Everything you need to know about cancelling, surrendering or making corrections to your PAN.
Why You Might Need to Surrender or Correct Your PAN.
There are several reasons an individual may need to surrender or make corrections to their PAN (Permanent Account Number):
1. You have two PANs issued in your name (which is not permitted).
2. You’re moving abroad permanently, and no longer expect to file taxes in India.
3.Your PAN card has errors such as incorrect name, date of birth, address, etc.
4.In the unfortunate event of the cardholder’s death, the family may wish to cancel the PAN.
Online Cancellation/Surrender or Correction:
If you prefer a digital route, you can use the online portal of the Protean eGov Technologies Limited / NSDL e‑Governance Infrastructure Limited (NSDL) to initiate the process.
Step-by-step:
1.Visit the NSDL website and choose the form for “Changes or Correction in existing PAN data / Reprint of PAN card”.
2.Select your category (Individual / etc) and fill in the basic details: name, date of birth, contact details.
3.After form submission, you’ll get a unique token number via email. Keep this safe for tracking.
4.On the next page: Under Contact Details, tick the box for “Mention other PANs that you want to surrender/cancel” if applicable.
5.Provide details of the PAN(s) to be surrendered or corrected.
6.Upload required proofs: identity, date of birth, address, and if applicable, the extra PAN card copies you wish to cancel.
7.Make the payment (via debit/credit card, internet banking or demand draft) as per the fee applicable.
8.Once payment is successful, you’ll get an acknowledgement.
9.Print the form, affix your photo, sign it, attach required proofs and send the packet with the heading “Application for PAN Change” to: Income Tax PAN Services Unit, Protean eGov Technologies Ltd., 4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune – 411045
How to Check the Status of Your PAN Cancellation/Surrender
After you submit your application, you can check the status online:
1. Visit the official portal of the Income Tax Department (e-filing) and select “Verify PAN Status” under Quick Links.
2. Enter your PAN number, name, date of birth and mobile number.
3. Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number.
4. Your PAN status will be displayed — whether active, cancelled or surrendered.
What Happens if You Have Two PAN Cards?
Under Section 139A of the Income-tax Act, 1961, an individual can have only one PAN.
If you hold more than one PAN, you must surrender/cancel the extra ones. Keeping multiple PANs can lead to a penalty of up to ₹10,000 under Section 272B.
