PAN card is an identification number given by the Income Tax Department of India. An individual requires a PAN card for his or her important documents. One can open a bank account, file taxes, and avail loans with the help of a PAN card. Though the PAN card is usually issued to adults, it is also available for minors; a minor is one who is an individual less than 18 years old. Normally, the card is applied for to meet educational and financial requirements.
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The application for a PAN card is made by the parent or legal guardian, though the PAN card is issued in the name of the child; this ensures that the minor is recognized for tax and financial purposes. The process is very much the same as for an adult where documents submitted are a minor birth certificate, proof of residence, and parent’s ID. The PAN card can be used by the minor to invest, open a saving account, or include their family tax returns.
A PAN card for a minor helps parents manage financial responsibilities early on, ensuring smoother transactions as the child grows. Once the child reaches adulthood, the PAN remains valid and can continue to be used for all financial activities, thus making it a valuable financial tool.
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Minor PAN card online application process
- Step 1: Go to the official NSDL website https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
- Step 2: Selecting the category as ‘New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)’ followed by selecting ‘Individual’
- Step 3: Fill out all the necessary details required for Form 49A. Enter full name, parent’s mobile number and email address and click the ‘Submit’ button.
- Step 4: Select the desired option to upload the necessary documents for the PAN card and check if you want a physical PAN card.
- Step 5: Fill in the minor’s details, parent’s details, parent’s address and contact number. AO code is not mandatory, and the parent or guardian will have to sign.
- Step 6: Upload the minor’s photograph and all necessary documents.
- Step 7: You will make payment using a debit card/credit card/demand draft/net banking, following which you click the submit button.
- Step 8: It issues an acknowledgment number as acknowledgement for the same request by which you can also monitor the status of the same.
- Step 9: If you have chosen the physical submission of documents, then send the necessary documents along with the demand draft, if any, to the Income Tax PAN Services Unit in Pune.
Once the verification is successful, the PAN card will be delivered to the given address within 15-20 working days.
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Minor PAN card application online: List of documents required
Following documents must be submitted along with the PAN card application form for minors:
Proof of age for PAN card application: You can submit a copy of any one of the following documents as proof of age, as applicable:
- Aadhaar card
- Municipal birth certificate
- Mark sheet issued by a recognized educational board
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Voter ID card
- Central government-issued photo ID card
Proof of address for PAN card application: You can submit a copy of any one of the following documents as proof of address, as applicable:
- Passport
- Voter ID card
- Domicile certificate issued by a state government
- Aadhaar card
- Post office passbook with the applicant’s address
- Property document
- Original certificate of address signed by a Member of Parliament/Member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council/Gazetted Officer
- Electricity bill, landline/water/consumer gas bill (not more than 3 months old)
- Credit card or bank statement (not more than 3 months old)
- Ration card
- Government-issued photo ID card
- Driver’s license
- Voter ID card
- Original certificate of identity signed by a Member of Parliament/Member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council/Gazetted Officer
- Original bank certificate on official letterhead with photograph from issuing bank branch, attested by a bank officer
How to apply for minor PAN card offline
- Go to the website of NSDL and download Form 49A
First, one has to visit the official NSDL website that is the official platform for PAN card applications. Start navigating through the section provided for PAN card application, and here download Form 49A. It is the form used by Indian citizens while applying for a new PAN card or even for any update on their existing PAN details. Fill in the details
Complete the Form 49A by furnishing all personal details required. This includes your full name, date of birth, contact information, address, and other relevant data. All fields should be filled accurately so that there are no delays or errors in processing.
- Attach supporting documents
You will also attach copies of supporting documents along with the application form. These may include:
- Proof of Identity, such as Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID.
- Proof of Address (e.g., utility bills, bank statement)
- Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
- Ensure that the copies submitted are clear and legible.
- Attach two recent photographs of the applicant
The application form must also be accompanied by two recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant. These should be of good quality, clear, and with a plain background.
