The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the much-awaited PAN 2.0 Project by the Income Tax Department, as announced in the press release dated 26th November 2024. This landmark initiative is designed to modernize and unify all processes related to Permanent Account Numbers (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Numbers (TAN).
With over 78 crore PANs and 73.28 lakh TANs already issued, this project addresses the growing demands of taxpayers while ensuring seamless integration with the Digital India initiative.
What is PAN 2.0?
PAN 2.0 represents a significant re-engineering of the existing systems for managing PAN/TAN-related services. Here is what makes this initiative groundbreaking:
- Single Unified Portal: Currently, PAN-related services are scattered across three platforms: the e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal, and Protean e-Gov Portal. PAN 2.0 consolidates all services into a single, unified portal
- Paperless Processes: The project emphasizes eco-friendly, paperless processes, drastically reducing manual intervention
- Faster and Free Services: PAN allotment, updates, and corrections will be free of cost, with improved processing times
- Enhanced Security: A PAN Data Vault will ensure better protection of personal and demographic information
- Grievance Redressal: A dedicated call center and helpdesk will streamline grievance handling
Key Features of PAN 2.0
- A single portal for all PAN/TAN-related services
- PAN issuance will be free of cost, with faster processing times
- Robust security enhancements, including dynamic QR codes for PAN validation
- Integration of services like Aadhaar-PAN linking, online PAN validation, and more
- Paperless, eco-friendly processes aligned with the Digital India initiative
The press release also addresses several frequently asked questions (FAQs), clarifying various aspects of the PAN 2.0 Project. Here are some highlights:
- Existing PAN Card Holders: You do not need to reapply for a new PAN under PAN 2.0
- Corrections and Updates: PAN holders can update details like name, address, or mobile number free of cost online
- QR Code: Dynamic QR codes will display updated data, enhancing verification capabilities
- Unified Portal: This platform will consolidate all PAN/TAN-related processes, eliminating delays and redundancies
Why PAN 2.0 Matters
This project represents a major step towards making India’s tax infrastructure more accessible, secure, and user-centric. With its focus on simplifying taxpayer interactions and enhancing service delivery, PAN 2.0 aligns with the government’s vision for digital transformation and transparency.
Download Press Release with FAQ
To read the detailed list of FAQs, please refer to the original press release linked, click here.