An e-PAN card is an electronic version of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is a convenient and quick way to access your PAN in a digital format. Whether you’ve just applied for a PAN card or lost your physical one, downloading an e-PAN is simple. This guide will walk you through the process in detail.

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Prerequisites for Downloading E-PAN

Before you start the process, ensure you have the following:

1. Acknowledgment Number: This is provided when you apply for a PAN card or request a reprint.
2. PAN Number: Required if you are downloading an existing e-PAN.
3. Registered Mobile Number: This number should be linked to your PAN as an OTP will be sent for verification.
4. Valid Email ID: For receiving the e-PAN, if required.
5. Nominal Fee: The Applicants will receive their e-PAN in PDF form “free of cost” only if their e-PAN was issued within last one month. For requests received after one month of last issuance of their e-PAN, the Applicant shall have to make an online payment of Rs.8.26 (inclusive of taxes) against every request of their e-PAN.

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Steps to Download E-PAN

Follow these steps to download your e-PAN:

1. Go to the official websites for PAN services. These include:

• NSDL (Protean)
• UTIITSL

Both platforms offer e-PAN download services. Choose the one where your PAN application was processed.

2. You will be prompted to provide the following information:

• Acknowledgment Number or PAN Number
• Date of Birth
• Captcha Code (to verify you’re not a bot)

3. Authenticate via OTP

• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP in the designated field to verify your identity.

4. Pay the Nominal Fee (If Applicable)

• If your PAN application is older and you’re downloading a duplicate, a fee may apply.
• Make the payment using available options such as credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.

5. Download Your E-PAN

• Once the payment is confirmed and your details are verified, you will see the option to download your e-PAN.
• Click on the download link to save the PDF file to your device.
• The e-PAN is password-protected. The password is usually your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

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Key Features of E-PAN

1. Legally Valid: The e-PAN has the same legal validity as the physical PAN card.
2. Instant Availability: Can be downloaded instantly after verification and payment.
3. Environment-Friendly: Reduces the need for physical plastic cards, promoting sustainability.
4. Accessible Anytime: Once downloaded, you can access it on your smartphone, laptop, or cloud storage anytime.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Mismatch in Details:
   • Ensure the details you enter match those in the PAN database.
   • If you’ve updated your PAN information recently, allow some time for the changes to reflect.
2. OTP Not Received:
   • Check if your mobile number is linked to your PAN.
   • Contact customer support of NSDL or UTIITSL for assistance.
3. Payment Issues:
   • Retry the transaction with a stable internet connection.
   • Use an alternative payment method if needed.

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Conclusion

Downloading an e-PAN is a hassle-free process that provides a secure and accessible alternative to the physical PAN card. Whether you’ve misplaced your card or simply want a digital copy, following the steps outlined above will help you obtain your e-PAN quickly and efficiently. Make sure your mobile number and email ID are always updated in the PAN database to ensure a smooth experience.

For more assistance, you can visit the help sections on the NSDL or UTIITSL websites.