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New PAN cards containing QR codes: One step closer to a safe and efficient tax administration.

Amit

November 28, 2024

The PAN, or Permanent Account Number, issued by the income tax department, is now in everyone's hands in a new-look version carrying a QR code, which should help identify a person's PAN more reliably and curb its misuse while easing taxpayer compliance. Let's see what this upgrade means for individuals and businesses, among its wider implications for the economy.

It is a newly released PAN card QR code.

Duly attached to this PAN card will be a high-tech QR code with all that is known about the individual, including personal and financial data, digitally signed to safely store and access.

QR code scanned:

Name
Date of Birth/Date of Incorporation
Father's name
PAN No.
Photograph and Signature

Application of QR code feature takes place with both the physical PAN card and e-PAN. Despite improved technology ensuring a tamper-proof, it does not create other security that can be built upon for financial transactions and identity verifications.

Why does this change occur?

This initiative by the QR code addresses major issues in India's tax system:

Fraud Prevention: There are several people and agencies who misuse many PAN cards. Verification through QR code is easy, and therefore duplication fraud is totally avoided.
Case of Verification: The verification process of information is no more manual. Let alone these things, just scan the QR code and get relevant information.
Digital India Push: This also corresponds with the government's thrust under digital transformation in governance and tax compliance.

Important Benefits of the QR Code PAN Card:

This will benefit taxpayers and businesses in many ways, but also at the governmental level. For example:

Rapid Authentication Official Apps: Official PAN QR Code Readers can read the identity verification in real-time directly by finance and tax authorities on the spot, as well as businesses.
Greater Security: The QR code prevents tampering with and misuse of personal information and contains encrypted data as well as digital signatures.
Paperless Efficiency: The PANs of a taxpayer having QR codes would be accepted for all purposes, and issuance of paper works for it would decrease.
Business Identifier Integration: The QR code has simplified tax processes for companies because identifiers can easily be embedded into their systems.
Redressal Mechanism: This results in a shorter verification time, thereby reducing the delay for PAN-related redressals.

How does one read the QR Code?

You can scan the QR code on my PAN card.
Then download the PAN QR Code Reader from your app store.
Now, fire up the application and enable the camera. Scan the QR code of your Physical / e-PAN Card.
All the details from your PAN card are securely rendered within the application.

This applies to the older PAN Cards. All the PAN cards issued before the coming of QR codes are valid. However, there is no compulsion to upgrade a PAN card unless an upgradation is desired, but the upgraded PAN card has extra benefits of ease and security, permitting frequent users like business houses and financial institutions without creating any hitch or difficulty.

PAN-Aadhaar Linking: Leap of Faith

The new system is quite useful only in the context of linking PAN with Aadhaar. Linking PAN with Aadhaar kills duplication of PANs and, at the same time, provides a single source of authentication. Interestingly, linking one's PAN to an Aadhaar is pretty easy.

It can be done online or even through an SMS.

Go to the income tax e-file site.
Fill in the PAN and Aadhaar number.
Follow these steps until the final process.

So, reconcile PAN and Aadhaar details so that the difference does not remain.

Impact on the Individual Business:

For humans

Pan card QR code: It is provided with panache, through which one can access personal details; it is fast, completely paperless and secures all transactions. It also simplifies the processes of opening accounts and filing tax returns.

For Businesses

It streamlines verification, be it with regard to vendors or employees, making the operations of business fraud-free and smooth. The existence of the same QR codes also supports compliance with tax laws processes.

For Financial Institutions

In that context, institutions such as banks and mutual funds can verify identities within a few seconds, making KYC quicker and shorter in length. Digital Transformation in Tax Governance This marks the commitment of the government towards a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven tax system. It aligns with wider efforts such as GST and e-invoicing which and the digitization of financial processes that had been proposed after all these years were finally implemented.

FAQs on the new PAN Card QR Code:

1. Are QR codes mandatory in all PAN cards? An old PAN card is valid. QR code facility comes only with the new PAN card as it will be updated.

2. Can I get my PAN card printed with a QR code? You can apply for a reprint of the PAN card to have the QR code.

3. How does that help in preparing your tax? The QR code has made the whole process of identity proofing while filing taxes much quicker and much more secure.

4. Is an e-PAN containing a QR Code valid? The e-PAN replete with the QR code shall be valid and accepted by all wings for official purposes only.

Book My Accountant: Your trusted tax partner Book My Accountant (BMA) is here to guide you through the constantly changing tax scene, and our team is very well abreast of all new happenings to ensure that you are guided correctly.

Why Choose Us?

Help from pan-related experts for queries. Seamless PAN-Aadhaar linking services. Complete end-to-end tax compliance and financial planning support. Whether you’re an individual or a business, we’re here to make your tax journey hassle-free.

Contact us today to experience professional and reliable service.

Conclusion

Introducing a new tax administration with QR codes on PAN cards makes it even safer and falls into the vision of having a digital economy for Indians. Upgrade your PAN card and experience this easy, paperless efficient method of verification.