What is a Minor Pan Card & How to Apply for it?
In India, the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a must-have for tax-paying individuals. It acts as a unique identification for various financial transactions. While traditionally associated with adults, minors can also apply for a PAN card. The following guide will explain what a minor PAN card is, its benefits, and the complete application process, both online and offline. We will also go over the steps required for updating the PAN card after the minor reaches adulthood, as well as the necessary documents.
Understanding the Minor PAN Card
A minor PAN card is issued to those under the age of 18. It is comparable to a standard PAN card but does not include the minor's signature. The PAN card is primarily used for identification and financial transactions involving minors, whether directly or indirectly. Minors cannot apply for their own PAN card, hence their parents or guardians must do it on their behalf.
Benefits of Having a Minor PAN Card
- Facilitates Investments in the Minor’s Name: One notable advantage of a minor PAN Card is that it allows parents or guardians to make investments on behalf of the child. Whether it's mutual funds, fixed deposits, or equities, having a Minor PAN Card makes the process simpler and assures that all assets are correctly accounted for in the minor's name.
- Required for Nominee Designation: A Minor PAN Card is required when designating a minor as a nominee for property, shares, or other financial products. This ensures that all legal and financial factors are properly linked to the minor, resulting in a smooth transition in the event of the primary holder's demise.
- Essential for Opening Bank Accounts: To open a bank account for a child, such a savings account, the minor must have a PAN card. This is essential for financial planning and for instilling the saving habit in kids at a young age.
- Permanent and Unchanging Identification: The PAN is a one-of-a-kind, permanent identification number that does not change during the holder's life. Even if the minor's name or residence changes, the PAN number remains constant, ensuring a consistent identification method for all financial transactions and tax-related reasons.
- Smooth Transition to Major PAN Card: When a minor reaches 18, the current Minor PAN Card can be quickly updated to reflect the individual's new status as a major. This is a simple process that ensures a smooth transfer from a Minor PAN Card to a regular PAN Card.
- Required for Income Tax Purposes: In certain instances, minors may have taxable income from their skills, knowledge, or talents. A Minor PAN Card is required in such cases in order to comply with income tax regulations and ensure accurate tax filing.
- Necessary for Large Transactions: A PAN Card is required for significant transactions such as purchasing property or vehicles on behalf of a minor. This aids in the verification of the minor's identity and ensures that all transactions are legal and within the framework.
- Helps in Applying for Scholarships and Educational Loans: A Minor PAN Card might be useful when applying for scholarships or education loans. Many institutions request PAN information to process these applications, making it easier for minors to apply for financial assistance for their studies.
Application Process for a Minor PAN Card
Steps to Apply for Minor PAN Card Online
- Visit the NSDL Website: Open the NSDL e-Gov portal and download Form 49A.
- Fill Out the Form: Read the instructions carefully and complete all necessary fields, including personal information, parent/guardian information, and address.
- Upload Documents: Include the minor's photograph, proof of address, proof of identification, and proof of age, as well as the parent or guardian's documents.
- Submit and Pay: Once completed, submit the form online. Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card, net banking, or demand draft.
- Acknowledgment: After submitting your application, you will be given an acknowledgment number that will allow you to monitor its status.
- Send Physical Documents: If you choose physical document submission, send all the necessary documents, along with the demand draft (if applicable), to the address provided by the NSDL.
Steps to Apply for Minor PAN Card Offline
- Obtain Form 49A: Form 49A can be obtained by downloading it from the NSDL website or visiting one of the UTIITSL offices or agents.
- Fill Out the Form: Fill out the form with the requested information and attach copies of the relevant documents.
- Submit Documents: Submit the filled-out application and supporting documentation to the nearest UTIITSL office, along with the processing fee.
- Verification and Dispatch: Once validated, the PAN card will be mailed to the address provided on the form.
Fees for a Minor PAN Card
Below is a list of charges you’ll incur when applying for a PAN card for minors. All fees include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Application Mode | Dispatch Type | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
Offline or online (physical application) | Physical PAN card dispatched within India | 107 |
Offline or online (physical application) | Physical PAN card dispatched internationally | 1,017 |
Online (paperless Aadhaar-based application) | Physical PAN card delivered across India | 101 |
Online (paperless Aadhaar-based application) | Physical PAN card delivered outside India | 1,011 |
Offline or online (physical application) | e-PAN sent by e-mail | 72 |
Online (paperless Aadhaar-based application) | e-PAN sent by e-mail | 66 |
You’ll notice that submitting your application via the paperless, Aadhaar-based route saves you a small amount on both physical and e-PAN dispatch. If you’re applying for a pan card below 18, the e-PAN option (₹ 66) is economical and instant, ideal if you don’t require a hard copy. Do keep in mind that delivery outside India attracts higher charges. Choose the method that best suits your needs and timing.
