PAN Card for Minors: All You Need to Know

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is required by every tax-paying citizen and business in India. It allows the government to keep a record of all major transactions and also identify the tax defaulters.

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Given the nature of PAN and its usage, the majority of people think that it’s something that concerns individuals of age 18 years and above. However, that’s not true. In fact, the Income Tax department doesn’t specify any age-bound requirement for a person to apply for a PAN card.

Not only the PAN-issuing body, i.e., National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) can issue PANs for minors, availing it has its advantages.

The following are some of the situations in which a child may require a PAN:

• If a person wants to make an investment in their name.
• If they are a nominee of investments in properties, gold, etc.
• If they want to open a bank account, or a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account (in case of a girl).
• If they are earning. This is because then their income is merged with their parent’s income for tax purposes.

PAN Application Process of Minors

You can apply for PAN for a child by following these steps:

• Visit https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html which is the official website of NSDL.
• Open the drop-down menu on the top, and select the appropriate option i.e. Form 49 or Form 49A.
• Enter the basic details as required including name, address, mobile number, etc.
• Upload the documents as required (you can review the guidelines for details) and pay the application fee through any of the online payment channels that are available.
• Once you submit the application and complete the process, you will receive a reference number. Keep it with you as it will help you in the near future to track the status of your application or to resolve any problems, should they arise.
• The PAN will be sent by post to the address provided by you in the form.