PAN 2.0 Project: A Leap Towards Modernization of Taxpayer Services

PAN 2.0 Project: A Leap Towards Modernization of Taxpayer Services

New Delhi, 26th November 2024: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted its approval to the PAN 2.0 Project, a revolutionary initiative by the Income Tax Department under the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). This project aims to streamline the issuance and management of PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number), making the processes user-friendly and efficient.

Key Highlights of PAN 2.0:

1. Unified Portal: PAN-related services currently spread across three platforms—the e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal, and Protean e-Gov Portal—will now be integrated into a single platform. This will allow taxpayers to handle services like PAN application, Aadhaar-PAN linking, corrections, and more, all from one unified portal.
2. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: The system promotes paperless processes, aligning with the Digital Indiainitiative. PAN will be issued free of cost, with quicker processing times, and e-PAN cards will be sent directly to registered email IDs.
3. Enhanced Security and Grievance Redressal: A PAN Data Vault will secure sensitive personal and demographic data. Additionally, a dedicated call center and helpdesk will be established to resolve taxpayer queries efficiently.
4. QR Code Integration: Enhancing functionality, PAN cards will continue to feature QR codes that dynamically update with the latest data, aiding in easy validation.
5. PAN as a Common Identifier: PAN will serve as a universal identifier for specified government agencies, simplifying business processes.

Benefits to Taxpayers:

• Simplified Services: Taxpayers can update or correct their PAN details free of cost.
• No Requirement for New PAN Cards: Existing PAN cards remain valid. Users can update or replace them only if required.
• Efficient Management: Duplicate PAN detection and removal mechanisms will reduce errors and enhance compliance.

The PAN 2.0 project is a significant step toward creating a seamless, transparent, and inclusive system, improving overall service delivery and ensuring that India’s tax infrastructure keeps pace with digital advancements.

For detailed FAQs on the PAN 2.0 Project, refer to the official release by CBDT.