What do you do when you lose something from your wallet? Your immediate reaction is to panic. The same goes with losing your PAN card, it can be a  worrisome situation, but there's no need to panic. Applying for a duplicate PAN card is a simple and convenient process, whether it’s a credit or debit card, after looking for it is to cancel it and get a new one.  

What is a PAN?

A Permanent Account Number or PAN is a ten-digit unique alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department to taxable entities. Taxable entities may be a person like you, a company or a firm, a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) or a charitable trust. 

PAN was introduced to identify each taxpayer and prevent tax evasion uniquely. To further authenticate the process, the mandatory linking of PAN to Aadhaar and of these documents to your bank account was introduced. 

You need a PAN card for the following: 

• Filing your income tax returns, 
• Opening a bank account, 
• Investing in a fixed deposit, mutual fund, bonds or stock, 
• Performing transactions considered to be of high value by the Income Tax department like buying a car or property valued at more than ₹5L.

Now, when your PAN is linked to all these instruments related to your income and investments, it becomes easier for income tax officials to track your sources of income. By doing this in a comprehensive manner, they can calculate your income tax implications. 

What happens if you lose you PAN card?

Losing your PAN card is not Iike losing a banking card where someone can withdraw money from your bank account. But there are a few ways your PAN card can be misused if found by someone. 

‍1. Personal information 

All your important personal information is linked to your PAN card. If someone misuses your PAN data, they can access your bank account, phone number and address. They can also get your income details, insurance coverage, investments as well as employer information which might lead to more serious fraud. 

2. Credit score 

Your PAN card information can also be used by someone to borrow in your name and put your credit records and finances at risk. Even with hard enquiries and no borrowing, your credit score can plummet. This can lead to financial losses and an impact on your borrowing ability. 

3. Other crimes

PAN card details are also required for buying and redeeming investments like physical gold. As per the income tax rules, you must furnish PAN details for any transaction above ₹2 lakhs on physical gold. Further, you can also be a victim of identity theft and make fraud contacts on your behalf asking for money.  

Is your PAN card being misused? 

There are ways you can check if your PAN details are being misused.

• Visit any credit information company (CIC) website in India and check your credit score. 
• Check if any loan enquiry was made or if a loan was disbursed in your name. 
• Visit your bank website and check for withdrawals or any unchecked transactions. 

What happens if you lose your PAN card?

Losing your PAN card can be as risky as losing your banking cards. Let’s look at the actions to follow if you have lost your PAN card. 

File an FIR

Your PAN card contains important information about you. This information may be abused if it falls in the hands of another person. They may also use it to impersonate you while performing financial transactions. Hence, it is a good idea to file an FIR for losing your PAN card at the nearest police station.  

Do not apply for a new PAN

If you lose, misplace or damage your PAN card and file an application for issuing a new PAN card with a new PAN, information about your previous financial transactions may be lost. Also, having two PANs for a single legal entity or person is not allowed, however you can apply for a duplicate.

Apply for a duplicate PAN card

Follow these steps to complete your duplicate PAN card application: 

• Google Duplicate PAN card apply online or go to the TIN-NSDL website https://www.tin-nsdl.com/
• Select PAN - New facilities
• Select Reprint of PAN card
• Enter your PAN, Aadhaar, and Date of Birth
• Your token number will be displayed and emailed to you
• Make a note of this number and Select ‘Continue with PAN Application Form’
• Enter your data in all the fields under the sections ‘Personal Details,’ ‘Contact & Other Details,’ and ‘Document Details' 
• Choose between digital and physical document submission
• Choose between a physical PAN card or an e-PAN card
• Make the payment
• Make a note of the acknowledgement number

If you have chosen the physical PAN card option, a duplicate PAN card will be mailed to your address.

Downloading a duplicate PAN card

Follow these steps to download your lost PAN card:

• Go to the TIN-NSDL website https://www.tin-nsdl.com/
• Select ‘PAN - new facilities’
• Click ‘Download e-PAN’
• Enter the acknowledgement number you received from the duplicate PAN card online application process
• Select ‘Generate OTP’
• Provide the OTP sent to your mobile number
• Select ‘Validate’
• Choose the ‘Download PDF’ option to get your e-PAN card
• If you do not remember your application acknowledgement number, you can download e-PAN using your Aadhaar number 

How much does it cost?

The fees for applying for a duplicate PAN card from the UTIITSL website is ₹50 including delivery within India and ₹959 including delivery outside India. The fee for reprinting the PAN card is ₹50, including taxes.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, losing your PAN card can be a cause for concern, but there's no need to panic. Applying for a duplicate PAN card is a straightforward process that ensures you maintain your financial records and avoid potential misuse of your personal information. By filing an FIR and opting for a duplicate card instead of applying for a new PAN, you can safeguard your financial transactions and prevent the risk of having multiple PANs. The application process, whether for a physical or e-PAN card, is convenient and can be completed online. Additionally, checking for any misuse of your PAN details and taking necessary precautions can help protect your credit score and financial well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What should I do if I lost my PAN card?

1. File an FIR at the nearest police station to report the loss.
2. Do not apply for a new PAN card; instead, apply for a duplicate PAN card using the same PAN number to maintain your financial records.
3. Complete the application process online through the TIN-NSDL website, providing the required details and choosing between a physical or e-PAN card.

2.Can I track my PAN card if lost?

If you have lost your PAN card, you cannot directly track its location. However, you can track the status of your duplicate PAN card application online through the TIN-NSDL website using your token number or acknowledgement number.

3.Can we reprint lost PAN card?

Yes, you can reprint a lost PAN card. You can apply for a reprint of your PAN card online through the TIN-NSDL website or the UTIITSL website by following the specified process.