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Many Indians assume that once a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is issued, it remains valid for life. However, this is not always true. A PAN card can become inactive or “dead” due to several reasons such as Aadhaar not being linked, duplicate PAN cards, incorrect personal details, or misuse of the card.

Using an inactive PAN card can lead to serious consequences including bank account restrictions, penalties, and even legal action. Since PAN is required for income tax filing, banking, investments, and loans, knowing its current status is extremely important.

The good news is that the Income Tax Department has made it very easy to check PAN status online within minutes using its official portal. This article explains what a “dead PAN card” means, why it happens, its impact, and how you can check your PAN card status step by step.

What is a “Dead” or Inactive PAN Card?

A “dead” or inactive PAN card refers to a PAN number that is no longer valid for financial or legal use. Many people believe their PAN is always active, but the Income Tax Department can deactivate it under certain conditions.

Common reasons include:

• PAN not linked with Aadhaar

• Duplicate PAN cards issued to the same person

• Incorrect or mismatched personal information

• PAN involved in suspicious or fraudulent activity

• Voluntary surrender of PAN

Once a PAN becomes inactive, it cannot be used for banking, tax filing, or verification purposes.

Why Checking PAN Status is Important

If your PAN card becomes inactive and you continue using it unknowingly, you may face several problems such as:

• Bank account may be frozen

• Income Tax Return (ITR) filing can be rejected

• Difficulty in applying for loans or credit cards

• Penalty under Income Tax laws

• Legal complications in extreme cases

Since PAN is linked to most financial services, keeping it active is crucial for smooth transactions and compliance.

How to Check PAN Card Status Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

You can verify your PAN card status online through the Income Tax Department’s official website by following these simple steps:

1. Open a web browser on your phone or computer and visit the Income Tax Department’s official PAN verification page.

2. Click on the option “Verify Your PAN”.

3. Enter the required details:

   • PAN number

   • Full name (as per PAN)

   • Date of birth

   • Mobile number

4. Submit the form and request OTP verification.

5. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.

6. After verification, your PAN status will appear on the screen as Active or Inactive.

This entire process takes only a few minutes and does not require visiting any government office.

What to Do If Your PAN is Inactive

If your PAN card shows inactive status, you should immediately take corrective steps such as:

• Linking Aadhaar with PAN if not already done

• Updating personal details through the official PAN correction portal

• Surrendering duplicate PAN if you have more than one

• Contacting the Income Tax Department for clarification

Once the issue is resolved, your PAN can be reactivated.

Key Points to Remember

• Always keep Aadhaar linked with PAN

• Avoid holding more than one PAN card

• Regularly check PAN status, especially before financial transactions

• Use only official government websites for verification

• Never ignore an inactive PAN warning

Conclusion

A PAN card is one of the most important financial identity documents in India. Ignoring its status can lead to serious trouble including fines, blocked bank accounts, and tax-related issues. Fortunately, checking your PAN card status is quick, free, and completely online.

By staying alert and verifying your PAN status regularly, you can protect yourself from unnecessary penalties and ensure smooth access to banking and government services.