The Instant e-PAN service is available to taxpayers without a PAN but with an Aadhaar. It's a pre-login service that lets you obtain a digitally signed PAN in electronic format free of charge. 

In this blog, we cover the steps required to download an e-PAN. An important point to note is that this service is only available to those who have yet to apply for a PAN number. 

When Does the Need for an Instant e-PAN arise?

In the past, obtaining a PAN card was a laborious process with extensive paperwork. However, thanks to technological progress, it is now feasible to instantly acquire an e-PAN. This efficient service is rapid and comes at no cost for individuals who have yet to receive a PAN card. 

Prerequisites for an Instant e-PAN

1. Get Free e-PAN ‍

On the e-filing website, you can get an e-PAN by filling in your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number. You can also update your PAN card details as well as get a new e-PAN card with your Aadhaar e-KYC.

2. Create An e-Filing Account ‍

Once you have your e-PAN, you’ll need to create your e-filing account using your e-PAN. You will need this to file your income tax returns. 

3. Check e-Filing PAN Status‍

If you’ve already submitted your e-PAN request, you can use this site to check your e-PAN filing status.

The e-PAN filing screen on the e-filing portal should look like this (screen-grab from June 1st 2023)

Who is Eligible for the e-Filing PAN Card Service? ‍

• You must be an individual taxpayer, not a HUF, firm or entity
• You must not have been allotted a PAN
• You should have a valid Aadhaar card
• Your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar should also be valid‍

‍Who Cannot Avail of the e-Filing PAN Card Service? ‍

• Those who already have a PAN card
• Taxpayers other than individuals
• Those who don’t have an Aadhaar card or valid mobile number linked to it
• Minors, as of the date of request
• Representative assessees defined under section 160 of the Income Tax Act

Are you eligible for e-filing according to the prerequisites mentioned above? If yes, let’s proceed to generate your instant e-PAN card.

‍How to Download an e-PAN Card Using e-Filing‍

Visit the the e-Filing Download PAN page. 

1. Enter your Aadhaar number
2. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number
3. You’ll then see options to either view or download your e-PAN

e-PAN Card Download via UTIITSL‍

Follow these steps to download e-PAN via UTIITSL: 

1. Visit the UTIITSL e-PAN card download facility page
2. Enter details like your PAN number and date of birth
3. Verify the captcha and submit

If you have made the application for a new or updated PAN card within the last 30 days, you can download the e-PAN card for free. However, if your application period has passed 30 days, you can still download your e-PAN at a nominal fee of ₹8.26 against every PDF download.

1. If applicable, make payment for the e-PAN card
2. Your e-PAN will be shared on your registered email address

e-PAN Card Download via NSDL 

The process to download your e-PAN card with NSDL is also similar. Here are the steps: 

1. Visit the NSDL Download e-PAN card page
2. Enter your PAN application acknowledgement number or PAN
3. Enter your date of birth and Aadhaar number (if you already have PAN)
4. Verify the captcha and submit

If your PAN allotment or update confirmation date was within the last 30 days, you could download your instant e-PAN three times for free. Otherwise, you will have to pay a fee of ₹8.26. If applicable, make your payment to download your e-PAN.

‍‍Conclusion‍

The Instant e-PAN service provides a hassle-free way for individual taxpayers without a PAN but with an Aadhaar card to obtain a digitally signed PAN in electronic format. By following a few simple steps, such as entering your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number, you can quickly get your e-PAN and even update your PAN details using Aadhaar e-KYC. Creating an e-Filing account and checking the status of your e-PAN request is also made easy.

Remember, this service is exclusively for individuals who haven't applied for a PAN yet. So, if you meet the eligibility criteria, go ahead and generate your instant e-PAN card. Downloading your e-PAN can be done through the e-Filing portal or via UTIITSL or NSDL, depending on your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I download my ePAN?

Yes, you can download your e-PAN. You can download it using the e-Filing portal, UTIITSL, or NSDL. If your application is within 30 days, it's free; otherwise, there's a nominal fee of ₹8.26 per PDF download. Just follow the steps and get your e-PAN easily.

2. How do I open an ePAN PDF?

The password to open your e-PAN PDF will be your Date of Birth as mentioned in your PAN application form, in the format DDMMYYYY.