What to do if you have two PAN? Steps to surrender duplicate PAN card

PAN or Permanent account number is a unique 10 digit alphanumeric identity allotted by the income tax department. It serves as an identity proof. But every person should possess only one PAN number. It’s illegal for a person or company to have more than one PAN Number. If caught, Income Tax Department can take a legal action or put financial penalty. 

Reasons for Having Two PAN Cards

Person may get two PAN numbers owing to many reasons such as:

• Where Changes/Corrections in PAN are required: When a person wants to make a correction in PAN, he applies for new PAN instead of applying for correction in the same PAN. It results in having more than one PAN number.
• Multiple applications: There are chances that a person applies for PAN and if it is not received within some time, he reapplies for it. This results in having more than one PAN number. A person who has applied for PAN can check the status of PAN online also instead of reapplying it.
• New PAN after marriage: Several women who change cities post marriage apply for a new PAN with their new surname. Instead, they should get the last name changed on their existing PAN.
• Fraudulent Purposes: Some people might apply for multiple PANs with an intention to cheat the government or save money. This is illegal and will attract a penalty.

How to Apply for the Surrender of Additional PAN?

Whatever may be the reason, person should not have more than one PAN numbers. Under the Income Tax Act, penalty for having more than one PAN is Rs 10,000. So, if you have two PAN, then you should apply for the surrender of additional PAN. You can apply for surrender of PAN offline and online both. 

You can apply for surrender of PAN card online by following the below process:

1. Fill and submit the the ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN data/ Reprint of PAN card’ application on the the NSDL website. 
2. Under the contact details in the PAN card correction form, select the check box in the left margin and mention additional PANs that you want to surrender/cancel.
3. Upload the required documents, pay the fees and submit the form.
4. An acknowledgement slip will be generated on successful payment.  

You can apply for surrender of PAN card offline by filling up Form 49A for Change or Correction in PAN, mention the PAN number to be surrendered and submit the form to the nearest PAN centre. Save a copy of acknowledgment for future reference

You can also write a letter addressed to the Assessing Officer of your jurisdiction (You can find your Jurisdiction officer from the Income Tax e-filing portal). Mention your personal details such as the full name on your PAN card, date of birth (or date of incorporation in case of companies or firms), PAN card number to be retained and details of duplicate PAN card being surrendered and keep the acknowledgement received.

Click here to know the detailed steps for surrendering or cancellation of your PAN card.

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