If there is a change in your permanent address or moving to another state, you must update your address on all government documents. Updating your address on the PAN card is not required as the information will be automatically pulled from the UIDAI database. However, you are required to get your PAN migrated to the new Assessing Officer to facilitate ease in income tax processing. Let’s take a look at the PAN Card migration process and factors associated with it.
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What is PAN Migration?
A PAN Card with the unique 10–digit alpha-numeric number issued to taxpayers is used by the income tax authorities to link all of the tax-related transactions of the cardholder. The PAN card has various details about the holder like name, date of birth, gender, location, etc. So, the question now is, what is PAN migration? If a person relocates from one state to another, the address will invariably change. The PAN cardholder must inform income tax authorities of this change and make updates of details.
This update of details also includes an essential step of migrating the PAN under a new AO (Assessing Officer). This is because the AO is responsible for analysing all the tax-related tax-related dealings of their jurisdiction. The process of shifting details from the current AO to the new AO is called PAN migration. It enables the new AO to analyse the assess income tax returns quickly.
Benefits of PAN Card Migration
The income tax authorities use the registered address you provide during your PAN card application for any future communication. This means that if you change your address, it becomes difficult for the AO to communicate with you regarding any disputes.
Also, it might be difficult for the AO to assess all the details as they might not easily find your information. All this means that you must get your PAN migrated to the Assessing Officer in whose jurisdiction you fall.
How to Know Your Assessing Officer’s Jurisdiction?
Given below are the steps to find out the jurisdiction of your AO on the NSDL portal:
Step 1: Visit the NSDL portal.
Step 2: Click on the first letter of your district’s name.
Step 3: Click on your city name.
Step 4: The information of the Assessing Officer will then be available on the screen.
The PAN details are issued based on the posting or the current office location for military and defence personnel. However, once the individual retires, they must get the AO transferred to the relevant address.
PAN Migration Process
Follow the below-mentioned steps to change the AO due to a change in the assessee’s address:
Step 1: An application has to be sent to your current AO requesting a transfer of PAN details to the new AO.
Step 2: Send an application to the AO of your new jurisdictional area. Stating the transfer of PAN.
Step 3: Once the AO accepts the application, the same is forwarded to the Tax Commissioner for approval.
Step 4: Once your request is approved, the PAN is migrated to the new AO.
Checking PAN Migration
Given below are the steps to see if your PAN has been migrated to the new AO:
Step 1: Visit the income tax online filing portal.
Step 2: Click on the ”Know Your TAN/AO’AO’ option on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter your PAN and the registered mobile number. This will trigger an OTP to be sent to your registered number.
Step 4: Verify the OTP and click on ”Validate”.
Step 5: The AO details will then be available on the screen.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I migrate PAN if the current AO hasn't accepted the transfer request?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your PAN to the new jurisdiction without the request being accepted by the current AO.
In what scenario can PAN be migrated without the AO accepting the transfer request?
You can get the transfer without the AO’s AO’s approval if it is deemed that the “AO’s” s behaviour is unprofessional and his not carrying out duties properly.
Is there a mobile app for PAN migration?
The income tax department has launched a new Aaykar Setu mobile application, making the PAN migration process more accessible. To apply for PAN card migration, you need to install the app and click the ”Get a Question’ button.
Whom to contact in case of a dissatisfactory response with my AO's reaction?
In such cases, you can write an application to the ombudsman regarding the nature and details of your concerns. If the application is credible, the application will be forwarded to the Income Tax Commissioner.
