All You Need to Know About PAN Card for Minors

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It is a common misconception among people that Permanent Account Number (PAN) is applicable only for individuals above 18 years of age. However, the Income Tax Department has not mentioned an age limit for availing a PAN card, which means that even minors are eligible to apply for it. If you think your child does not require a PAN card, let us first learn why and how PAN card for your child is beneficial. Later, we will understand the procedure to apply for PAN card for minors.

What is the Procedure to Apply for a PAN Card for a Minor?

One can apply for a PAN card for minors in two ways.

The Procedure to Apply for a PAN Card for a Minor Online

Minors cannot apply for PAN card themselves directly; therefore the minors’ guardians, parents or representative assessees have to apply on their behalf. The following are the steps to apply for a PAN card online:

• Visit the official website of NSDL at https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
• Read all the instructions for filling the Form 49A at https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/Instructions49A.html
• Choose the appropriate category of the applicant and follow the instructions.
• Fill out all the personal details.
• Upload the photographs and other needed documents like address proof, proof of identity and proof of age of the minor as well as of the parents, guardian or representative assessee.
• The signature of the guardian or parents will be uploaded.
• Proceed by making the fee payment of Rs. 107 (Rs. 1017 for non-resident Indians) via credit card, debit card, net banking or demand draft. These charges are applicable when you apply for PAN by visiting a PAN centre or when you apply online but submit the PAN documents physically. Click here to know the complete list of PAN card fees and charges.
• After filling the form, click the ‘Submit‘ button. You will get an acknowledgement number which can be used to track the status of the application.
• Enclose all the required documents (if not uploaded) along with the demand draft (if chosen as a mode of payment).
• Label the enclosed envelop with “APPLICATION FOR PAN” and the “Acknowledgement Number” at the following address:

Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited,
5th floor, Mantri Sterling,Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8,
Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk,
Pune – 411016.

• Once your application reaches the destination, you will receive a notification on your provided email address.
• The PAN card will be sent to mentioned address within 10-15 working days after successful verification.

The Procedure to Apply for a PAN Card for a Minor Offline

Follow these steps to apply for PAN card offline:

• Read instructions to fill out the form at
  https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/Instructions49A.html.
• Download Form 49A from the official NSDL website at
  https://www.tin-nsdl.com/downloads/pan/download/Form49A_NSDL%20e-Gov_01.06.16.pdf.
• Fill the details carefully and attach a copy of relevant documents.
• Attach two photographs of the child; however, it will not appear on the PAN card.
• Submit the form along with the documents to the nearest NSDL office along with the fees.
• After the verification is done successfully, the PAN card will be sent to the mentioned address.

What are the Documents Required to Apply for a PAN Card for a Minor?

As per the Income Tax Act, the parents or guardians of the minor can represent them for the PAN card application. For documents, the proof of address and identity of any of the parents or guardians of minor shall be considered to be the proof of address and identity for the minor applicant. However, if Aadhaar is selected as the proof of address, date of birth or identity, the Aadhaar of the minor should be filled out in the application form and not of the representative.

When applying for a PAN card for a minor, keep the documents given below handy:

Proof of Identity

The guardian of the minor has to submit any one of the following documents:

• Aadhaar card
• Ration card
• Passport
• Driving license
• Photo ID card issued by the Government
• Voter’s ID card
• Arm’s license
• Pensioner card
• Central Government Health Service Scheme card
• Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme photo card
• The original certificate of identity signed by a Member of Parliament, Member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Gazetted Officer
• The original bank certificate on the official letterhead of the issuing bank’s branch along with the bank account number of the applicant and an attested photograph

Proof of Address

A guardian has to submit a copy of any one of the following documents as a proof of address:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Driving License
• Voter’s ID Card
• Post office passbook
• Property registration document
• Latest property tax assessment order
• Domicile certificate
• The original certificate of address signed by a Member of Parliament, Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted officer
• Original employer certificate
• Allotment letter of accommodation issued by Central or State Government

Copy of following documents of not more than 3 months old

• Electricity bill
• Landline telephone or broadband connection bill
• Water bill
• Consumer gas connection card or the book or piped gas bill
• Bank account statement
• Depository account statement
• Credit card statement

Proof of Age

The  has to submit a copy of any one of the following documents as a proof of age for the minor:

• Aadhaar Card
• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Mark sheet of recognised board
• Photo ID card issued by Government
• Domicile certificate
• Central Government Health Service Scheme photo card
• Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme photo card
• An affidavit is sworn before a magistrate stating the date of birth

When and Why Does a Child Need a PAN Card?

PAN Card for a minor is required when:

• You want to make your child the nominee of your investments.
• You make an investment in your child’s name.
• You want to open a bank account for your child or a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account for your daughter.
• Your child is earning. Usually, a minor’s income is clubbed with their parent’s income. However, it is taxable when:
  • The minor is physically disabled, blind, etc.
  • The minor has earned income on their own.
  • The minor earns income through their own manual work, knowledge, skill and talent.

What Happens After the Child Turns 18?

Since the PAN card issued in the name of a minor does not has his/her photograph and signature, it cannot be used as a proof of identity. Therefore, once the child turns 18, a request for PAN card update or correction has to be applied.