All About AO Codes for PAN - Types, Elements, How to Find Them

There are officers assigned to each area to assess the taxation of the people in that areas. It is these officers who are identified by AO Codes. A look at the table for the AO code, on Form 49A for new PAN Card, will show that it is formed through the combination of multiple elements. There are 4 elements that make up an AO Code. They are:

• Area Code: For the purpose of identifying the geographic location of the individual or company, their area is assigned a code which is represented using 3 letters.
• AO Type: The type helps the tax department identify the type of PAN Card holder as an individual or company or even a service personnel or a person who is not a resident of India.
• Range Type: Based on the actual address of the PAN Card hold, they are assigned a Range Type which helps identify the ward or circle that they live in.
• AO Number: The AO number is a numerical value that is also published by Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited and is the last part of the AO Code.

Types of AO Codes

There are four main types of AO Codes and they are meant to identify the individual/company and the associate them with the appropriate tax laws. Here's a brief look at them:

• International Taxation- This is for people and companies applying for a PAN Card who are not residents of India or incorporated in India.
• Non International Taxation (Outside Mumbai)- These are AO Codes meant for people and companies that are residing in or registered in Mumbai.
• Non International Taxation (Mumbai)-This is a list of AO Codes that apply to individuals/companies that are based in India but are outside Mumbai.
• Defence Personnel-These AO Codes are meant to identify an individual as a member of the Indian Army or the Air Force. It has only two types of codes, one meant for the Army and the other meant for the Air Force.

Knowing your AO Code is not mandatory, but nevertheless, it is good to know it. We hope that we have been able to educate you everything you need to know about these codes.

How to Find Your AO Code for PAN Online?

The following are the three methods which help you in finding your AO Code for PAN online:

Find AO Code Through NSDL Website

Let us have a look at the steps to know the AO Code through the NSDL website:

Step 1 - Firstly, you need to visit the PAN Portal of NSDL to search AO Code

Step 2 - Choose your residence city.

Step 3 - Once you have clicked on your residence city, a list of AO Codes present in your city will be displayed in the portal.

Step 4 - Choose the preferred AO Code based on the details mentioned.

Step 5 - Finally, click on the ‘Submit’ button.

Find AO Code Through UTIITSL Website

The following are the steps to find the AO Code through the UTIITSL website:

Step 1 - First, go to the UTIITSL website.

Step 2 - Under the ‘PAN Card Services’, click on ‘Search for AO Code Details’.

Step 3 - Choose the appropriate AO code type and then click on ‘View Details’.

Step 4 - Next, choose the city name by selecting the suitable alphabet.

Step 5 - Finally, select from the AO Codes list and other information provided.

Find AO Code Through Income Tax e-Filing Website

The following are the steps to find the AO Code through the Income Tax e-Filing website:

Step 1 - Visit the Income Tax India e-filing website

Step 2 - Click on the ‘Profile Settings’ and go to ‘My Profile.

Step 3 - Finally, click on ‘PAN Card’ to check details such as the Area Code, AO Type, AO Number, Range Code, and Jurisdiction.

Know Your Jurisdictional AO

The following are the steps to find the Jurisdictional AO whose jurisdiction your ITR falls:

Step 1 - Go to the PAN portal of Income Tax Department .

Step 2 - Enter your registered mobile number and PAN number and click on ‘Continue’.

Step 3 - You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile.

Step 4 - Enter the OTP and click on the ‘Validate’ button.

Step 5 - You will be able to view the details of Jurisdictional AO on the screen.

How to Migrate PAN Card AO Code?

In order to migrate your AO Code, you must perform the following steps:

Step 1 - Search your AO Code in the jurisdiction of your area.

Step 2 - Find the AO Code of your jurisdiction by visiting the Income Tax Department website.

Step 3 - Click on the ‘Field Offices’ option.

Step 4 - Make an application to shift your AO Code.

Step 5 - After submitting your request, the source AO officer will approve it.

Step 6 - Go to the ‘know your jurisdiction AO’ section on the Income Tax Department website to track the jurisdiction's current status.

Find AO Codes for Top Cities

How is Your AO Code Determined for PAN Card?

Your AO Code is determined based on your address and what type of taxpayer you are. These criteria are divided into two: Individual and Non-individuals. Here are the conditions:

1. If you are an individual taxpayer getting income mainly from salary or from a combination of salary and business earnings, then your AO Code will depend on your official address.
2. If you are an individual with sources of income other than salary, then your AO Code will be as per your home address.
3. If you are an HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), Company, Partnership Firm, LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), Association of Persons, Body of Individuals, Trust, Artificial Juridical Person, Local Authority, or Government Body, then your office address will decide your AO Code.
4. If you are an Army Personnel, then your code will be:

1. If you are an Air Force Personnel, then your code will be:

Now that you know the important things about AO Codes, here are some other points you might like to know.