What is E PAN, How to generate E PAN

E-PAN is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Indian Income Tax Department for the identification of taxpayers. The Instant E-PAN facility allows for the near-real-time allotment of PAN for a limited period of time. E-PAN is issued in PDF format to applicants at no cost and is issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. It is possible to obtain E-PAN, which has the same value as a physical PAN card, within 10 minutes through an easy and paperless process. However, the physical PAN card is not issued under this facility, although E-PAN is considered a valid form of PAN. A printed physical PAN card can be obtained by submitting a request through the provided link.

The Instant E-PAN facility is only available to Indian Resident Individual Taxpayers who do not hold a PAN but hold a valid Aadhaar number at the time of application, i.e., first-time taxpayers. It should be noted that individuals who have lost their existing PAN or are minors at the time of application or a Representative Assessee under Section 160 of the Income Tax Act are not eligible to apply for Instant E-PAN.

E-PAN is a digitally signed PAN card issued in electronic format based on the e-KYC data of Aadhaar. Therefore, the Aadhaar details of the applicant must be correct and up-to-date and must be linked with an active mobile phone number. If Aadhaar has incorrect or incomplete details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, etc., one cannot apply for Instant E-PAN. In such cases, the details in Aadhaar databases must be corrected through the UIDAI website or by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.

There are certain relaxations provided to the applicants such as no need to submit a physical copy of Aadhaar or KYC application, no need to upload a scanned photo, signature, etc., for e-KYC, and no need for in-person verification (IPV). The Income Tax Department provides a complete guide as a User Manual under the Instant E-PAN tab to help with the application process.

In conclusion, the Indian government is working towards reforming every section of direct taxes, and the Income Tax E Filing Portal has numerous user-friendly facilities. 

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