Getting a ‘PAN format is not correct’ error when filing ITR? Learn fixes: validate PAN, use e-pay Tax to fetch name order, or correct PAN online. Fix now!!
If you’ve ever tried registering on the Income Tax portal or completing KYC only to see the error “PAN format is not correct”, you know how frustrating it can be. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This issue is common, and the good news is that it’s fixable.
In this guide, we will break down what the error means, why it happens, and the exact steps you can take to correct it online or offline. Also covering advanced fixes, PAN type changes, and ways to prevent these errors in the future.
What Does “PAN Format is Not Correct” Mean?
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India. Its format is AAAAA9999A:
- First 5 characters → Letters
- Next 4 characters → Numbers
- Last character → Letter
This code serves as a universal identity proof for tax-related and financial transactions. Whenever your details don’t match this pattern, the system throws an error like “invalid PAN card format” or “PAN number format incorrect”.
What is the correct format of PAN card?
An example would look like: ABCDE1234F
- The first three letters are alphabetic series.
- The fourth character indicates the type of PAN holder (P for Individual, C for Company, H for HUF, etc.).
- The fifth letter is the first letter of your surname (for individuals) or the organization’s name.
- The next four are numbers.
- The last is always a letter.
If your PAN doesn’t follow this structure, or if you enter it with spaces, lowercase letters, or typos, the portal will reject it.
Common Reasons for PAN Format Error
Many people face PAN card number format errors during login, registration, or KYC verification. The most frequent causes include:
- Entering PAN in lowercase instead of uppercase.
- Typing mistakes such as replacing “0” (zero) with “O” (letter O).
- Adding unnecessary spaces at the beginning or end.
- Using nicknames or name variations instead of the full legal name.
- PAN details not updated to match Aadhaar or Income Tax records.
- Using an outdated PAN card that has not been corrected or reissued.
These issues may seem small, but for systems that rely on strict validation, even one misplaced character can block access to e-filing, bank accounts, or investment apps.
How to Check if Your PAN Card Number is Correct
Before you try fixing errors, it’s a good idea to confirm if your PAN card number is valid.
Income Tax Department e-Filing Portal: Use the “Verify Your PAN” service. Enter your PAN, name, and date of birth to validate.
NSDL PAN Verification: Visit NSDL’s official site and check whether your PAN is active and correct.
UTIITSL Portal: Similar verification services are available.
Email & Documents: Check old PAN-related emails or your PAN card PDF to confirm the official details.
These steps help you identify whether the problem is in the PAN itself or simply in the way you’re entering it.
Quick Fix: Resolving PAN Format Errors During Registration
Sometimes the issue is not with your PAN number but with how the system reads your details. Here’s a fast solution:
- Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal and click on “e-pay Tax.”
- Enter your PAN and any valid mobile number.
- You’ll receive an OTP.
- Once verified, the portal will display the exact name order linked to your PAN.
- Use this exact format while registering or filing returns.
How to correct PAN details in income tax site?
If you still face issues, log in to the Income Tax portal and update your profile details to match your PAN. Always ensure that the name, date of birth, and gender exactly match what is in the PAN database.
When You Need PAN Card Correction
If the quick fix doesn’t solve the issue, your details may be outdated or mismatched with Aadhaar. In this case, applying for a PAN correction is the right way forward.
Scenarios where correction is required:
- PAN–Aadhaar linking failure.
- Name mismatch with bank or employer records.
- Incorrect spelling of name or surname.
- Wrong date of birth on the PAN.
- Using the wrong category of PAN (e.g., business vs. individual).
Step-by-Step Guide: PAN Card Correction Online
Here’s how to correct your PAN details using NSDL or UTIITSL portals:
- Visit NSDL or UTIITSL PAN Service Portal.
- Select Change/Correction in PAN Card details.
- Choose the Digital (Paperless) option.
- Select Aadhaar-based e-KYC to auto-fetch details from UIDAI.
- Enter your PAN number and other details.
- Complete the form ensuring details match Aadhaar.
- Make the required PAN correction fee payment (usually around ₹100–₹120).
- Authenticate using OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- E-sign and submit the form.
- Track the status online until the correction is processed.
How do I fix PAN details not matching with PAN database?
If your PAN doesn’t match with the IT Department’s database, filing returns or linking Aadhaar won’t work. The correction process above ensures your PAN records are updated and synced with the Income Tax Department.
Offline Method: PAN Correction via Facilitation Centre
For those who prefer traditional methods, you can correct PAN details offline:
- Download the Change/Correction Request Form from UTIITSL.
- Print and fill out the form carefully.
- Attach supporting documents like Aadhaar, proof of identity, and proof of address.
- Submit at the nearest PAN facilitation centre.
- Pay the correction fee in cash or demand draft.
- Collect your acknowledgment receipt and track the status later.
This method takes longer (about 2–3 weeks), but it is reliable.
Advanced: Changing PAN Type
Sometimes, people apply with the wrong PAN category. For example, using an Individual PAN for a business.
How to change PAN type?
Visit NSDL/UTIITSL portals and apply for a new PAN card under the correct type.
Submit valid documents as per the category (Company registration certificate for businesses, Trust deed for trusts, etc.).
Pay the application fee and track status online.
Using the correct PAN type avoids compliance issues and ensures smooth transactions.
Common Ways to Check PAN Card Details Before Correcting Error
To save yourself from repeated hassles, follow these tips:
- Always type your PAN in uppercase letters.
- Avoid spaces or special characters.
- Keep PAN and Aadhaar details uniform (same name, DOB, and gender).
- Validate your PAN once a year on the Income Tax portal.
- Store your PAN details securely in digital records to prevent typing mistakes.
FAQs on PAN Format Error
Q1. What is the correct PAN format?
PAN has 10 characters: 5 letters, 4 numbers, and 1 letter (e.g., ABCDE1234F).
Q2. Why is my PAN format not correct?
It usually happens due to typing errors, wrong name order, or mismatched details in the database.
Q3. How do I correct my PAN card details online?
Apply through NSDL or UTIITSL using Aadhaar-based e-KYC correction.
Q4. What documents are required to correct a PAN card?
Identity proof, Aadhaar card, proof of birth, and address proof.
Q5. Can I change my PAN number?
No, the PAN number is permanent. Only details can be corrected.
Q6. Is there a fee for PAN card correction?
Yes, correction charges typically range from ₹100–₹120.
Q7. How long does it take for a PAN correction?
Usually 2–3 weeks for both online and offline corrections.
Q8. Can I correct my PAN card details offline?
Yes, by submitting a correction form at a facilitation centre.
Conclusion
Seeing “PAN format is not correct” can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to file income tax returns or complete KYC. Thankfully, it’s usually a simple format error or mismatch that can be fixed quickly through the IT portal or by applying for a correction.
By verifying your PAN, correcting mismatched details, and ensuring consistency with Aadhaar, you can avoid last-minute hurdles during e-filing and financial transactions.
Take a proactive step today—check your PAN details, make corrections if necessary, and ensure your records are always up to date. This way, you’ll never face the dreaded “invalid PAN card format” error again.
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