A PAN card these days is not only a tax document, it’s a lifeline for money. From opening a bank account to investing in a scheme, to paying your tax, everything begins with your PAN. Think you’re going for it, only to be told that it is not active. No warning signal, no notice. It just silently ceases to work.
This isn’t just an inconvenience, it could block your access to important financial services. Many users aren’t aware that inactive or unlinked PAN cards are now being quietly deactivated by the Income Tax Department, especially if not linked to Aadhaar or if there’s any discrepancy.
But don’t worry, you won’t have to go to any office or dial a phone number. You may also verify your PAN card status on your mobile phone. And that too within 5 minutes.
Why PAN Cards Get deactivated
There may be some reasons why your PAN is not working:
It is not aadhar linked.
You have more than one PAN cards (which is illegal).
There are mistakes in your PAN details.
You have not recently used it.
No matter what be the reason, it is always good to be safe than sorry later on.
How to Check Your PAN Card Status at Home
Follow step by step to know whether your PAN is active or not:
1. Go to the official Income Tax website – incometax.gov.in
2. Go to “Quick Links” and choose “Verify Your PAN”
3. Enter your details – PAN number, name (as on card), date of birth, and mobile number
4. Click on “Continue”
5. Enter the OTP that you have received on your registered mobile number
6. Click on “Validate”
If your PAN is active, the following message will be displayed to you
“PAN is Active and Details are as per PAN”
If your PAN is inactive, you will be informed immediately, and you can do something regarding it.
What Your PAN Number Reveals About You
Your PAN number is not arbitrary—it holds coded information:
The first 3 letters are in alphabetical order from AAA to ZZZ
The 4th letter is the type of taxpayer (P = Person, C = Corporation)
The 5th is the first letter of your surname
The remaining are distinctive numbers issued by the department
This sets your PAN card apart.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If your PAN is dormant, transactions will be delayed, and you will miss out on schemes or refunds. Spend 5 minutes today, verify your PAN, and be tension-free tomorrow.