Complete guide to bulk PAN verification: Processes, charges, and options

Explore the comprehensive process for bulk PAN verification, including options for single and bulk verification. Learn about the registration process for external agencies, different methods of verification (file-based, screen-based, and API), and common responses to verification requests.

Bulk PAN Verification Guide (Process, Registration, Modes, Charges)

Bulk PAN verification enables banks, NBFCs, fintechs, government departments, and authorized institutions to validate multiple Permanent Account Numbers (PAN) quickly on the Income Tax Department e-Filing portal. This guide covers bulk PAN verification process steps, registration, file/API modes, token tracking, common response statuses, and the latest bulk PAN verification charges.


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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)

Mode                                                                                                Annual Registration Charges (₹)
File and Screen-Based Verification14,160
API (Software)-Based PAN Verification14,160
Screen-Based Verification14,160


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).
Number of PANs (per day)                          Slab 1 (₹0.30 per PAN)     Slab 2 (₹0.25 per PAN)Slab 3 (₹0.15 per PAN)Slab 4 (₹0.05 per PAN)
1–20060503010
201–4001201006020
401–6001801509030
601–80024020012040
801–100030025015050


API or File-Based PAN Verification – Volume Rates

Volume SlabRate (₹ / PAN)Free Limit (PANs)
Up to 7.5 lakh PANs0.30750
More than 7.5 lakh up to 15 lakh0.251,000
More than 15 lakh up to 30 lakh0.151,500
Over 30 lakh PANs0.052,500


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.