What is a PAN Card | Format of a PAN Card

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department in India in the form of a laminated card. PAN number is must for all those who file their income tax returns.

Also PAN card is necessary for all financial transactions such as opening a bank account, receiving taxable salary or professional fees, sale or purchase of assets above specified limits. It also serves as an important ID proof. PAN number is unaffected by a change of address, even between states.

PAN number is also equivalent to Social security number issued in United States.

PAN Number Format

PAN number is a ten-digit alphanumeric number. It's like 'AAAAA4444A'. The first 5 characters are letters, next 4 numerals and last character letter. If the PAN number doesn't follow this format, then it will be rejected.

The fourth Character can be any of the following letters

• C — Company

• P — Person

• H — HUF(Hindu Undivided Family)

• F — Firm

• A — Association of Persons (AOP)

• T — AOP (Trust)

• B — Body of Individuals (BOI)

• L — Local Authority

• J — Artificial Juridical Person

• G — Govt

In the case of personal PAN card, the fifth character is the first character of the surname/lastname.

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