While making PAN mandatory for many more transactions, the government has also made it easy to get it by enabling the online application process The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), in a circular dated 22 July 2016, has said that a new permanent account number (PAN) card can be applied for online, using an application form that can be e-signed using the Aadhaar linked e-signature. For individual PAN applicants, the entire process is managed by PAN service providers: National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Ltd (UTIITSL). According to the board, “introduction of Aadhaar based e-signature in PAN application not only ensures paperless hassle-free PAN application process, but also seeding of Aadhaar in PAN, which will curb the problem of duplicate PAN to a great extent.” Here is why having a PAN is a must, and how to get it online. THE NEED FOR A PAN In its endeavor to check black money transactions, government has expand...
