How to Deactivate a PAN Card

There are numerous reasons behind deactivating one's PAN Card. With the Income Tax Department introducing the online method along with the offline process, deactivating one's PAN Card is now a hassle-free procedure. Keep on reading to learn few easy steps with which you can deactivate your PAN Card.

Why Do PAN Cards Get Deactivated?

There can be different reasons behind deactivating PAN Cards. Some of the reasons that lead the Income Tax Department to deactivate PAN Cards are:

Fake PAN Cards: Individuals often obtain fake PAN Cards by using fake documentation. This is done to evade taxes. These cards are also deactivated by the Income Tax Department.
Multiple PAN Cards: Upon losing their existing PAN Cards, many individuals apply for a new one instead of getting a reprint of their existing card. In such cases, the Income Tax Department deactivates any extra PAN Card allocated to the individual.
PAN Card of the Deceased: Upon receiving a formal application from the deceased's next of kin, the Income Tax Department deactivates the PAN of the deceased cardholder. The department often requires a copy of the death certificate of the deceased along with the formal application.
PAN Card for Foreigners: Foreigners who want to discontinue their financial transactions often surrender their PAN Card to the Income Tax Department. This is done to avoid any misuse of their card.

Methods to Deactivate PAN Card

You can deactivate your PAN through online and offline processes. Below mentioned are the steps that you should follow to deactivate your PAN:

1. Online Process to Deactivate PAN Card

2. Offline Process to Deactivate PAN Card

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Online Process to Deactivate PAN Card

Step 1 - Go to the online PAN application page on the NSDL portal.

Step 2 - From the "Application Type" section select the "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data" option.

Step 3 - Fill out the online PAN change request form and submit it. You will be assigned a token number that you should note down for future reference.

Step 4 - Click on the "Continue with PAN Application Form" button.

Step 5 - Fill out all the details in the form. Remember not to select any ticking boxes (These boxes are selected only if you want to make any changes to your PAN data).

Step 6 - At the end of the form, users are given options between Physical acknowledgment or paperless method. In the paperless method, you have to e-sign with the Aadhar OTP method before applying. For physical acknowledgment, you have to print out your application and mail it to Protean eGov Technologies Limited and mention "Application for PAN Cancellation" on the envelope.

Step 7 - Mention the PAN Card details that you want to surrender and the one that you want to retain at the end of the form.

Step 8 - Submit the application and pay the charges using a debit/credit card or through net banking.

Step 9 - Don't forget to download your application for future reference.

Offline Process to Deactivate PAN Card

Step 1 - Fill out the form 49A and submit the application at the Protean eGov Technologies Limited TIN Facilitation Centre .

Step 2 - Alternatively, you can write a letter directly addressed to the assessing officer of the respective jurisdiction. Include the below details in the letter -

Name of the assessee
Address of the assessee
Details of the PAN Card that has to be surrendered
Details of the PAN that has to be retained

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Ways to Check Deactivated PAN Card Status

If you want to check the status of your PAN, follow the below-mentioned steps -

Step 1 - Open the e-filing website of the Income Tax Department

Step 2 - Click on the "Verify your PAN details" section.

Step 3 - Enter the required details like PAN number, date of birth, full name, and status.

Step 4 - Click on the "submit" button after filling in all the details.

Step 5 - The status of your PAN will appear on your screen.