It is the Permanent Account Number (PAN) is one of the most significant identification documents in India for tax and financial operations. It is issued from the Income Tax Department, PAN allows taxpayers to be identified as unique and monitor high-value financial transactions to guarantee transparency and stop tax avoidance.
Through digital transformation, the government also has introduced electronic PAN that is a legally legal electronically-enabled version of physically PAN card. From filing tax returns for income to opening demat and bank account, PAN as well as e-PAN are essential in every day financial transactions.
What Is a PAN Card?
The PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that is issued to individuals and organizations from the Income Tax Department of India. Every PAN can only be used once and stays in the same form throughout the lifetime of its holder.
Physical PAN card includes:
- PAN number
- Name of the Holder
- Photo (individuals only)
- Birth date or incorporation
- Name of father (for people)
PAN serves as PAN is a central point of reference for all tax-related important financial transactions, assisting authorities to link investments, income and taxes in a precise manner.
E-PAN Card: Overview
| Category | Details |
| Full Form | Permanent Account Number (PAN) |
| Issuing Authority | Income Tax Department |
| What is e-PAN | Digitally issued PAN card in PDF format |
| Legal Validity | Same as physical PAN card |
| PAN Format | 10-digit alphanumeric code |
| Eligible Applicants | Indian individuals with valid Aadhaar |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Aadhaar Requirement | Mandatory for instant e-PAN |
| Uses | ITR filing, banking, investments, property |
| PAN 2.0 Status | Upgrade of system, PAN number unchanged |
| Official Website | https://www.incometax.gov.in/ |

What Is an e-PAN Card?
An electronic-PAN is a electronic version of the PAN card which is issued in format in PDF in a format that is is signed digitally with Tax Authorities. Income Tax Department. It has the same legality as an actual PAN card and is able to be used anywhere the need for a PAN exists.
The ePAN initiative offers PAN services:
- Paperless
- Faster
- Environment-friendly
- It is easily accessible at any time
Income Tax PAN 2.0 – What Is It?
PAN 2.0 is a major modernization of the e-Governance system that is part of the Income Tax Department. The current PAN software has been operating for more than a decade, leading to demand for sturdy and future-proof digital infrastructure.
Key Features of PAN 2.0
- Completely paper-free and online
- A faster grievance redressal system for grievances
- Increased security of data and system efficiency
- No change in the current PAN numbers.
- Old PAN cards are completely valid
PAN 2.0 concentrates on the user experience rather than replacing existing PANs.
Benefits of PAN 2.0
- The convenience:Â Services that provide end-to-end internet access
- Performance:Â Faster PAN generation and updates
- accessibility:Â Access to digitally accessible PAN information
- Eco-friendly:Â Reduced paper usage
- Transparency More robust compliance monitoring
Benefits of e-PAN Card
- Digital and contactless process
- Instantly issued (within 10 minutes in cases based on Aadhaar)
- No delays in paperwork or delivery of couriers.
- Secure from physical injury or loss
- Downloads for free or at a low cost
In times of emergency and remote access demands, e-PAN has proven to be extremely beneficial.
Eligibility Criteria for e-PAN
To apply for an immediate electronic PAN applicants must:
- You can be an individual taxpayer
- You do not already have a PAN
- You must have an valid Aadhaar number.
- You should have AÂ mobile number that is linked to Aadhaar
- You must be at least 18 years old (as as per the Majority Act 1875)
E-PANs cannot be issued to businesses, companies trusts, HUFs, or companies by using the Aadhaar facility.
Is PAN / e-PAN Mandatory?
Yes, PAN or ePAN is a requirement to:
- Filing Income Tax Returns
- Opening bank or demat accounts
- The cost of buying or selling property over the amount of
- Fixed deposits that exceed Rs50,000
- Investments in mutual funds that exceed Rs50,000
- The purchase of four-wheelers
- Credit or debit cards
- Foreign travel payments above Rs 50,000
- Restaurant or hotel bills that are high-end
What If You Don’t Own a PAN?
If you don’t have an account number:
- You can make use of Aadhaar instead of PAN (where permitted)
- Submit Form 60 declaring non-taxable income
- Minors may use their parents “PAN”
However, long-term financial participation requires a PAN.
Different Types of PAN / e-PAN Cards
PANs are issued on the basis of what is the character of an company:
- Individual (Indian Resident)
- Individual (Foreign Citizen)
- Company / Firm
- Trust / Association / Government Body
Company PANs don’t need signatures or photographs.
Understanding the PAN Structure
A PAN contains 10 character:
- First 3: Random alphabets
- 4th: Type of entity
- 5th: The first initial of surname
- Next 4 Next 4: Numeric sequence (0001-9999)
- Last The Alphabetic Check digit
The PAN remains the same even after name modifications.
Penalty for Holding Multiple PANs
According to section 272B under the Income Tax Act, 1961 having greater than one tax-payer number is a violation.
- Penalty: Rs 10,000
- Duplicate PANs need to be disposed of immediately.
