Tracking financial information and transactions has become easier for the government with the introduction of PAN (permanent account number). Apart from being a valuable photo-ID proof, your PAN Card is an essential document for carrying out high-value transactions. This critical document is needed for various purposes, including opening a bank account, booking an FD with an NBFC getting enrolled into the payroll, and more.
If you don’t have a PAN Card yet, you can easily apply for one online or offline, depending on your preference. But before you apply for a PAN, you should understand the common mistakes most people make while filling up their application forms.
Seven common mistakes you should avoid when applying for a PAN card
Keep following common PAN application mistakes in mind to make your application process as smooth as scoring discounts at an online marketplace:
Mistakes concerning your name
Many PAN applicants make errors while entering their names into the PAN application form. It is important to remember that you cannot use initials or abbreviations while filling in the application form. Apart from using your full name, you must also ensure that the spelling of your name is correct and matches your identity proof document. Check the form carefully before submitting it to avoid such errors.
Signature-related mistakes
You must also be cautious of the signature-related rules. There are two allocated places for you to attest. The first signature on the acknowledgement receipt needs to be within the box provided. Similarly, the second one needs to be across the photograph, starting from the left side and ending within the photograph itself. Signing elsewhere will lead to the rejection of your PAN application.
Using a scanned photograph
Your PAN Card is also a photo-identity document. Therefore, providing a clear photograph is essential. If you are applying for a PAN Card offline, you must ensure that the photograph you provide is an original passport-size picture. Avoid using scanned photographs for your PAN application since scanning can affect the picture quality resulting in unclear images. If that happens, identification becomes difficult, resulting in application rejections.
Inputting wrong communication details
Entering wrong communication details in the PAN Card application form is yet another common mistake, Individual applicants and HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) need to outline their residential address for PAN. Other applicants like associations and companies need to submit their office address. Make sure you provide the right communication details and have supporting documents to verify the same.
Not providing required supporting documents
To successfully apply for a PAN Card, you need to submit valid identity proof, address proof, and age proof documents. This list of qualifying documents vary depending on the applicant category. For instance, companies need to provide their certificate of registration, while associations need to present their trust deed. Checking this specific list of documents as per your applicant category is essential to submit all the required supporting documents and avoid application rejections.
Signing in blue ink
Another common mistake people make is in terms of the pen they use to fill-up the PAN application form and sign. If you are applying for a PAN Card offline, fill-up the form using a black ink pen. Generally, most government forms require signatures in black ink. To avoid possible delays, it’s best to stick to the norm and use a black pen to complete your PAN application.
Stating an incorrect address
Filling up your PAN application form requires you to state your whole address. Even slight mistakes in your building number or postal code can cause unnecessary hassles. Make sure you enter the right address that can be verified using your submitted address proof document (utility bill, Aadhaar, Voter’s ID, etc.).
Conclusion
If you wish to avoid delays in PAN allotment, make sure to remember the common mistakes outlined above. Always be sure to double check your PAN application form before submission to eliminate any possibility of error. In case you have made an error, there is no need to worry. You can apply for corrections in PAN details and the IT Department will send you the updated PAN.
