New Delhi, November 27, 2024.
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) has long been a cornerstone of India’s financial and administrative systems, connecting individuals and businesses to vital economic activities while promoting financial transparency and compliance. As a key enabler of the digital economy, PAN has transformed into a gateway for essential services, making it indispensable in daily life. To enhance user-friendliness and align with technological advancements, the Cabinet has recently approved PAN 2.0, a step forward in redefining how PAN serves India’s evolving digital and financial landscape.
The PAN 2.0 Project is a transformative initiative to modernise taxpayer registration through advanced e-governance. With a financial outlay of ₹1,435 crore, it re-engineers the PAN/TAN services to offer seamless digital experiences. This project aims to streamline and modernise the process of issuing and managing PAN and TAN, making it more user-friendly and efficient. The project addresses the requirements of taxpayers, focusing on consolidation of multiple platforms/portals and efficient services to PAN/ TAN holders.
PAN 2.0 Project enables technology driven transformation of Taxpayer registration services and has significant benefits including:
- A single portal for all PAN/TAN-related services to simplify access for users.
- Eco-friendly paperless less processes to reduce paperwork.
- PAN will be issued free of cost, with quicker processing times.
- Personal and demographic data will be protected through enhanced security measures, including a PAN Data Vault.
- A dedicated call centre and helpdesk to address user queries and issues.
PAN 2.0 aims to revolutionize the existing system by integrating all PAN/TAN services into a unified portal, ensuring a seamless and paperless process. Free e-PAN services and simplified updates enhance convenience for taxpayers. Have a look at these key features in detail: –
- Integration of Platforms: PAN-related services are currently hosted on three different portals (e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal and Protean e-Gov Portal). In the PAN 2.0 Project, all PAN/TAN-related services will be hosted on a single unified portal of the Income Tax Department. The said Portal would host all end-to-end services related to PAN and TAN like allotment, updation, correction, Online PAN Validation (OPV), Know your AO, AADHAAR-PAN linking, verify your PAN, request for e-PAN, request for re-print of PAN card etc.
- Comprehensive use of technology for paperless processes: Complete the online paperless process as against the prevailing mode.
- Taxpayer facilitation: Allotment/updation/correction of PAN will be done free of cost, and e-PAN will be sent to the registered mail ID. For a physical PAN card, the applicant has to request along with the prescribed fee of Rs 50 (domestic). For delivery of the card outside India, Rs. 15 + India post charges at actuals will be charged to the applicant.
