PAN 2.0: Since the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved PAN 2.0, several questions have been raised on the use of the old PAN card, the useability of PAN 2.0 and many other issues. The Income Tax Department has clarified all these questions to give the taxpayers a deeper understanding of the new system.
What is PAN 2.0?
The PAN 2.0 project is an e-governance project of the Income Tax Department aimed at re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services. The project aims to enhance the quality of PAN services by adopting the latest technology.
If the new PAN cards are QR codes enabled, will the old PAN cards continue to work the same way?
QR codes are not a new feature, and have been included in PAN cards since 2017-18. This will continue with enhancements (dynamic QR codes that will display the latest data in the PAN database) under the PAN 2.0 project. PAN holders with old PAN cards without QR code have the option to apply for a new card with QR code in PAN 2.0 with existing PAN 1.0 eco-system.
How will QR code help us?
QR code helps to verify PAN and PAN details. Currently, a specialised QR reader application is available for verification of QR code details. On reading the reader application, full details, i.e. photo, signature, name, father’s name / mother’s name and date of birth are displayed.
Will existing PAN card holders can have to apply for a new PAN Card?
No. Existing PAN card holders are not required to apply for a new PAN under the Advanced System (PAN 2.0).
Will people get the option to amend PAN?
Yes. If the existing PAN holders want to make any corrections/updates in their existing PAN details like email, mobile or address or demographic details like name, date of birth etc., they can do so for free after the PAN 2.0 project starts. Till the PAN 2.0 project starts, PAN holders can avail free Aadhaar-based online for email, mobile and address updation/modification.
Do people need to change PAN card under PAN 2.0?
No. The PAN card will not be changed unless the PAN holder wants any update/correct. Existing valid PAN cards will be valid under PAN 2.0.
