Quick Links
Your PAN must be linked to your Aadhaar to stay operative. An unlinked PAN becomes inoperative and can block tax filing, refunds, and bank or investment transactions until you link it and pay the applicable fee. If you are unsure of your status, start with the Aadhaar link section below.
Know Your PAN Portal
PAN cards are issued by two service providers on behalf of the Income Tax Department. The portal you use depends on where you applied. Instant e-PAN is a separate free service from the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
One of the two official PAN service providers. Use this portal if you applied for or want to reprint a PAN issued through Protean.
The second official PAN service provider. Use this portal if your PAN was applied for or issued through UTIITSL.
Active, Inactive or Inoperative?
Your PAN can be in one of three states. Knowing which one applies to you tells you what action to take.
Your PAN is valid and linked to Aadhaar. You can file taxes, open accounts, and transact normally.
Your PAN exists but is not linked to Aadhaar. Link it and pay the applicable fee to restore it to active.
The PAN has been cancelled, often a duplicate. You must contact the Income Tax Department to resolve it.
Official PAN Fees
These are the standard charges for PAN services. Be cautious of anyone charging extra beyond these amounts.
- Apply and download only through the official Income Tax, Protean (NSDL), or UTIITSL portals. Avoid lookalike sites.
- Instant e-PAN via Aadhaar from the Income Tax portal is completely free. No agent should charge extra for it.
- Never share your PAN, Aadhaar, or OTP with unknown callers claiming to be from the Income Tax Department.
- Do not post photos of your PAN card publicly, as the number can be misused.
Help & Support
PAN services are handled by two official providers. Use the contact that matches the portal your PAN was issued through.
Phone: 020 27218080
Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, all days
Email: customerservice@proteantech.in
Phone: 033 40802999
Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, all days
Email: utiitsl.gsd@utiitsl.com
For PAN-Aadhaar linking and Instant e-PAN queries, use the Income Tax e-Filing portal at incometax.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get an instant e-PAN for free?
You can get an instant e-PAN free of cost from the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your Aadhaar. Your Aadhaar must be linked to an active mobile number to receive the OTP, and the e-PAN is usually issued within about 10 minutes.
Is there a fee to download my e-PAN?
Instant e-PAN from the Income Tax portal is free. Downloading an e-PAN from the Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL portals is free within 30 days of issue or update, after which a nominal fee of around Rs 8.26 applies.
Is an e-PAN as valid as a physical PAN card?
Yes. An e-PAN is digitally signed and holds the same legal status as a physical PAN card. It is accepted for all financial and tax purposes, so you do not need a printed card unless you specifically want one.
What happens if my PAN is not linked to Aadhaar?
An unlinked PAN becomes inoperative. While inoperative, you cannot file income tax returns smoothly, refunds may be withheld, and banks or mutual funds may block transactions. Linking your PAN with Aadhaar and paying the applicable fee restores it.
How much does it cost to link PAN with Aadhaar now?
If you missed the free linking window, a late fee of Rs 1,000 applies under the Income Tax rules. You pay this fee first, then submit the link request on the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Which portal should I use, Protean or UTIITSL?
Use the portal through which your PAN was applied for or issued. Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL are both official service providers. For a brand-new PAN, the free instant e-PAN via Aadhaar on the Income Tax portal is often the quickest route.
Can I hold more than one PAN card?
No. Only one PAN is permitted per person, and holding more than one is not allowed. If a duplicate is detected, you should surrender the extra PAN to the Income Tax Department to avoid penalties.
How do I check my PAN application status?
You can track your PAN application on the same portal where you applied, Protean or UTIITSL, using your acknowledgment number, or by name and date of birth. Instant e-PAN status can be checked directly on the Income Tax e-Filing portal.