What is an inoperative PAN?

A PAN that hasn't been linked with Aadhaar where linking is required. An inoperative PAN can't be used for refunds and attracts higher TDS and TCS until it is linked again.

Can two people have the same PAN?

No. Each person can hold only one PAN; holding more than one attracts a penalty and the extra PAN must be surrendered.

Do NRIs need to link PAN with Aadhaar?

NRIs are exempt from mandatory linking, but their residential status should be updated in the income tax records to avoid the PAN being shown as inoperative.

Can I rely on this calculator's result for filing?

Use it as a planning estimate. The final figure depends on the tax year's rules and your exact documents, so a CA should review it before you file or pay.

Does the calculator store my data?

No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing you type is saved. If you want a CA to review it, share your documents through our checklist-led process.

Income Tax calculator

PAN Format Checker

A PAN is 10 characters: five letters, four digits and a letter. The first three letters are a series, the fourth shows the type of holder (P for individual, C for company, H for HUF, F for firm or LLP, T for trust, and so on), the fifth is the first letter of the surname or entity name, and the last is a check letter. This tool checks the format and decodes the holder type; to confirm a PAN is active and Aadhaar-linked, use the income tax portal.

PAN format: AAAAA9999A
4th character: Holder type
5th character: Name initial

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PAN Format Checker

Checks the structure of a PAN and decodes the holder type.

PAN

PAN (10 characters)

Status

Valid format

Holder type (4th character)

Individual

5th character

E — first letter of surname or entity name

This checks structure only. Use "Verify Your PAN" on the income tax e-filing portal to confirm a PAN is active and linked with Aadhaar.

What the 4th character means

Letter	Holder type
P	Individual
C	Company
H	Hindu Undivided Family
F	Firm / LLP
A	Association of Persons
T	Trust
B	Body of Individuals
L	Local authority
J	Artificial juridical person
G	Government

Where PAN errors cause problems

TDS credit doesn't reach you if the deductor quotes a wrong PAN
Invalid or inoperative PANs attract higher TDS (generally 20%)
GST registration fails if PAN details don't match
Bank and investment KYC is rejected on mismatched names

Official sources

Income Tax e-Filing portal

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often.