Updating a Minor PAN Card Upon Turning 18
When a minor turns 18, the PAN card must be updated to reflect their new status. Here is how you do it:
- Form 49A or 49AA: Depending on your citizenship status, you can download Form 49A (for Indian nationals) or Form 49AA (for foreign citizens).
- Fill Out the Form: Provide updated information, including picture, signatures, and any changes to personal information.
- Submit Documents: Submit the form online or offline, alongside the required documents.
- Payment: Pay the fee based on your method of document submission and address.
- Acknowledgment: Following successful submission and payment, an acknowledgment number will be sent for tracking purposes.
- Verification and Issuance: Once verified, the updated PAN card will be delivered to your address.
Essential Documents for Applying for a Minor's PAN Card
Identity Proof (anyone)
- Passport
- Aadhaar card
- Driving licence
- Ration card
- Photo ID card issued by the Government
- Voter’s ID card
- Original certificate of identity signed by a Member of Parliament, a Member of the Legislative Assembly, or a Gazetted Officer
Address Proof (any one)
- Driving licence
- Aadhaar card
- Voter’s ID card
- Passport
- Property registration document
- Domicile certificate
- Post office passbook
- Electricity bill
- Water bill
- Latest property tax assessment order
- Bank account statement
- Original certificate from the employer
- Depository account statement
- Landline telephone or broadband connection bill
- Credit card statement
- Consumer gas connection card or book or piped gas bill
Age Proof (any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Birth Certificate
- Affidavit sworn before a magistrate stating the date of birth
- Recognised board mark sheet
- Passport
- Domicile certificate
Conclusion
Securing a PAN card for your minor kid is an important step towards securing their financial future and identity verification. A minor PAN card, whether used for investments, nominee purposes, or banking, has various benefits and is simple to apply for, both online and offline. Remember to update your child's PAN card when they turn 18 to reflect their new status as an adult. This extensive guide strives to simplify the process and give all the information required for a smooth application experience.
Explore additional tips on managing your PAN and other financial matters with m.Stock.
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FAQ
Does GST get included in the fees for a minor’s PAN card?
Yes. The fees quoted for all application methods and dispatch types already incorporate GST. You won’t incur any additional tax beyond the stated amount. Choose your preferred application mode and dispatch option. The fee mentioned (for example, ₹ 107 for a physical card in India) is the total cost you pay.
Can a minor hold more than one PAN card?
No, as per the Income Tax Act, an individual, including a minor, can hold only one PAN card at any given time. Holding multiple PAN cards is illegal and can attract penalties.
Is income earned by a minor taxable under their PAN card?
Yes, but in most cases, the minor’s income is clubbed with the income of the parent or guardian unless it is earned through the minor’s own specialised skills, talent, or manual work.
Is there an expiry date for a minor PAN card?
No, a PAN card for a minor does not expire. However, once the individual turns 18, it must be updated to a major PAN card with a photograph and signature.
Can a guardian apply for a minor PAN card on behalf of the child?
Yes, only the parent or legal guardian can apply for a PAN card for minors in India, and the guardian’s identity proof will be required during the application process.
What happens after a minor turns 18?
When a minor attains 18, the PAN card must be updated with the the individual's signature and a new photograph. The PAN number stays same, however the card will now reflect the individual's status as an adult.
Why does a child need a PAN?
A PAN card is necessary for many financial operations, including investments, bank accounts, and serving as a nominee for financial services. It also functions as a means of identification.
Can we get a PAN card for minors?
Yes, minors can get a PAN card. A parent or guardian must submit the application on the minor's behalf.
What is the difference between minor and major PAN cards?
Individuals under the age of 18 are issued a minor PAN card, which does not include their signature. Individuals over 18 are granted a major PAN card, which contains their signature and an updated picture.
What is the minor PAN card age limit?
There is no minimum age to apply for a PAN card. Even babies are eligible for a PAN card if their parents or guardians apply on their behalf.
What is the process for updating a minor PAN card into a major one?
You can update a minor PAN card to a major PAN card by applying for an update on the NSDL website, completing the appropriate forms, and submitting the necessary documentation.
When I make changes to my minor PAN card, do I still have to pay the same application fee?
Yes, the same application cost applies when a minor's PAN card is updated after they reach maturity. The charge varies depending on the method of document submission and whether a physical PAN card is required.
Does a minor need to link PAN with Aadhaar?
Yes, all PAN cards, even those given to children, must be linked to Aadhaar to prevent them from becoming inactive.
Can a minor apply for a PAN card online?
A minor cannot apply for a PAN card directly. The application must be completed by a parent, guardian, or representative assessee.
What documents are needed to apply for a PAN card for a minor?
To apply for a PAN card for a minor, provide proof of identification, address, and age. The parent or guardian's documents can be used as proof of identification and address, however, the minor's documents must be used as proof of age.