e-PAN online at free of cost

Now Income Tax Department started new facility of avail instant e-PAN online at free of cost. Those who have not PAN card can apply and avail e-PAN instantly at free of cost.
What is e-PAN? 

e-PAN is a digitally signed PAN card issued in electronic format by Income Tax Department using Aadhaar e-KYC process. Hence, to avail this facility, you must have a valid Aadhaar card.

Aadhaar based e-KYC means it is a service provided by UIDAI for verification of an identity and address of Aadhaar holder. By using this facility, Income Tax Department will issue e-PAN instantly.

This is equally valid like PAN card. Hence, you no need to bother. However, IT Department will not issue you the separate physical PAN card. You can download the e-PAN by visiting the eFiling portal of IT Department.
Who can apply for e-PAN? 

This facility of e-PAN is applicable to resident individuals only (except minors and others covered U/S 160 of IT Act 1961). This facility is not applicable for HUF, Firms, Trusts and Companies.

To avail this facility, you must have Aadhaar Card issued by UIDAI and also the mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar number. Because you will receive OTP to the registered number while applying.

Your e-PAN will be generated using the data available with Aadhaar like Name, Date of Birth, Mobile number, and Address.

Hence, it is important for you to cross check the Aadhaar details before applying for e-PAN.

Also, foreign nationals are not eligible to avail this facility.
How to avail instant e-PAN online at free? 

The process is completely paperless. There is no hard copy sending process also. You have to upload the scanned image of the applicant. You have to visit the IT Department e-Filing portal.

There you will find the new link “Apply instant e-PAN“. Once you click there, you will find the below screen.avail e-PAN online instantly at free

Here, you have to fill the details as it is in Aadhaar. Then they will send you OTP to your Aadhaar registered mobile number. You have to authenticate the same.

After successful filling of e-PAN application, a 15 digit acknowledgement number will be generated and sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile number and to the Email ID which you mentioned in the application form.

After successful e-PAN allotment, the applicant will receive the SMS/Email alert. After this process, you can download the e-PAN by visiting the e-Filing portal. Here, you have to click on “Instant e-PAN” link and then click on “Check Instant e-PAN Status”. Here, you have to validate by entering the acknowledgement number sent to your mobile or Email.