- Submit the application form along with the relevant documents at your nearest PAN center
Once you fill the form and attach all necessary documents, go to the nearest PAN card center, also called TIN facilitation centers. Take the form and documents there for processing. You will have to pay the fees required as well, which can be paid by cheque, demand draft, or cash according to the center’s payment policy.
Once submitted, the application will be processed by the authorities, and the PAN card will be sent to the given address.
Minor PAN card application fee: Offline and online mode
| Mode of application submission | Mode of dispatch of PAN card | Fees (including GST) |
| PAN application submitted offline or online using physical mode | Dispatch of physical PAN card in IndiaDispatch of physical PAN card outside India | Rs. 107Rs. 1017 |
| PAN application submitted online through paperless mode | Dispatch of physical PAN card in IndiaDispatch of physical PAN outside India | Rs.101Rs.1011 |
| PAN application submitted offline or online using physical mode | Dispatch of e-PAN card to the email ID | Rs. 72 |
| PAN application submitted through paperless mode | Dispatch of e-PAN card to the email ID | Rs.66 |
Why does a minor need a PAN card?
Investments made in the child’s name:
If a parent or guardian invests in a minor child’s name, such as through mutual funds, stocks, or other financial instruments, a PAN card may be necessary to facilitate the transactions and comply with tax regulations.
Minor as a nominee for financial products:
If parents wish to designate their minor child as the nominee for their investments, shares, or other financial products, the minor will require a PAN card to ensure proper documentation and inheritance processes.
When the minor’s income is clubbed with parent’s:
- Earnings by the minor: In cases where the minor earns income directly (for example, from a part-time job, freelance work, or any other source of personal income), the minor will need a PAN card to handle taxation.
- Physical disability or blindness: If the minor is physically disabled or blind, their income is taxable independently, and a PAN card is required to file tax returns.
- Income from skills, talent, or knowledge: If a minor earns income based on their unique skills, talent, or knowledge (such as through acting, sports, or academic achievements), they will also need a PAN card for tax purposes.
Opening a bank account or a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account:
If parents or guardians wish to open a bank account for the minor or start a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account for a girl child, a PAN card is required to complete the process.
Minor PAN card: Important points to keep in mind
- A minor’s PAN card does not have their photograph or signature until they turn 18.
- Upon turning 18, the PAN must be updated with a photograph and signature via a correction request.
- PAN cards are valid for a lifetime and can be used for financial transactions, tax filings, and identity proof.
- Ensure the child’s Aadhaar is linked with their PAN to meet compliance requirements.
- Applying for a child’s PAN card is a simple process, offering numerous advantages for managing their financial future while ensuring compliance with Indian tax laws.
How to update a minor’s PAN card to an adult PAN card
When a minor reaches the age of majority, their existing PAN card must be updated to reflect their new status. The process is straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Fresh account opening form: Once the individual becomes an adult, they must apply for a new PAN card using Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for foreign citizens).
- Fill the form: The applicant must fill out the form with accurate personal details and sign it. Any updated information should also be included.
- Submit documents: Along with the form, the applicant must submit required documents, such as photographs and proof of address.
- Submission: The completed form can be submitted either online or offline. It is essential to verify all details for accuracy before submission.
- Payment: A payment must be made as part of the application process.
- Acknowledgement: After successful payment, an acknowledgement number will be generated, which can be used for future reference or inquiries with the department.
Minor PAN card application: Related FAQs
Who can apply for a minor PAN card?
A parent or guardian can apply for a minor PAN card on behalf of the child.
What documents are required for a minor PAN card?
Documents needed include proof of age (birth certificate, school mark sheet), proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport), proof of address (utility bill, passport), and two passport-sized photographs.
Can a minor PAN card be used for investments?
Yes, the minor PAN card can be used for financial activities like opening a bank account or making investments.
How long does it take to receive a minor PAN card?
It typically takes 15-20 business days after application submission for the minor PAN card to be issued.
