What to Do If Your PAN Card Status Says ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process
When you apply for a PAN card in India, you may face a situation where your PAN card status shows as “Pending” or “Under Process.” This can be worrying, especially if you urgently need your Permanent Account Number (PAN) for financial transactions or government formalities. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons for a delayed PAN card status and provide comprehensive steps on what to do if your PAN card status says ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process.’
Understanding PAN Card Status
The PAN card status is an indicator provided by agencies like NSDL or UTIITSL to show the current stage of your PAN card application. Post-application, you can check your PAN card status online by entering your acknowledgment number. The statuses generally seen include:
– Acknowledgement Generated
– Verifying Contact Details
– Pending Documents Verification
– Under Process
– Dispatched
Reasons for PAN Card Status ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process’
Documentation Issues
Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the primary reasons for seeing your PAN card status as pending. Any discrepancies in your supporting documents can result in delays.
Verification Delays
The verification process involves multiple levels, including both field verification and background checks. Any delay at any level can affect the overall process, making your PAN card status display as ‘Under Process.’
Technical Glitches
Sometimes, the issue may not be with your application itself but with the backend systems of NSDL or UTIITSL. Technical problems can halt the process temporarily.
Incomplete Application
An incomplete application form, from missing signatures to not submitting the correct application format, can lead to delays with the status showing as ‘Pending’.
High Volume of Applications
In times of high volume, such as tax filing seasons, the increased workload can delay the processing time, resulting in your PAN card status being stuck at ‘Under Process.’
Steps to Take if Your PAN Card Status Says ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process’
Step 1: Check Your Details and Documents
The first step when you see a ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process’ status is to revisit your application details. Ensure that all the information provided is correct, and cross-check all your submitted documents to rule out any discrepancies.
- Verify Personal Information: Double-check your name, date of birth, and address.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure all the documents like proof of identity, address, and date of birth are correctly submitted.
- Acknowledgment Number: Ensure that the acknowledgment number is kept safe for future tracking.
Step 2: Use the Online Portal
Once you’ve verified your details, the next step is to log into the official NSDL or UTIITSL portal. Navigate to the PAN card status tracking section and enter your acknowledgment number. This might provide some additional information as to why the PAN card status shows as ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process.’
Step 3: Contact Customer Support
If the online portal doesn’t provide you with the clarity you need, it’s advisable to contact the customer support services of NSDL or UTIITSL directly. Make sure you have your acknowledgment number ready. Their customer service can offer specific reasons for the delay and guide you on the next steps.
- NSDL Contact: Call their helpline at 020-27218080.
- UTIITSL Contact: Reach out to their customer service at 033-40802999.
Step 4: Visit a PAN Card Office
If you don’t receive satisfactory responses from customer support, visiting a PAN office can be more effective. Make sure to bring all original documents and your acknowledgment receipt for quicker resolution.
Step 5: Re-submit Your Application
If the delay persists despite following the above steps, it may be wise to re-submit your PAN card application. Ensure all details and documents are correct this time around to avoid another delay.
- Form 49A: For Indian citizens, fully fill out and re-submit this form.
- Form 49AA: For foreign citizens, complete and re-submit this form.
Step 6: Escalate the Matter
If you have done everything above and your PAN card status is still ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process,’ you may consider escalating the issue. Email higher authorities at NSDL or UTIITSL, and include all previous correspondence and acknowledgment details.
How Long Should the Processing Take?
Typically, a PAN card application takes around 15-20 working days to process. Longer delays can occur for various reasons as specified above. By being proactive using the steps mentioned, you can effectively address and potentially resolve the delay.
Tips to Ensure Quick PAN Card Processing
Submit Correct Information
Verify your pan number and all personal details before submitting. Tiny errors can result in significant delays.
Use Verified Documents
Ensure that the documents you submit are recognized and valid. This includes valid proof of identity, address, and date of birth.
Timely Follow-Up
Don’t wait till the last minute to follow up. Check your PAN card status regularly and address any issues as soon as they arise.
Avoid Peak Times
Try to avoid applying for a PAN card during tax filing season or financial year-end, when application volumes are typically high, leading to slower processing times.
Track Your Application
Regularly check the PAN card status online using your acknowledgment number. Immediate action can be taken if you spot an abnormal delay.
Conclusion
Facing a ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process’ PAN card status can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind the delay is crucial. By systematically checking your application details, using online and offline resources, and staying proactive, you can significantly speed up the resolution process.
Remember, your PAN card is a critical document for numerous financial and legal activities, from opening bank accounts to filing income tax returns. Therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye on your PAN card status and take timely steps to ensure its swift processing.
By adhering to the steps outlined above, you can navigate the complexities and eventually see your PAN card status change from ‘Pending’ or ‘Under Process’ to ‘Dispatched’ confidently, well within the general processing window. So, keep your pan number and acknowledgment number ready, follow these guidelines, and you’ll have your PAN card in no time.
