PAN Card Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid It?

A PAN card is an essential document for filing Income Tax returns and carrying out high-value transactions. Individuals qualifying the PAN card eligibility criteria, such as trusts, companies, agencies, and HUFs, can apply for a new PAN card. Applying for a PAN card is a simple and straightforward process. However, there can be several reasons behind the rejection of a PAN card application. 

In most cases, improper submission of documents or discrepancies in the information provided leads to the rejection of your PAN application. To avoid this, make sure to be aware of all applicable rules, guidelines and mistakes to avoid. Continue reading this blog to gain detailed insights about the most common reasons for PAN card rejections and how to avoid them. 

Reasons for PAN Card Rejection

Rejections of PAN card applications can happen via both online and offline modes. Here are some underlying reasons behind the rejection of PAN cards:

• Errors in the PAN Application Form

The two types of PAN application forms are Form 49AA and Form 49A. Both forms require important information, which an applicant must fill out carefully. The relevant information includes the name of the applicant, date of birth, age, address, e-mail ID, contact information, and other personal and financial information.

If an applicant fills out the form with incorrect details, his or her PAN application might be rejected immediately. Spelling errors in one's name or data entered in the wrong fields are grounds for an immediate PAN card rejection. Thus, applicants need to follow the mentioned instructions and fill out their forms correctly to avoid such a scenario. 

• Incorrect Signature

The applicant must put the correct signature on the PAN card application form. If a signature is made anywhere outside the provided area, the PAN card application form might be rejected. Also, applicants should use signatures which match those present in other documents. 

• Errors in Supporting Documents

In cases where supporting documents such as address and identity proof documents sent to the respective PAN department along with the PAN application are provided wrong, it leads to a rejection. 

There are several underlying cases that might cause some serious problems with supporting documents. These include:

• Failing to attach the required documents. If an applicant attaches irrelevant documents and the applicant oversees the relevant documents, the PAN application might be rejected instantly.
• Unclear print in documents. If the documents are found to be not printed clearly, the Income Tax Department might reject your PAN card application.
• If your document has different details compared to your application form, your application could be rejected. Common causes of PAN card rejection include wrong name, communication address, date of birth, etc. 

How to Avoid PAN Card Rejection?

An applicant can prevent rejection of a PAN card by following certain rules and regulations. Here are certain factors mandatory to note down for further rejection of the PAN application form:

• Provide Your Full Name

It is mandatory for the Income Tax Department to enter the full name of the applicant. Mentioning only the initials in the name field would lead to a rejection. Thus, applicants should be extra careful while filling out their names on the form. 

For example- if the applicant's name is Riten Kumar Singh, it should not be filled out as Riten K. Singh. Instead, he should write his full name in the desired name field. If an applicant's supporting document has a misspelled name, it's best to get it corrected first before applying for a PAN card instead of using a wrongly spelled name. 

• Proper Signature

Applicants should put their full signatures in all places required. Putting a signature in the wrong place can cause one’s PAN card application to be rejected. Alongside this, the signature must match with a valid document. Moreover, overwriting in the signature also leads to the rejection of one's PAN card application. Thus, applicants should stay more cautious while signing a PAN card application form. 

• Consider Black Ink

The PAN card department allows applicants to use only black ink while providing details in the form. Using blue ink or coloured ink while filling out the application form or putting a signature leads to a cancellation. This particular point is, however, applicable only to offline PAN applications. 

• Ensure Providing STD and ISD Codes

It is mandatory for applicants to mention their STD or ISD codes while providing landline numbers in the application form. Make sure to write the country code (91) while filling in the mobile number. NRIs residing in foreign countries must mention both their country code and city code. 

• Provide Correct Supporting Documents

During submission of the PAN application form, make sure to provide valid supporting documents. The three different kinds of documents mandatory to submit with the form are identity proof, date of birth and address proof. While filling out the form online, remember to upload all necessary documents for verification.  

• Mention the PIN Code

Providing the correct PIN code in the PAN application form can prevent a PAN card rejection. Also, remember to provide address proof that contains your own name and not the name of your parent, siblings or children. Ensure that the address in the supporting document matches the address you have provided in your application form. 

• Scanned Photographs

The PAN applicant should have two recent passport-size photographs ready in the correct size. This is because two passport-sized photographs are mandatory to attach while filling out the PAN application form. However, for online applications, the uploaded photograph should be thoroughly scanned and uploaded properly to avoid further rejection. 

The PAN card is an important proof of identification every citizen must possess. This application procedure is simple and allows applicants to apply for PAN cards both through online and offline channels. 

An online PAN application carries a high chance of mistakes for applicants not familiar with online procedures. Applicants must also follow the guidelines set by the authorities and fill out the application form with accurate details to avoid a PAN card rejection. The applicant should not apply for a PAN card if they have already one, as otherwise, a heavy penalty will be imposed.