What is e-PAN card? Is the digital PAN card different from your regular PAN card?
At the center of India’s digital transformation is the e-PAN card, a digital card version of the traditional Permanent Account Number (PAN) card issued by the Income Tax Department.
You can use this card for Income Tax Return filing, and more. Let’s check out how e-PAN card is valid for Income Tax Return procedures.
The e-PAN card is valid for filing Income Tax Return (ITR)
The e-PAN card is fully valid and legally accepted for all income tax-related purposes, including Income Tax Return filing. You might be:
- A first-time taxpayer
- Someone who has misplaced your physical PAN
- Exploring digital options
In all the above cases the e-PAN card can serve as a reliable identity document.
The e-PAN card is backed by statutory recognition and integrated into the GoI’s digital tax infrastructure. Check here.
What is an e-PAN Card?
An e-PAN card is a digitally signed PDF document issued by the Income Tax Department (ITD). It is used to present all the essential information found on a physical PAN card, including:
- 10-digit alphanumeric PAN.
- Name, date of birth, and cardholder’s photograph.
- QR code and digital signature of the issuing authority to ensure authenticity.
The e-PAN card has drawn its legal legitimacy from provisions under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act and Rule 114 of the Income Tax Rules. Importantly, the mode of issuance i.e. physical or electronic, does not alter the validity of the-PAN card itself.
You can obtain your e-PAN card through Protean eGov portals by applying for a reprint or a fresh allotment.
In both cases, the e-PAN card issued is recognised as a legally valid proof of identity and financial registration.
e-PAN’s Validity for Income Tax Return Filing
You can use the e-PAN card not only for filing your Income Tax Return, but also associated activities like verifying the return, receiving tax refunds, and responding to notices.
Click here to learn about the role of e-PAN card in the tax filing ecosystem.
Online Income Tax Return Filing
During ITR filing, the-PAN number, whether obtained through a physical or digital card is considered as the primary identifier.
Here are the uses:
Addressing Misconception
For income tax return filing purposes, the ITD does not differentiate between e-PAN and a physical PAN. As long as your PAN is valid and active in the system, you are eligible to file your ITR without presenting a hard copy of the card. However, you should beware of the scams.
Where Else is e-PAN Accepted?
The usefulness of e-PAN card extends beyond taxation in the following ways:
KYC and Financial Transactions
The digital PAN card is widely accepted for Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements by banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, and stockbrokers. Whether you are opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, or initiating a mutual fund investment, an e-PAN card in PDF form is generally sufficient. Many institutions now enable digital KYC processes, where you can upload your e-PAN card and complete verification online.
High-Value Transactions
Your PAN is essential for high-value financial transactions like:
- Purchasing or selling property exceeding ₹10 lakh.
- Buying or selling vehicles.
- Investing over ₹50,000 in mutual funds or deposits.
Check the uses of PAN in high-value transactions here.
Government Services and Applications
The e-PAN card is also being accepted for several other services, such as:
- Passport applications.
- Driving license registration.
- Filing GST or other government registrations.
The Digilocker platform, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, now allows you to store and share e-PAN card securely for such official purposes.
Conclusion
The e-PAN card or digital PAN card is a genuine and legally recognised document for income tax filing in India. If you already possess an e-PAN card, there is no need to worry about applying for or carrying a physical card, your e-PAN card can be sufficient for all tax-related matters. It can simplify your Income Tax Return filing, accessing TDS credits, claiming refunds, and complying with notices.
You can ensure you have a copy saved securely, and confidently use it for all your tax and financial transactions. Why wait; get an e-PAN card now!
