169. Pan Card Problems in UAE

Q: Many thanks for providing this service. This site is very helpful indeed. I have applied for PAN card online through NSDL. I am a NRI from UAE and updated my Company Address and my UAE Residence address. Submitted the following documents to support the application. 1. Company identity card ( I work of a Government Company) 2. Bank Account statement ( my company address mentioned on the statement0 3. Tenancy contract to support the residence address. 4. Passport copy. NSDL (TINonline service) rejected my application stating that the address mentioned on the application do not match with the supporting. In UAE, we go only by the PO box no. I had mentioned the my building name where am located along with the PO Box to identify me better . However, the identity card has only the PO Box No and the Emirate name like every company in UAE. I had to call 5-6 times and had to sent 4-5 emails to convince them on this and finally they agreed to clear the Company address. Now the issue is with the Tenancy contract. They said that Tenancy contract is not a valid document. I managed to get a confirmation letter from Senior Management on Company Letter head to confirm that I work for this company and my residential address is correct as per the HR document. This is a 100% Government owned company. Still NSDL ( TIN Online ) rejected the application. I spoke to them again 4-5 times and seems that this is an outsourced processing company and they do not know the system works in Gulf states. I also forwarded the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority online screen shot where they can view my Account number which has been mentioned on my Tenancy contract. But NSDL said, Electricity & Water bill is not a valid document. They even told me to produce a bank account statement mentioning the residential address on it, which is impossible in UAE. No bank will record the residential address on their record. It should be only through the company address. I applied for the PAN CARD at the end of July 10 and still struggling for this. I have spent around 10,000/- by calling them during week days and by holding the phone for long time. But they do not understand or helpful to resolve this. They advised me to apply again by paying INR.745/- and to mention only the Company address and to leave the residential address column blank. They also mentioned that there wont be any refund for the initial application. My question is , What document should I forward to support the residential address, if they are not willing to accept even the Govt approved Electricity and Water bill. If I can leave the residential address blank, then, why do they insist me to provide the address proof for the initial application. Why no refund for the initial application. Is there any direct contact point at Income tax department to address these type of issues. Appreciate your kind advice and help on this subject. Regards, beena A. For residential address proof you also have an option to use a driving license if you have one. Another option is a bank statement. The State Bank of India has branches in the UAE and if you have a NRO or NRE account with them, you can get a bank statement for your account showing your name and address from them. As for refunds, it is next to impossible to get a refund from government authorities in India.