BREAD 2.0 With the implementation of the advanced QR code based system under the project, identification of fake cards will be easier and taxpayers will not be able to have more than one PAN card. However, even after the introduction of the new system, the existing PAN cards will remain valid and the taxpayer will not need to apply for a new card. You will have to apply for PAN 2.0 card only if there is any change in the information related to the card. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Tuesday clarified some very important things related to the PAN 2.0 project. CBDT has tried to answer the questions of common people by publishing FAQs related to PAN 2.0. Let us tell you that the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday approved a project worth Rs 1,435 crore to issue a new type of QR-based PAN card. This project, which will be implemented starting next year, has been proposed with the objective of advancing the existing PAN issuance system.
Income Tax Department issues PAN number
The PAN 2.0 project aims to create a “uniform enterprise identifier” for all digital systems of government agencies. PAN number is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department. This number is specifically issued for Indian taxpayers. According to the statement issued by CBDT, the objective of this project is to better manage and modernize the process of issuing and managing PAN and TAN. The project focuses on the integration of multiple digital platforms and efficient services for PAN/TAN holders. The tax collection and deduction account number (TAN) will also be included in this project. At present there are around 78 crore PAN accounts and 73.28 lakh TAN accounts. CBDT, the apex body of the Income Tax Department, said PAN related services are available on three different platforms – e-filing portal, UTIITSL portal and Protege e-governance portal. But with the implementation of PAN 2.0, all these services will be available in a unified portal.
All PAN related work will be done on a single portal.
With the help of the integrated portal, apart from applying for PAN card, correction and linking of Aadhaar with PAN, online verification of the card can also be done. CBDT has said that existing PAN holders will not need to apply for a new card. They will have to submit their request only in case they want to update their data. The PAN cards issued under the new system will be equipped with a QR code through which the data entered on the card can be verified through a digital medium. With this, fake applications can be controlled and no person will be able to have more than one card. However, CBDT has clarified that installation of QR code on PAN is not something new and is present on PAN card since 2017-18. But in the PAN 2.0 project, the QR code will be equipped with a dynamic feature so that the latest data present in the PAN database can also be seen. These include information about photograph, signature, name, parents’ names and date of birth.
Taxpayers will be able to request a new card
CBDT said, “Taxpayers holding old PAN cards without QR code will have the option to apply for a new card with QR code.” Additionally, it was clarified in the FAQ that after the introduction of the new system. The PAN held by individuals and companies will remain valid and there will be no need to change it. However, to get a physical PAN card, the applicant will have to pay a fee of Rs 50. To safeguard personal data recorded in PAN, it will be mandatory for all entities using this data to have a ‘PAN Data Vault System’. In addition, the grievance redressal system under NAP 2.0 will also be strengthened.
With PTI inputs
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