PAN card lost or misplaced? Here is how you can get a duplicate one

PAN card is one of the most important financial documents of an earning individual. It works as an identity proof, date of birth document and is mandatory for opening bank account or to complete any financial transaction of Rs 50,000 or above. So, of course, you can't afford to misplace it. 

But, what if you do? The McCallisters forgot their child in the iconic Home Alone Hollywood movie starring Macaulay Culkin, so a PAN card is not that big a deal. While you can’t do much right now due to the lockdown, but it gives you the time to prepare a list of things you need to complete when things became operational. This would include getting a duplicate PAN card.

Why is it needed?

The problem is that you won't be able to file income tax returns without a PAN Card. And, given that it is a big enough problem, you should better apply for a duplicate one. 

The relief for income tax payers is that they can get a duplicate PAN card for just Rs 50. It is issued by the income tax department issues to those who have lost, misplaced or damaged the original PAN card.

How to get duplicate PAN card?

1 All you need to do is open the NSDL e-gov or e-filing portal;

2 Select ''Services'' Option and then choose ''PAN''

3 Scroll down and go to 'Reprint of PAN card', click on ''Click Here'' option

4 You will be redirected to a new page. Submit your PAN Card number, Aadhaar card number and date of birth details;

5 From here, you can choose between receiving an OTP on mobile or email or both. You will receive the OTP on the basis of the option selected. 

6 The OTP is valid for 10 minutes so submit it before that and make payment of Rs 50 as duplicate PAN card fee. 

7 You will get an SMS on the same registered mobile number in regard to the payment for 'PAN Card Reprint."