Why is PAN Card Necessary for Non-Taxpayers?

Apart from its diverse use in the banking sector, the PAN (Permanent Account Number) card serves many other purposes as a legal identification document. It is mandatory for certain bank transfers, obtaining a gas connection, and much more.

Therefore, having a PAN card number as an identity document is important, even if you don’t pay taxes.

Keep reading to learn why a PAN card is needed for people who are not taxpayers.

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Why Do We Need PAN Cards as Non-Taxpayers?

A PAN card is commonly used in the banking sector for opening bank accounts, making money transfers, depositing money, and much more. However, apart from being of great use in the financial arena, PAN cards serve a large purpose in selling or reselling property, making loan applications, buying vehicles, and much more.

PAN cards are globally acknowledged as proof of photo identification; thus, having a PAN card number is very important even if you are not a taxpayer.

Why is a PAN Card Required When Not Paying Taxes?

Apart from banking services, a PAN card may be required for certain professional and personal reasons.

Let us understand why a PAN card is necessary in different scenarios.

Acceptance of Loan Applications:

You must share your PAN card details to get smooth approval for a personal, business, education, or any other loan from a bank.

Buying Life Insurance:

To buy a life insurance plan from any insurer, you must provide your PAN card details. If the annual amount paid to the insurer exceeds ₹50,000, then PAN details are to be provided compulsorily.

Currency Exchange:

When travelling abroad, you must provide your PAN card details for cash payments for currency exchange amounting to more than ₹50,000. Thus, it is a globally accepted proof of identification for different purposes.

Purchase or Sell of Motor Vehicles:

You must provide a self-attested copy of your PAN card when buying or selling your motor vehicle.

Sale or Purchase of Real Estate:

If the transaction involving the purchase or sale of your real estate property exceeds ₹10 Lakh, then the details of your PAN card details must be furnished.

Hotel Bills:

Hotel or restaurant bills exceeding the limit of ₹50,000 require your PAN card details, as per the mandate.

Investment Market:

To save tax, a large amount of money is usually invested in mutual funds, which bring this transaction under the mandate of providing the PAN card details. Debentures, bonds, fund units, etc., of more than ₹50,000 require PAN card details. PAN card details are also to be provided when opening a new DeMat Account.

Applying for An Aadhaar Card:

One is required to produce their PAN card when applying for an Aadhaar, and it is compulsory to link your aadhaar card to your PAN, the failure of which can lead to the deactivation of your PAN card.

Buy or Sell Goods and Services:

Any goods or services that cost more than ₹2 Lakh require PAN card details for a successful transaction to take place.

New Bank Account:

Any individual intending to open a new bank account in a bank or a post office must produce the details of their PAN card. However, this is optional for basic savings bank deposit accounts, which are zero-balance accounts.

Proof of Photo Identity:

A PAN card is widely accepted as a valid proof of identification, and thus, it can be produced legitimately by any citizen of India.

Credit Card Applications:

People applying for a credit card from a bank, cooperative, or any other institution must provide their PAN card details.

Depositing Cash:

To avoid the rising cases of money laundering, you must provide your PAN card details when making a cash deposit of more than ₹50,000 in a single day. The same applies to bank drafts, cheques, pay orders, etc., with the same amount limit.

Fixed Deposit:

Depositing an amount of ₹5 Lakh or more annually will require you to produce your PAN details, and also, if you invest in a fixed deposit of more than ₹50,000, you must offer your PAN card details to the banks, NBFC, Nidhi, post office, etc.

FAQs about Why is PAN Card Needed For Non-Taxpayers

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Is it compulsory to have a PAN card for Income Tax?

Yes, providing the PAN details when filing your income tax returns is mandatory.

Who must have a PAN in India?

Any individual or foreign citizen who receives taxable income in India must have a PAN card, which is an important official document for various financial purposes.

Can a person with zero income get a PAN card?

Yes, a person with no income can also get a PAN card as it is proof of identity provided by the Income tax department.

Who is exempted from the PAN-Aadhaar linking rule?

Non-citizens of India, super senior citizens, non-resident taxable persons, and people of Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Meghalaya are exempted from the norm of linking your aadhaar card with PAN.

How much does it cost to get a PAN card?

The application fee to get hold of a PAN card is ₹93 for within India and ₹864 for outside India, both rates excluding GST, as per official portal details.

What is the maximum amount that can be deposited without a PAN card?

A maximum of ₹50,000 can be deposited in a single day without requiring a PAN card. Any amount exceeding the threshold will require the depositor to furnish their PAN details.

Is it allowed to have more than one PAN Card?

No, you can’t have multiple PAN Cards. Only one PAN Card is legal.

How do I download my PAN Card?

To download your PAN Card, follow these simple steps:

Go to the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
Then, tap on the ‘Download e-pan’ option.
Fill in the PAN acknowledgement number, required details, and Captcha before submitting.
You will receive an OTP, which you need to enter. Then, click on the ‘Download PDF’ button.