How to Cancel or Surrender a PAN / e-PAN
Offline Method
- Visit the Income Tax Office
- Submit a surrender request the Assessing Officer
- Or file Form 49A at NSDL/UTI centers
Online Method
- Visit NSDL portal
- Make PAN surrender request online
How to Download e-PAN Card
You can download your e-PAN card online through official government-authorised portals once your PAN is allotted or updated. The electronic PAN is an digitally certified legal document that can be used in lieu the physical.
Below are the official methods for downloading your electronic PAN card by 2026.
Method 1: Download e-PAN via Income Tax e-Filing Portal (Instant e-PAN)
The most efficient method that is available only to Aadhaar-linked PANs.
Eligibility
- PAN generated using Aadhaar
- Mobile number that is linked to Aadhaar
Steps to Download
- Go to the official Income Tax E-Filing Portal
incometax.gov.in - On the homepage on the homepage, select “Instant e-PAN” under Quick Links.
- Select “Check Status / Download PAN”.
- Input the Aadhaar code Click Proceed.
- Input to the OTP you received from your Aadhaar linked mobile number.
- Click “Download e-PAN”.
- The PDF e-PAN will be downloaded immediately.
Time taken: Within 10 minutes
Cost: Free of cost
Method 2: Download e-PAN via NSDL (Protean Portal)
This method works when your PAN was created via the NSDL.
You Can Download Using
- PAN number PAN number, or
- Acknowledgement number
Steps
- Go to this site to access the NSDL PAN services portal.
- Select the right choice:
- Download E-PAN (PAN allocated in the last thirty days)
- Download E-PAN (PAN assigned prior to the period of 30 days)
- Select PAN or Acknowledgement Number.
- Input the required information (DOB, Aadhaar if asked or captcha).
- Choose OTP delivery mode (email/mobile).
- Verify OTP.
- Click Download PDF.
Fee
- The offer is free Within thirty days of the allotment
- Rs8.26 (including GST) after 30 days
Method 3: Download e-PAN via UTIITSL Portal
Apply this method if the PAN application was processed by UTIITSL..
Steps
- Check out for the website of the official UTIITSL PAN portal.
- Select “Download e-PAN”.
- Enter:
- PAN number
- Date of birth or incorporation
- GSTIN (if applicable)
- Send the information.
- You will be notified of an email with a download link in an email.
- Enter the OTP to download the E-PAN PDF.
Fee
- Free for 30 days
- Rs8.26 after 30 days
Method 4: Download e-PAN Without PAN Number
If you don’t know what your personal identification number is You can download an e-PAN.
Using Acknowledgement Number (NSDL)
- Visit NSDL portal.
- Select the the Acknowledgement number option.
- You must enter the acknowledgement code, DOB and captcha.
- Fully completed OTP verification.
- Download e-PAN PDF.
Using Aadhaar (Income Tax Portal)
- Visit incometax.gov.in.
- Click Instant e-PAN – Check Status / Download PAN.
- Enter Aadhaar number.
- Verify OTP.
- Download the e-PAN.
Method 5: Download e-PAN Using Aadhaar Number
This is applicable only with PANs that are Aadhaar-based..
Steps
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing website.
- Click Instant e-PAN.
- Select Check Status / Download PAN.
- Enter Aadhaar number.
- Verify OTP.
- Download e-PAN PDF.
Method 6: Download e-PAN Using Mobile Number
You can download E-PAN only when the mobile phone number you use is registered to Aadhaar.
Steps
- Visit incometax.gov.in.
- Open Instant e-PAN service.
- Enter Aadhaar number.
- Confirm OTP received on your mobile.
- Download the e-PAN.
e-PAN PDF Password
The file that you download is protected by a password.
Password Format: DDMMYYYY
- Individuals:Â Date of Birth
- Companies/Firms:Â Date of Incorporation
Important Points to Remember
- E-PANs are legally legal for all tax and financial purposes
- An Aadhaar-linked mobile number is required to avail instant access to services.
- You must download within 30 days of the date to avoid fees
- Always make sure to use the official websites only.
PAN and e-PAN are the foundation of India’s tax and financial ecosystem. Through initiatives such as PAN 2.0, the government will make services for taxpayers quicker, safer and completely digital. If you’re filing taxes or investing, or establishing accounts maintaining your PAN information current and readily accessible is vital.
For the most accurate information, depend on the official portals of government and stay clear of unofficial sources.
FAQ’s
Q1. How can I download my e-PAN card?
It is possible to download an electronic PAN from the Income Tax eFiling portal, NSDL, or UTIITSL with Aadhaar PAN, Aadhaar or an acknowledgement number.
Q2. Is e-PAN legally valid like a physical PAN card?
Yes, e-PAN is valid. It has the full legality and is valid for all banking, financial and tax reasons.
Q3. What documents are required for instant e-PAN?
Only one legitimate Aadhaar that has the An Aadhaar linked number will be required. There are no additional documents required.





