📌 Key Takeaway: Step-by-step procedure to voluntarily surrender duplicate or multiple PAN cards to your jurisdictional Assessing Officer and avoid legal prosecution.
Why is Holding Multiple PAN Cards Illegal?
Under Section 139A(7) of the Income Tax Act, no individual or entity can hold more than one Permanent Account Number. Holding multiple PAN cards—whether issued inadvertently due to clerical errors, name changes, or duplicate applications—is an illegal offense punishable by a flat penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272B.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Surrender Duplicate PAN
To voluntarily surrender duplicate cards without penalty:
- Identify Primary PAN: Determine which PAN card holds your continuous ITR filing history, bank KYC, and TDS credits (this will be retained).
- Draft Formal Surrender Letter: Address a formal letter to your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO) clearly stating the Primary PAN to be retained and the Duplicate PAN(s) to be cancelled.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of both PAN cards, Aadhaar Card, latest ITR-V acknowledgement, and original duplicate plastic card.
- Submit in Duplicate: Submit the physical application at your jurisdictional Income Tax Office and collect an official stamped receiving copy.