If you’ve ever wondered, “Can a person have 2 PAN cards with different numbers?”, the short answer is NO—it’s illegal in India. The Income Tax Department strictly prohibits holding multiple Permanent Account Numbers (PAN), and doing so can lead to penalties, legal trouble, or even prosecution.
But what if you accidentally ended up with two PAN cards? Maybe you forgot you already had one, or someone misused your details to create a fake PAN. Whatever the reason, this guide will explain:
- The legal consequences of having two PAN cards
- How to check if you (or someone else) have duplicate PANs
- Steps to surrender or merge duplicate PAN cards
- How to report PAN card fraud
Let’s resolve the misunderstanding and make sure you continue to abide by tax regulations.
Is It Illegal to Have 2 PAN cards with different numbers? in India?
What the Law Says
Under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, 1961, possessing more than one PAN is a punishable offense. If caught, you could face a penalty of ₹10,000. Additionally, duplicate PANs can lead to:
Tax notices from the Income Tax Department
Rejection of loan or credit card applications (banks flag mismatches)
Problems in property transactions (PAN is mandatory for registrations)
Why Do People End Up with Two PAN Cards?
Forgot Previous PAN Application – Some people reapply, thinking they never got their first PAN.
Name or DOB Changes – Minor spelling differences can lead to a new PAN issuance.
Fraudulent PAN Creation – Scammers sometimes misuse personal details to generate fake PANs.
If you suspect you have two PANs, don’t panic—there’s a way to fix it.
How to Check If You Have Two PAN Cards?
Method 1: Check via Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal
- Log in with your PAN and password.
- Under “Profile Settings”, check for any duplicate records.
- Method 2: Use the PAN Verification Tool (NSDL/UTIITSL)
Visit https://www.tin-nsdl.com/services/pan/pan-index.html - Enter details to see if multiple PANs exist under your name.
Method 3: Check CIBIL Report
Sometimes, banks report multiple PANs linked to your credit profile.
Get a free CIBIL report from https://www.cibil.com/freecibilscore
How to Surrender a Duplicate PAN Card?
You have to give up the extra PAN right away if you discover two. Here’s how:
Option 1: Online Surrender (Recommended)
- Visit https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/requestForReprint.html
- Select “Surrender PAN” and fill in details.
- Submit a signed request along with ID proof.
Option 2: Offline Process
- Download Form 49A (for Indians) or Form 49AA (for NRIs).
- Tick the “Surrender of PAN” option.
- Submit it to the nearest NSDL or UTIITSL office.
- The duplicate PAN will be deactivated by the Income Tax Department upon surrender.
What If Someone Else Misused Your Details for a Fake PAN?
If you suspect PAN card fraud (e.g., someone created a fake PAN in your name), take these steps:
- Complain to the Department of Income Tax
Submit a grievance at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/contact-us
Provide identity proof and a written complaint.
- Report to Cyber Crime Police
File an FIR if the fraud involves financial scams.
Use the National Cyber Crime Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/)
- Monitor Your Credit Report
Check for unauthorized loans/credit cards linked to your PAN.
Common Myths About Having Two PAN Cards
❌ Myth: “Having two PANs helps in tax savings.”
✅ Fact:It is against the law and may lead to an IT raid.
❌ Myth: “Different PANs for business & personal use are allowed.”
✅ Fact: One PAN must cover all financial activities.
❌ Myth: “If I don’t use the second PAN, there’s no risk.”
✅ Fact: The IT department’s AI system detects duplicates automatically.
FAQs on Multiple PAN Cards
- Can I merge two PAN cards?
No, merging isn’t allowed. You must surrender the duplicate. - Will I get a refund if I surrender a PAN?
No, PAN surrender is free but doesn’t involve refunds. - How long does it take to deactivate a duplicate PAN?
Typically 15-30 days after submission. - Can NRIs have two PAN cards?
No, even NRIs must follow the one-PAN rule.
Also read: How To Surrender Pan Card Online 2025
Final Thoughts
It is dangerous and against the law to have two PAN cards with different numbers. If you accidentally have duplicates, surrender the extra one ASAP to avoid penalties. If it’s a case of fraud, report it immediately to the IT Department and cybercrime authorities.
To maintain compliance, always check your PAN status on a regular basis.. Got more questions? Drop them in the comments!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. PAN card rules are subject to change, so always check the latest guidelines from the Income Tax Department or consult a qualified tax professional before taking any action.
If you suspect PAN card fraud or face legal issues, we recommend reporting it officially to the authorities. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all details are up-to-date or error-free. Use this content at your own discretion.
Stay informed, stay compliant! 💡
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