Introduction to PAN Cards

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card serves as a unique identification tool issued to every individual taxpayer in India. This essential card links all financial activities of taxpayers, enabling the government to keep precise tax records for each PAN cardholder.

Common Misconceptions

There's a common belief that only adults, or those over 18, can apply for a PAN card. However, this is inaccurate. The Income Tax (IT) department has set no age restrictions for PAN applications, allowing minors to also apply for a PAN card.

Why Do Minors Need a PAN Card?

Several situations arise where minors might require a PAN card:

• When parents designate their minor child as a nominee for investments, shares, or other financial assets.
• If parents invest under the child's name.
• For setting up a bank account or a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account for a young daughter.

Although a minor's income from investments is typically non-taxable and included with the parent's income, a PAN card becomes necessary if:

• The minor is physically handicapped, blind, or disabled.
• The minor earns independently.
• The minor generates income through personal skill, knowledge, or talent.

How to Apply for a Minor PAN Card

Minors cannot apply directly; hence a parent, guardian, or representative assessee must apply on their behalf. Applications are accepted both online and offline.

Online Application Process

• Visit the NSDL Website and select ‘New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)’ with ‘Individual’ as the category.
• Properly fill out Form 49A, including the minor's full name, a parent's mobile number, and email address, then submit.
• Select the document submission mode and specify if a physical PAN card is needed.
• Provide the minor's personal details as well as parent or guardian details, including address and contact number. Parent or guardian signatures are required.
• Upload the minor’s photo and all necessary documents.
• Make the payment using debit/credit card, demand draft, or net banking, then submit.
• Receive an acknowledgment number to track the application status.
• If physical documents are to be sent, mail them with the demand draft (if applicable) to the Income Tax PAN Services Unit in Pune.

Offline Application Process

• Download Form 49A from the NSDL portal.
• Fill out the form as per instructions.
• Attach the necessary documents and two minor photographs.
• Submit all at the nearest PAN Centre with the fees, and receive an acknowledgment for tracking.

Required Documents for Minor PAN Card Application

Submitting a minor's PAN card application requires certain documents as proof of identity, address, and date of birth, mainly those of the parent or guardian, except for the minor's birth proof.

Proof of Identity

• Aadhaar card
• Passport
• Ration card
• Driving license
• Voter's ID card
• Photo ID card issued by the government
• Identity certificate signed by a legislative member or gazetted officer

Proof of Address

• Aadhaar card
• Driving license
• Passport
• Post office passbook
• Voter’s ID card
• Domicile certificate
• Property registration document
• Address certificate from a legislative member or gazetted officer

Additionally, not older than three months:

• Electricity bill
• Water bill
• Landline or broadband bill
• Gas bill
• Credit card statement
• Bank account statement

Proof of Birth

• Birth certificate
• Aadhaar card
• Passport
• Photo ID from government
• Mark sheet from a recognized board
• Domicile certificate
• Affidavit verified by a Magistrate stating birth date

Fees for Minor PAN Card

The fee for a minor’s PAN card varies by document submission mode and card type (physical or e-PAN).

• For offline/online physical applications in India, the fee is Rs. 107, and Rs. 1,017 for international dispatch.
• For online paperless applications in India, the fee is Rs. 101, and Rs. 1,011 for dispatch outside the country.
• E-PAN delivery via email costs Rs. 72 for physical and Rs. 66 for paperless applications.

Updating Minor PAN Card to Adult PAN Card

Upon turning 18, a minor must update their PAN card reflecting the new status. Steps include:

• Access the NSDL Website.
• Select 'Changes or Corrections in existing PAN data/Reprint of PAN card' and choose 'Individual'.
• Decide on the document submission method and preference for a physical card.
• Provide details like PAN number, name, birthdate, and gender; select 'Photo Mismatch' or 'Signature Mismatch' to address changes.
• Update further information on the PAN card.
• Upload the necessary documents, including updated photos and signatures.
• Complete payment for the process; an acknowledgment number is provided to track applications.
• Alternatively, submit the form offline at a PAN Centre.

Conclusion

Acquiring a minor’s PAN card is straightforward online or offline. In absence of a minor’s Aadhaar, parents’ documents complete the application. Essential as identity proof, the minor's PAN card is vital for any financial matters in the minor’s name. Upon adulthood, updating the PAN card with current details is crucial.

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*Abbreviations: [NSE]: National Stock Exchange [BSE]: Bombay Stock Exchange [MSMEs]: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises [NRI]: Non-Resident Indian [RBI]: Reserve Bank of India [RTGS]: Real-Time Gross Settlement [PAN]: Permanent Account Number [TDS]: Tax Deducted at Source [HUF]: Hindu Undivided Family [BOI]: Body of Individuals [AOP]: Association of Persons [LLP]: Limited Liability Partnership [OCI]: Overseas Citizens of India [Income Tax Act]: Income Tax Act [NBFC]: Non-Banking Financial Company [e-KYC]: Electronic Know Your Customer [IRDAI]: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India