Everything You Need to Know About PAN 2.0 in India: A Comprehensive Guide
On 1st of December 2024, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the union minister of railways of India announced that the PAN will now come with a QR code. The feature will be available to all taxpayers free of cost. The reason behind this update was to enhance the security of the PAN system. For Non-Resident Indians, a PAN is essential if they want to file income tax returns or plan to engage in any financial or economic activities that require having a PAN as proof.
NRIs can also have access to PAN by using Form No. 49A with other necessary documents and fees. They can submit it either at a PAN application center of UTIITSL or Protean (earlier known as NSDL eGov) or through an online application on their official websites. In this guide, we will learn about what PAN 2.0 is, the PAN 2.0 release date, and the difference between PAN 2.0 vs PAN.
What is PAN 2.0?
PAN 2.0 is an updated version of Permanent Account Number, with some modern changes. There are many new changes made to the new version of PAN, some of which we have discussed below. PAN 2.0 India project introduced QR-enabled PAN cards to enhance security and make validation of PAN details easier.
It is a safer, greener, and digitally accessible PAN 2.0. It would mean creating an even better, more transparent, streamlined system for the management of financial transactions and tax records all over the country.
Main Key Features of PAN 2.0?
The new PAN 2.0 India system introduces some important advancements like mandatory Aadhaar linkage, real-time data validation, and advanced analytics to make security and fight fraud much stronger. Some of crucial features are mentioned below:
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PAN 2.0 Online Apply Process
If you have an existing PAN card, then you don’t have to re-apply for PAN 2.0. You can just apply for an updated version through websites like NSDL and UTIITSL. To apply for PAN 2.0. You can follow the below steps. Before applying make sure you know from which platform your PAN card has been issued whether it is NSDL or UTIITSL which is available on the back side of the PAN card.
PAN 2.0 Online Apply Process through the NSDL Website:
Follow the mentioned steps to apply for PAN 2.0 through the NSDL website:
- Head over to the NSDL Website.
- Here you will need to fill in your personal details such as PAN number, Aadhaar card details, and your date of birth.
- Now select the medium you want to receive OTP, it could be through SMS, email, or others.
- Now read the terms and conditions carefully and click okay to proceed further.
- The final step is to begin with the payment fees to receive your PAN card.
After completing all these steps you will receive your PAN card in your registered email.
PAN 2.0 Online Apply Process through UTIITSL Website
Follow the mentioned steps to apply for PAN 2.0 through the NSDL website:
- Check out the UTIITSL Website.
- Fill out the details such as PAN number and date of Birth and submit the details.
- Verification of Registered Email ID. (If you have already registered your email, you can request your e-PAN.) (If you have not registered your email, you will need to update it.)
- Request e-PAN
- Delivery of e-PAN to Email
PAN 2.0 Release Date
The Indian government has fixed the PAN 2.0 release date along with its larger goals for digitizing financial services in the country. There is no fixed “release date” for PAN 2.0, but the government has already begun rolling out the digital PAN and has been promoting online applications. PAN 2.0 is already there, and people can apply as soon as they need it through official portals.
This new digital PAN can be accessed and downloaded immediately after the approval of your application, making it convenient for people to get their PAN without any wait.
PAN 2.0 vs PAN : Key Difference
Feature | PAN | PAN 2.0 |
Type | Physical card | Digital card |
Security Features | Basic security features | Advanced security (QR codes, digital signatures) |
Aadhaar Linkage | Optional (for some) | Mandatory, improving security and uniqueness |
Application Process | Can be done offline (physical forms) | Entire process is online and faster |
Processing Time | Takes several weeks | Much faster processing and delivery |
Eco-Friendliness | Paper-based | Paperless, environmentally friendly |
Verification | Manual verification | Digital verification via QR code and Aadhaar |
Access | Must carry the physical card | Can be accessed digitally on your phone or computer |
Updates | Requires physical submission | Updates can be done online |
