451. Disadvantages of applying for

a PAN Card from USA . . .

Questions: Are there any dis advantages in applying for a PAN card from outside India, is from the US. You website is very useful and has lot of information for NRIs, Keep up the good work. Thanks Nachi Answer: There are no disadvantages that I can think of when it comes to applying for a PAN from abroad other than the higher cost: • Rupees 96 when mailed to Indian address compared to Rupees 962 for mailing outside India. • Also Payment can be made only by way of Demand Draft payable at Mumbai and many NRIs find this troublesome as their foreign credit cards are not accepted! Unless a PAN is really required for tax filling purpose, getting a PAN card while India may be more convenient for many non-residents. While there are some agents who offer to submit PAN applications for a fee (about $50 to $100) for NRI and PIOs residing abroad, this method involves mailing in personal documents and not a very good idea if you don't know who you are dealing with. In India also the service of getting help to acquire a PAN card is offered by many people. They come to your door, collect the documents and submit for a fee as low as Rupees 150. All said and done it's a matter of choice for individuals. A few years back, I asked my bank in India where I have NRE/NRO account to help during a visit to India, they sent the forms over to my residence, I returned it to the bank and received my PAN card in the mail in two weeks.