Minor PAN Card Apply Online – Age Limit, Eligibility & Stepwise Process

Overview : Want to apply for a PAN Card for your child but confused as he/she is a minor? So, let us tell you that there is no age limit when it comes to applying for PAN. However, there are certain conditions that must be met to get a PAN Card. Know about the essentials of PAN Card application for Minors including eligibility criteria, parents role, required documents for minor PAN Card age limit and process.

Are you curious about the age limit defined for PAN cards in India? Did you know there’s no age limit for PAN cards? This means both minors and adults can apply. In this article, we'll discuss how minors can apply for a PAN Card with the help of their parents, the required documents, and the overall benefits of having a PAN card for minors.

PAN Card Age Limit

A common myth about PAN is that they are only for adults. However, the Income Tax Department has not defined any minimum age for PAN Card application; so children and adults can apply and get a Permanent Account Number. No age limit means financial inclusivity. In other words, children can get this Card/Number as easily as adults, so minors can participate in financial transactions and investments early on. This is useful for parents who want to invest in their child’s name or require a PAN card for other financial or non-financial purposes.

PAN card is an essential identification document in India for Indian citizens, required for financial and tax related transactions such as opening a bank account, investing in mutual funds or purchasing property. Now that there is no age limit for PAN card, eligibility criteria is broader and more accessible.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Citizens

To apply for PAN, Indian citizens need to adhere to eligibility criteria, mainly the documents requirement as defined by the Income Tax Department. However, there is no defined age bar restriction for applying for a PAN. Depending upon the type of entity, the document requirement may vary slightly. The required documents:

• Individuals: Applicants must provide Proof of Identity, Proof of Birth, and Proof of Address. So, the acceptable documents for PAN application are Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, and birth certificate.
• Hindu Undivided Family (HUF): The head of the family (Karta) must submit proof of identity, proof of birth, and proof of address, along with documents from coparceners.
• Minors: For minors, proof of birth is required, and the child's Aadhaar number should be mentioned in the application form. Parents or guardians will need to provide their documents for verification.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for PAN Card for Minors

Minors can apply for a PAN card with the help of their parents or guardians. Parents or guardians are responsible for submitting the application and all required documents for the minor’s PAN card. Minor’s PAN card is required for reasons like being a nominee for property or making investments in their name. The eligibility criteria for a minor PAN card is simple as there is no official age limit specified by the Income Tax department, and the application can be made at any age.

Parents Role in Minor’s PAN Card Application

Parents or guardians are key in applying for a minor’s PAN card. Since minors cannot apply independently, they have to submit the application and ensure all required documents are correct and as per Income Tax Department guidelines. The application can be submitted online or offline using parent’s or guardian’s documents for verification.

After submission, an acknowledgment number gets generated that helps track the application status. The processing time usually takes 15 to 20 working days after verification. Parents must provide documents for proof of identity, birth, address and child’s Aadhaar number. If a child does not have an Aadhaar card, parent’s documents must be submitted instead, ensuring the minor's identity and address is verified correctly.

Documents required for Minor PAN Card Application

Minor’s PAN card application requires specific documents to verify the child’s identity, address and age. Key documents required for PAN Card application are;

• Date of Birth or Age Proof of a child
• Resident Proof of Representative Assessee
• Identity Proof of Representative Assessee
• Minor’s Color Photograph
• Representative Assessee Signature on Application Form

Process of PAN Card Application for Minors

To apply for a minor’s PAN card, you have the option to choose from online or offline. As per your convenience, you are free to choose either of the minor PAN application methods.

If you are applying online for PAN Card for minors, the following steps need to be followed:

• Parents or guardians should visit the official NSDL website.
• Now, select ‘New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A).’
• Pay the fee using various methods such as debit and credit cards.

After submission, an acknowledgment number will be sent to you so that you can track the PAN online application.

If an offline application method is chosen, follow the steps below:

• Parents must download Form 49A.
• Submit it at the nearest PAN Centre with the required documents.
• Wait for the submitted application and documents to be verified.

If your minor's PAN application is filed properly with the right details, a physical PAN is issued within 15 to 20 working days after verification.

This dual approach allows parents to choose the most convenient way. The parents or guardians of minors must ensure all details in the application form are correct and complete. An erroneous document or information filled can cause delay in processing of PAN application. Paying attention to detail is important for a hassle-free PAN application process experience.

Benefits of Minor PAN Card

A minor having a PAN Card can avail some benefits mainly this document will simplify some processes and help avoid in future complications. For example, if a minor is a nominee for property or investments, having a PAN can simplify the process. Being a government-issued card with a photo and few basic details, it also serves as an Identity Proof, primarily in cases like opening a bank account or making an investment in the name of a minor PAN holder. Further, this card ensures minors are financially prepared and can transition smoothly into adulthood.

Fees for Minor PAN Card Application

Fees for PAN application for minors vary depending on the mode of submission and whether physical or e-PAN is requested. You may see a slight difference in fees for offline and online modes of applying for PAN. The breakdown of fees involved in Minor PAN Card Application is as follows:

• Online Application: The e-PAN fee is ₹56 while if you need a physical PAN, a fee of ₹107 is charged while online application.
• Offline Application: PAN's offline application fee is ₹107.

Fees are designed to be affordable so that PAN can be applied by all, including minors. Parents or guardians can choose the convenient option based on their preference for physical or e-PAN.

Thorough understanding about who needs a PAN Card and the step-by-step process of apply for PAN Card help ensure compliance with the financial regulations mainly taxation and also hassle-free execution of the financial transactions.

Conclusion

Determining the eligibility to apply for PAN cards is crucial for financial preparedness and inclusivity. There is no minimum age requirement for a PAN card, it’s available for both minors and adults. Parents play a key role in the application process, providing necessary documentation and ensuring their children can benefit from having a PAN card. Get a PAN Card for your children and make the financial journey smoother.

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Editorial Team | in

Setindiabiz Editorial Team is a multidisciplinary collective of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Advocates offering authoritative insights on India’s regulatory and business landscape. With decades of experience in compliance, taxation, and advisory, they empower entrepreneurs and enterprises to make informed decisions.