Difference Between Minor And Major Pan Card

The PAN card, which stands for Permanent Account Number, is an important document required to carry out various financial and tax-related transactions in India. It is issued by the Income Tax Department and serves as a unique identification number for individuals and entities.

When it comes to PAN cards, there are two main types: minor PAN and major PAN. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two types of PAN cards.

1. Age: The most significant difference between minor PAN and major PAN is the age of the cardholder. A minor PAN card is issued to individuals who are under the age of 18, while a major PAN card is issued to individuals who are 18 years or older.

2. Application process: The application process for a minor PAN card is slightly different from that of a major PAN card. In the case of a minor PAN card, the application can be made on behalf of the minor by their parent or guardian. The parent or guardian needs to provide their PAN details and proof of identity, address, and date of birth. On the other hand, for a major PAN card, the individual can apply directly and provide their own personal details and supporting documents.

3. Validity: Another difference between minor PAN and major PAN is the validity of the card. A minor PAN card is valid until the cardholder turns 18 years old. Once the cardholder reaches 18, the minor PAN card needs to be converted into a major PAN card by updating the relevant information. A major PAN card, on the other hand, is valid for the lifetime of the cardholder.

4. Usage: While both minor PAN and major PAN cards serve as proof of identity and are necessary for various financial and tax-related transactions, there are certain restrictions on the usage of a minor PAN card. For instance, a minor PAN card cannot be used for opening a bank account, making significant financial transactions, or applying for credit cards and loans. A major PAN card, on the other hand, has no such restrictions and can be used for all financial and tax-related purposes.

5. Updation of information: As mentioned earlier, once a minor turns 18, their minor PAN card needs to be converted into a major PAN card by updating the relevant information. This includes updating the cardholder's photograph, signature, and other personal details. This ensures that the PAN card remains valid and up-to-date. The process of updating a minor PAN card into a major PAN card involves submitting the necessary documents and forms to the Income Tax Department.

6. Income tax obligations: A major PAN card is not only a proof of identity but also serves as a tool for the identification of taxpayers. It is required for filing income tax returns, paying taxes, and other tax-related activities. While a minor PAN card does not have any income tax obligations associated with it, a major PAN card is crucial for individuals to comply with their tax obligations.

7. Linking with Aadhaar: The Aadhaar card is another important identification document in India. In recent years, it has become mandatory to link the PAN card with the Aadhaar card. This helps in eliminating duplicate and fake PAN cards and ensuring transparency in financial transactions. Both minor PAN and major PAN cards need to be linked with Aadhaar to comply with this requirement.

In conclusion, the key differences between minor PAN and major PAN cards lie in the age of the cardholder, application process, validity, usage, updation of information, income tax obligations, and linking with Aadhaar. While a minor PAN card is issued to individuals under the age of 18 and has certain limitations on usage, a major PAN card is issued to individuals who are 18 or older and has no such limitations. Both types of PAN cards are important for various financial and tax-related activities and play a crucial role in establishing the identity and tax obligations of individuals in India.