens can apply for PAN card 2.0 once the government launches the new PAN card and the unified portal for applying for PAN card 2.0 free of cost. The portal will also prioritise addressing PAN card-related grievances.
FAQ’s
What is PAN 2.0?
PAN 2.0 Project is an e-Governance project of ITD for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services. The objective of the project is to enhance the quality of PAN services through adoption of latest technology. Under this project ITD is consolidating all processes related to PAN allotment/updation and corrections. The TAN related services are also merged with this project. Besides, PAN authentication/validation through online PAN validation service will be provided to user agencies such as financial institutions, banks, government agencies, central and state government departments etc.
How PAN 2.0 will be different from existing setup?
- Integration of Platforms: Presently, the PAN related services are hosted on three different portals (e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal and Protean e-Gov Portal). In the PAN 2.0 Project, all PAN/TAN related services will be hosted on a single unified portal of ITD. The said Portal would host all end-to-end services related to PAN and TAN like allotment, updation, correction, Online PAN Validation (OPV), Know your AO, AADHAAR-PAN linking, verify your PAN, request for e-PAN, request for re-print of PAN card etc.
- Comprehensive use of technology for paperless processes: Complete online paperless process as against prevailing mode
- Taxpayer facilitation: Allotment/updation/correction of PAN will be done free of cost and e-PAN will be sent to the registered mail id. For physical PAN card, the applicant has to make a request along with the prescribed fee of Rs 50 (domestic). For delivery of card outside India, Rs. 15 + India post charges at actuals will be charged to the applicant.
Do people have an option to get corrections done on PAN, like name, spellings, address change etc?
Yes. If existing PAN holders want to make any correction/updation of their existing PAN details such as email, mobile or address or demographic details such as name, date of birth etc., they can do so at free of cost after the PAN 2.0 Project commences. Till the time the PAN 2.0 project is rolled-out, the PAN holders can avail the Aadhaar based online facility for updation/correction of email, mobile and address free of cost by visiting the below URLs:
- https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserAddressUpdate.html
- https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN_ONLINE/homeaddresschange
Do I need to change my PAN card under the PAN 2.0?
No. The PAN card will not be changed unless the PAN holders want any updation/correction. The existing valid PAN cards will continue to be valid under PAN 2.0.
Will Common Business identifier replace the existing unique taxpayer identification number, i.e., PAN?
No. PAN itself will be used as a Common Business identifier.