What is PAN card with QR code? Everything to know
What's the story
It is illegal for individuals in India to have more than one PAN card, per Income Tax (I-T) Act rules. But many taxpayers and businesses have been caught with multiple PAN cards and misusing them for tax assessment purposes. To fight such duplicity and misuse, the Income Tax Department earlier started issuing PAN cards with QR codes in July 2018. Here's everything to know.
Information
PAN cards without QR code are equally functional
Starting in July 2018, the I-T Department started issuing PAN cards with Enhanced Quick Response (QR) code. However, this doesn't imply that old PAN cards are dysfunctional. "PAN cards and e-PAN cards issued in old design will also remain valid," said the I-T Department earlier.
Info
What information does QR code on PAN contain
The Enhanced QR code printed on newer PAN cards contains a photograph and signature of the applicant, along with generic information such as PAN number, name, father's/mother's name, and date of birth (DOB) or date of incorporation/formation (in case of business entity). All these details are digitally-signed and coded on the QR Code. The Enhanced QR code is also present on the e-PAN cards.
Do you know?
How to read QR code on your PAN
To read the Enhanced QR code on your PAN card using your smartphone, download the PAN QR Code Reader app from the Play Store. Once downloaded, use your phone's camera (preferably an auto-focus camera with a resolution of 12MP or above) to scan the QR.
Linkage
Your PAN might get deactivated, if not linked with Aadhaar
Notably, the government is planning to temporarily invalidate all PAN cards that are not linked with Aadhaar. This is because the government believes that even after so many extensions if your PAN is not yet linked with Aadhaar, its authenticity is questionable. Simply put, the government is skeptical that your PAN might be fake.
Procedure
Here's how you can link your PAN with Aadhaar
To link Aadhaar with PAN online, log on to the I-T Department's e-filing portal. Under the "Quick Links" section, click on "Link Aadhaar." Enter details such as Aadhaar number, PAN, name, and captcha code. Submit the required details, and click on "Link Aadhaar." After successful verification from UIDAI, the linkage will be confirmed. You can also link your PAN with Aadhaar via SMS.
Information
You can also link your PAN with Aadhaar via SMS
Apart from the online method, users can also link their Aadhaar with PAN via SMS. To do so, type a text message in this format: UIDPAN (space) 12-digit Aadhaar number (space) 10-digit PAN, and send it to 567678 or 56161 from your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.