Steps to Check PAN Card Status

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The PAN card, or Permanent Account Number, is a crucial 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued to taxpayers in India by the Income Tax Department. Ensuring your PAN card is active and valid is important, especially when planning financial transactions. There are several easy ways to verify your PAN card's status both online and offline. In this article, we'll explore these methods and their benefits.
Before You Check PAN Card Status
Before diving into the process of checking your PAN status, make sure to have the following details at hand:

• PAN Number: The unique 10-digit alphanumeric code printed on your PAN card.
  
• Aadhaar Number: It's optional, but linking your PAN to Aadhaar can be helpful.
  
• Registered Mobile Number: The phone number you used when applying for your PAN.
  
• Email ID: The email address provided during your PAN application process.
  
• Application Acknowledgment Number: If you’ve recently applied for a new PAN card, the acknowledgment number from the application can be useful.
  

It's important to note that only the PAN cardholder or an authorized individual can check the status of the PAN card. Furthermore, the PAN must be valid for use in financial transactions.
How to Check PAN Card Status Online
You can quickly check your PAN card status online by visiting specific websites and following a few simple steps:

1. Access Official Websites: Head to the NSDL, UTIITSL, or Income Tax e-filing websites.
   
2. Find PAN Status Check: Look for the "Check PAN Status" section.
   
3. Enter Details: Input your PAN number and other requested details.
   
4. Submit Captcha: Enter the captcha code provided for security and submit the form.
   
5. View PAN Status: Your PAN card's status will be displayed (e.g., active, inactive, etc.).
   

In addition, these websites may offer a way to check whether your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar, and you can also find this information in your Form 26AS on the TRACES portal.
How to Check PAN Status via SMS
Checking your PAN status by SMS is a simple and convenient option. Here’s how to do it:

1. Send SMS: From your registered mobile number, send a message to either 567678 or 57575.
   
2. Follow the Format: Use the format  UTIITSLPAN your 10-digit PAN number
   
3. Receive Status: Shortly after, you will receive an SMS with the current status of your PAN.
   

There are also toll-free IVR (interactive voice response) services available to check your PAN status by phone.
How to Check PAN Status Offline
If you prefer offline methods, you can still check your PAN status easily by visiting authorized service centers:

1. Visit a Service Center: Go to the nearest PAN service center or TIN-FC (Tax Information Network Facilitation Center) office.
   
2. Submit Documents: Fill out the required status verification form and submit self-attested copies of your documents.
   
3. Receive Status: The tax officer will verify your PAN details in their database and provide the current status.
   
4. Request a Printout: If needed, you can also request a printout of your PAN status after verification.
   

Checking PAN Status in Income Tax Returns
Another way to check the status of your PAN card is through the income tax e-filing portal while filing your returns. Here’s how:

1. Log In: Use your credentials to log into the income tax e-filing website.
   
2. Access Profile Settings: Navigate to the "My Account" section and select "My Profile."
   
3. Check PAN Status: Under the "PAN Details" section, you will find the current status of your PAN card (active or inactive).
   
4. Link Aadhaar: If your PAN card is inactive, you can try linking it to your Aadhaar card to reactivate it.
   

Why Checking PAN Status is Important
Ensuring your PAN card is active and up-to-date comes with several benefits, especially before engaging in any financial transactions. Here are a few reasons why checking your PAN status is crucial:

• Confirm PAN Validity: It’s important to know whether your PAN card is valid before using it for financial activities.
  
• Check Aadhaar Linking: Ensure that your PAN is linked with your Aadhaar for compliance purposes.
  
• Update Personal Details: Verifying the status also gives you a chance to update any personal information tied to your PAN card.
  
• Track Application Progress: If you’ve applied for a new or reissued PAN card, checking the status lets you track its delivery or progress.
  
• Prevent Misuse: Regularly checking your PAN status helps in detecting any unauthorized use of your PAN for tax-related activities.