Watch out: Changes in PAN application process

Arnav PandyaThere are constant changes that are taking place on the Income Tax front and another such change has been the introduction of a new application form for getting the Permanent Account Number (PAN). This is significant because there are a lot of occasions when the PAN application form is required to be submitted. This has to be used when a new PAN is applied for but in many cases there are also changes to the existing details in the PAN that has to be undertaken and this can be done by using the various forms that are available so a look at the details on this form and what it means for the individual are important.Basic detailsWhen it comes to the PAN form the basic details that are required which includes the name of the tax payer plus the father’s name and address remains as it was earlier. There has to be proof of address as well as proof of identity that has to be given by the taxpayer when the application form is filled in. Further the source from which the income is derived also needs to be mentioned. These are the details that were present earlier and they continue to be there so there is no major change on this front. The individual needs to ensure that they have all the details that are required along with the required documents and when this is there then they can fill in the form and submit the details and obtain the PAN. Father’s detailsOne of the key parts of the entire form and where a lot of people had some problems before was that of the details regarding the father of the tax payer. Every person who made an application has to give the details of the father and this would be the full name. There are no exceptions in the sense that it is not just male members who need to give the fathers name but also females. In many cases the question that was raised was that if lady was married then would the husband’s name have to be given or the father and even in this case the form calls specifically for the fathers detail and hence this was what had to be submitted. The other important point was that these details were mentioned on the card itself so this became important and hence every person would find that the fathers details would be present on the card.Mother’s detailNow there is a change in the new forms that have been introduced and this gives a choice for the individual to ensure that they have something that they actually wish for. In this form there is a space for mentioning the details of the name of the mother of the tax payer. This has to be mentioned along with the name of the father. More importantly there is a choice for the individual as to whether they want the name of the mother or the father to be mentioned on the card. Earlier there was no such choice and hence this is a big thing as far as the PAN card of the person is concerned.  This is a big step because earlier there was no choice for the individual. Now in case the individual does not indicate their preference then the default option is the father’s name. Hence this has to be decided upon and based upon the requirement and the wish of the individual they can ensure that the name of either the mother or the father is present on the PAN.