The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a crucial document for financial and tax-related activities in India. If you’ve applied for a PAN card, you will receive an Acknowledgement Number, which serves as a reference for tracking your PAN card application status. Whether you’re applying for a new PAN, requesting changes, or applying for a duplicate, getting the acknowledgement number is vital for keeping track of your application.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to obtain your PAN card acknowledgement number and how you can use it to monitor the progress of your PAN application.
What is a PAN Card Acknowledgement Number?
The PAN card Acknowledgement Number is a unique 15-digit code that is issued by the Income Tax Department or the authorized PAN service provider (NSDL or UTIITSL) once you have successfully submitted your PAN card application. This number is essential for:
- Tracking Application Status: You can use this number to check the status of your PAN card, whether it’s being processed, dispatched, or delivered.
- Communication with Authorities: In case of any discrepancies or issues, the acknowledgement number will serve as a reference for communication with the PAN card authorities.
- Proof of Application: It serves as proof that you’ve submitted your PAN application, which is useful if there’s a delay or you need urgent access to your PAN card details.
When Do You Receive the PAN Acknowledgement Number?
The PAN acknowledgement number is generated immediately after you submit your PAN card application. You can receive it in the following scenarios:
- Online Application: When applying online through NSDL or UTIITSL, the acknowledgement number is generated instantly upon successful submission and payment.
- Offline Application: If you apply through a physical form at an authorized service center, the acknowledgement number is generated after submission, and a hard copy is provided.
How to Get Acknowledgement Number for PAN Card (Online Application)
If you’ve applied for your PAN card online, you can retrieve your PAN acknowledgement number easily. Follow these steps depending on whether you applied through NSDL or UTIITSL.
1. Through NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited)
If you applied for your PAN card via NSDL, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official NSDL PAN Portal:
Go to the NSDL PAN Service Portal. - Choose the “PAN New/Correction” Section:
On the homepage, select the option to Apply for New PAN or Correction in PAN depending on your application type. - Fill in the Application Details:
If you have already applied, click on “Track PAN Status” and fill in the details such as:- Your application type (New, Correction, Duplicate).
- Date of birth.
- Your name and submission date.
- Retrieve the Acknowledgement Number:
Once your details are submitted, the system will display your application status along with your 15-digit acknowledgement number.
2. Through UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited)
If you applied for a PAN card via UTIITSL, the process to get your acknowledgement number is similar:
- Visit the UTIITSL Portal:
Go to the UTIITSL PAN Card Portal. - Track PAN Card Status:
Select the option to Track PAN Card Application Status under the PAN services section. - Provide Application Details:
You’ll need to enter information like:- Your coupon number (if available).
- Application type.
- Date of birth and name.
- View the Acknowledgement Number:
Once your details are verified, the website will display your PAN card application status along with the acknowledgement number.
How to Get Acknowledgement Number for PAN Card (Offline Application)
If you’ve applied for a PAN card through offline methods by submitting a physical form, you should receive a printed receipt with your acknowledgement number after submitting the application. Here’s how it works:
- Visit an Authorized PAN Center:
Go to the nearest authorized PAN center and submit the Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for foreign citizens). - Submit Supporting Documents:
Along with the form, submit required documents like ID proof, address proof, and passport-sized photograph. - Receive the Acknowledgement Receipt:
Upon successful submission, you’ll receive a printed receipt with your unique 15-digit acknowledgement number. - Keep the Receipt Safe:
This receipt serves as your proof of application and allows you to track your PAN status.
How to Track PAN Card Application Status Using Acknowledgement Number
Once you have your acknowledgement number, you can easily track the status of your PAN card application. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Track PAN Status via NSDL Website
To check the status of your PAN card application using the acknowledgement number, follow these steps:
- Visit the NSDL PAN Status Page.
- Enter your 15-digit Acknowledgement Number in the designated field.
- Click on “Submit”.
- The status of your PAN card application will be displayed, showing whether it is under processing, approved, dispatched, or delivered.
2. Track PAN Status via UTIITSL Website
For those who applied through UTIITSL, the process is just as simple:
- Go to the UTIITSL PAN Status Page.
- Enter your Application Coupon Number or Acknowledgement Number.
- Click on “Submit” to view the current status of your PAN card.
What to Do If You Lose Your PAN Acknowledgement Number
Losing your PAN acknowledgement number can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. Here are some ways you can recover it:
1. Check Your Email
If you applied for your PAN card online, an email containing the PAN acknowledgement number would have been sent to the registered email ID. Search your inbox for any emails from NSDL or UTIITSL. The subject line typically includes “PAN Acknowledgement.”
2. Log into the PAN Service Portal
- Visit the respective NSDL or UTIITSL website.
- Navigate to the Track Application Status page.
- Enter details such as your name, date of birth, and application submission date. The system will display the acknowledgement number.
3. Contact Customer Support
If you are unable to retrieve the number via email or the portal, you can contact customer service:
- NSDL PAN Helpline: +91 20 27218080
- UTIITSL Customer Care: +91 33 40802999
Provide them with your personal information and they will help retrieve the acknowledgement number.
FAQs
1. Can I retrieve my PAN acknowledgement number online if I lose it?
– Yes, if you lose your PAN acknowledgement number, you can retrieve it through the NSDL or UTIITSL portals by providing your application details like name and date of birth.
2. How long does it take to get the PAN card after receiving the acknowledgement number?
– After receiving the acknowledgement number, the PAN card is typically processed and delivered within 15 to 20 working days, depending on the application’s complexity and postal service.
3. Can I use the acknowledgement number to track PAN card status offline?
– Yes, you can track your PAN card status offline by contacting the customer service helpline of NSDL or UTIITSL and providing your acknowledgement number.
4. What should I do if my PAN application is delayed?
– If there’s a delay in your PAN card processing, use the acknowledgement number to check the status online or contact customer support for assistance.
5. Is the acknowledgement number proof of PAN card issuance?
– No, the acknowledgement number is proof of application submission. The PAN card will be issued after successful processing, and you can track its status using the acknowledgement number.
6. Can I apply for a duplicate PAN card using the acknowledgement number?
– Yes, if you have lost your PAN card, you can apply for a duplicate using the same acknowledgement number or by generating a new application.
Conclusion
The PAN card acknowledgement number is a crucial element in the application process, serving as proof of submission and allowing you to track the progress of your PAN card. Whether you’ve applied online or offline, retrieving and keeping the acknowledgement number safe is essential. Should you misplace it, following the steps outlined above will help you recover it and continue tracking your PAN application.
By staying informed and tracking your application using the acknowledgement number, you can ensure a smooth and timely PAN card issuance process.
