Troubleshooting Your Instant PAN Application: What to Do When Your PAN Number Does Not Exist
Often, the process of obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) through India's instant PAN service using Aadhaar can seem smooth but complex. If you have followed the steps but your PAN number is not readily accepted when you try to verify it, don’t panic. Here is a detailed guide on what you should do and why it might not be working.
Understanding What Happened
It is common to receive a PAN number upon making an application through eKYC but still find that the number cannot be verified after several attempts. This can be due to a number of reasons, and the first thing to do is understand what is happening.
1. Wait for Processing
One of the most basic solutions to this issue is to be patient. Sometimes, it can take a while for the PAN details to be processed and appear in the database. If you applied just a few moments ago, waiting for a few hours or a day can often resolve the issue. This can help you avoid unnecessary hassles and follow-ups.
2. Check Application Status
The next step is to check the status of your application on the official website of the Income Tax Department. By doing this, you can gain a clearer understanding of your application's progress and pin point exactly where the issue might be.
3. Contact Customer Support
If waiting and checking the status do not yield results, it is time to reach out to the customer support of the PAN service provider or the Income Tax Department's helpline. You can call the helpline number or use the online grievance redressal system to report your issue.
Ensure that the details you provided during the PAN application, such as your name, date of birth, and Aadhaar number, are correct. Any discrepancies can lead to issues in the verification process.
4. Reapply if Necessary
If your PAN is still not found after following the above steps, consider reapplying for a PAN card. Only do this after confirming that your initial application did not go through.
5. Visit a PAN Center
If the issue persists, you might want to visit a PAN service center in person to seek assistance. Always carry all the relevant documents with you to support your application.
Additional Tips
It's important to note that some organizations or portals where you might need to verify your PAN (like tax filings or financial institutions) take a bit more time to process. So waiting a day or two is advisable. Additionally, if you've registered the PAN through a bank account, the process might take longer during busy periods.
In case the issue cannot be resolved, you can file a grievance through the e-filing portal or the PAN card portal, asking for the reason for the PAN card's validity and requesting further assistance.
The PAN verification system is designed to catch any errors or fraud, so if all else fails, it might be worth checking your details once more and ensuring they are correct before proceeding further.