A new update has just been released that directly impacts PAN card holders across India. If you already have a PAN card, it is crucial to be aware of the latest changes implemented by the Central Government. These updates have created confusion and concern among many citizens. If you want to understand how this rule might affect you, make sure to read this article thoroughly.
New PAN Card Rule Issued by the Government
If you’re someone who frequently uses their Permanent Account Number (PAN) for financial or official work, this update is especially important for you. The Income Tax Department has started imposing a fine of ₹10,000 on certain PAN card holders.
This penalty is being levied on those whose PAN cards have become inactive, yet they continue to use them for various transactions, unaware of their invalid status.
Who Will Be Fined ₹10,000 for Using an Inactive PAN Card?
A PAN card is essential for a wide range of activities—buying property, filing income tax returns (ITR), conducting financial transactions, and verifying identity. However, many individuals are unknowingly using inactive PAN cards.
According to the new regulation by the Income Tax Department, anyone using an inactive PAN card may face a penalty of up to ₹10,000 under the Income Tax Act. This is a serious issue, especially for those who are unaware that their PAN has been deactivated.
How to Check If Your PAN Card Is Active or Not
To avoid penalties, you should verify the status of your PAN card. Follow these steps to check:
- Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website: https://www.incometax.gov.in
- Look for the “Verify Your PAN” option under Quick Links or Instant e-Services.
- Enter your PAN number, date of birth, and registered mobile number.
- You will receive an OTP on your mobile.
- Enter the OTP and proceed to view your PAN card status.
This process will confirm whether your PAN is currently active or has been deactivated.
What to Do If Your PAN Is Active
If your PAN card is active, that’s a good sign—but your job isn’t done yet. You should also check if your PAN card is linked to your Aadhaar card. In some cases, the link exists, but it may not be valid or updated.
To verify the link status:
- Visit the Income Tax portal.
- Go to the PAN-Aadhaar link section.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.
- Check if the link is valid and update it if necessary.
Final Note
This update is a critical reminder for all PAN card holders to ensure their documents are active and correctly linked to Aadhaar. Using an inactive PAN not only makes you non-compliant but could also result in a hefty fine of ₹10,000.
Avoid unnecessary penalties by checking your PAN status today. Most importantly, do not rely on agents or third parties. Always use the official Income Tax Department portal for verification and updates.
