Q.980 Conversion of Resident

PAN to NRI PAN

Question: Dear Sir, I am an OCI card holder with Singapore Citizenship. I have a PAN card that I obtained long before I left India. So, it is a PAN Card with Resident status. Do I need to convert it into NRI PAN Card? If I need to, can you guide me on the procedure please? If there is no need, will there be any implication? Thank you in anticipation. Best Regards Bharathan Answer: My understanding is, and I have previously mentioned on this website that all PAN Cards are the same. PAN cards do not show resident status such as resident or non-resident. While there are different forms for Indian citizens [form 49A] and foreign citizens [form 49AA] to apply for PAN, I would assume that this is because of the different documents required for identification purposes between Indians and foreigners. No address is shown on PAN cards. PAN number is a valid universal identification number to help Indian tax authorities to track financial transactions so they can ensure tax is paid where due. Regardless of what address a person goes to; the same PAN remains valid. PAN is for life! It makes good sense to keep the data on file for your PAN number with the tax department up to date. This way they can contact you if required. Hence if your address is changed, then changes to PAN record to update address can easily be made either by filling and submitting the Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN data’ form or using the online facility to submit the form. Kindly note that no person can hold more than one PAN. A penalty of Rs. 10,000/- is liable to be imposed under Section 272B of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for having more than one PAN. Please refer to the answer posted on the previous page where it shows how to access the form online. The Form is quite user friendly and you can just follow the steps to make any changes/get a replacement PAN. The income tax departments website address is: http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in in case you need more information. They may also have toll free helpline numbers for people to call them for information.