For numerous individuals, the task of returning a duplicate PAN card has evolved into a complex and burdensome endeavor, triggering frustration and financial constraints along the way.
It's imperative to understand that possessing more than one PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a violation of the law and can incur penalties, necessitating individuals to promptly surrender one of their PAN cards to rectify the situation.
Despite this straightforward directive, echoed by tax experts like Nidhi Singh from IndiaLaw LLP, the process of surrendering duplicate PAN cards has proven far from straightforward, as highlighted by numerous individuals sharing their struggles on social media platforms such as Twitter.
Under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act, individuals are explicitly prohibited from holding multiple PAN numbers. Failure to adhere to this provision can result in penalties of up to Rs 10,000.
According to Nidhi Singh, the surrender process entails either visiting the online portal of the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) or submitting a letter to the Assessing Officer in one's jurisdiction specifying the PAN card they wish to retain.
Despite these guidelines, many individuals have encountered obstacles when attempting to return their duplicate PAN cards. These challenges span from a lack of awareness regarding the necessary steps to delays in the process, exacerbating financial difficulties for affected individuals.
One anonymous individual is in conversation with you today.in, shared their ordeal of surrendering a duplicate PAN card. They recounted mistakenly obtained an instant PAN card through the Digilocker mobile application, erroneously linking it to their Aadhaar card. Unaware of the implications of possessing multiple PAN cards, they continued using their original PAN card for financial transactions.
Upon realizing their mistake and the potential repercussions, they endeavored to return the duplicate PAN card. However, they soon encountered a roadblock as the online procedure for surrendering PAN cards had been discontinued.
Instead, they were required to navigate a cumbersome manual process, involving submitting applications to ward officers for both PAN cards, one in Guwahati, Assam, and the other in Delhi. Despite their persistent efforts and numerous follow-ups, bureaucratic hurdles and delays plagued the process.
Furthermore, the individual faced financial strain as their salary account was frozen due to the discrepancy. Despite seeking updates from the IT office, they were left in limbo regarding the resolution of their case, heightening their anxiety about their financial well-being.
Given these challenges, many individuals have turned to the offline route for surrendering their duplicate PAN cards. However, this process, as reported by several, is time-consuming and lacks streamlined procedures, exacerbating the uncertainty surrounding the resolution of their predicament.
