Options for PAN Verification

1. Single PAN Verification
   1. Verify one PAN at a time via the e-Filing portal’s on-screen check.
2. Bulk PAN Verification
   1. For External Agencies: Government departments, banks, financial institutions, and authorized entities can verify multiple PANs simultaneously.
   2. User Paying Model: Pay-as-you-go bulk PAN verification for entities that exceed free limits.

Bulk PAN Verification for External Agencies: File Upload Flow

1. Register: Create an account on the Income Tax India e-Filing website as a bulk PAN verification user.
2. Upload Query: Go to the Bulk PAN Query section and upload PANs in the prescribed XML format.
3. Submit Query: Click “Submit” to generate a token number for tracking.
4. View Results: Use the token number to view and download the bulk PAN verification results.

User Registration Steps for Bulk PAN Verification

1. Visit e-Filing Website: Open the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal.
2. Select User Type: Choose “Bulk PAN Verification User.”
3. Enter Details: Provide agency PAN/TAN, password, principal contact PAN, communication details, and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
4. Submit Authorization: Upload an authorization letter signed by the head of the organization.
5. Activate Account: Post approval, click the activation link sent to the registered email.
6. Login & Complete: Sign in with the new user ID and password to finish registration.

Modes of Bulk PAN Verification

1. File and Screen-Based Verification
   1. Capacity: Verify up to 1,000 unique PANs per upload.
   2. Format: Upload the PAN list in the predefined file structure (XML as specified).
   3. Turnaround: Results are typically available within ~24 hours and downloadable for up to 15 days.
2. API (Software)-Based PAN Verification
   1. Online API integration to submit and retrieve bulk PAN verification in real time.
   2. Best for high-volume, automated workflows and system-to-system checks.
3. Screen-Based Verification
   1. Instant on-screen verification of up to 5 PANs at a time.
   2. Useful for quick, ad hoc checks during onboarding or KYC.

Common Responses You May See in Bulk PAN Verification

1. Deleted/Deactivated PAN: Status shows “Deleted” or “Deactivated.”
2. Marked as Fake: Status reflects “Marked as Fake.”
3. Valid PAN: Returns holder name, current status, and latest update.
4. Valid PAN with Events: Shows name, status, latest update, and significant events (e.g., acquisition/merger).
5. PAN Not Available: “Not present in ITD database.”

Annual Registration Charges (Including 18% GST)

User Paying Model (Pay-As-You-Go) – Fees and Free Limits

1. Annual Registration Fee: ₹12,000 + 18% GST.
2. Free PAN Verification Limit: 750 PANs per day (beyond this, charges apply as per slabs).

API or File-Based PAN Verification – Volume Rates

Best Practices for Bulk PAN Verification

1. Use Correct Formats: Adhere strictly to the prescribed XML/file schema to avoid processing errors.
2. Secure Your DSC: Keep Digital Signature Certificate credentials safe and updated for uninterrupted access.
3. Validate Before Upload: De-duplicate PANs and validate structure to reduce rejections.
4. Track with Token: Always note the generated token number to fetch results and audit logs.
5. Retain Results: Download and store verification reports within the 15-day window for compliance.

How to Decide Between Screen, File, and API Modes

1. Screen-Based: Best for instant checks of up to 5 PANs; ideal for manual KYC at counters.
2. File & Screen-Based: Suited for daily batch uploads of up to 1,000 unique PANs; results within ~24 hours.
3. API-Based: Recommended for high-volume, automated onboarding and continuous verification needs.

Where to Get Help

For registration, formats, and operational clarifications on bulk PAN verification, visit the Income Tax India e-Filing portal or contact the designated helpdesk/authority as listed on the portal. Ensure your organization’s authorization letter and DSC are in order before applying.