How Long Does PAN Cancellation Take, and How Do I Know it's Done?

PAN cancellation processing usually takes 15-20 days after the submission of the request. You will recieve an acknowledgement or communication from the PAN services unit/Income Tax Department that confirms that the duplicate PAN has been cancelled.

Which PAN Should I Use If I Have More Than One PAN?

You must always use only the PAN you have chosen to retain in all future tax filings, investments, and KYC. Do not use sthe urrendered PAN number once the cancellation is processed.

PAN Card

How to Surrender PAN Card or PAN Card Cancellation?

By Pankaj Shaw |Last Updated: January 27, 2026

How to Surrender PAN Card or PAN Card Cancellation?

Every individual is allowed only one PAN (Permanent Account Number) throughout their lifetime. If you possess multiple PAN cards or wish to cancel your PAN for any reason, you can do so by surrendering or canceling your PAN card. PAN card surrender means requesting the Income Tax Department to cancel or deactivate a PAN. It is primarily done when an individual has multiple PANs, moving abroad permanently, the cardholder dies, or when a business entity dissolves.

The process to surrender a PAN card involves submitting the application form, required documents, and paying the fee either online or offline by stating the reason for cancellation. In this blog, we will discuss what PAN card surrender means and the process to apply for PAN card surrender.

Pankaj Shaw(Tax Expert)

Mr Shaw brings 8 years of experience in auditing and taxation. He has a deep understanding of disciplinary regulations and delivers comprehensive auditing services to businesses and individuals. From financial auditing to tax planning, risk assessment, and financial reporting. Mr Shaw's expertise is impeccable.

Frequently Asked Questions

A PAN must be surrendered if you possess more than one PAN. If a business (firm, LLP, company) closes, or for a deceased individual's PAN.

Yes, as per the law, a person/entity can hold only one PAN. Holding multiple PANs can attract a penalty of Rs. 10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.

To surrender a duplicate PAN card online, an individual must use the 'request for new PAN card or/and changes or corrections in PAN data' (Form 49A/49AA) on the official NSDL/UTIITSL portal. In the main field, mention the PAN you want to keep. In the specific surrender column, mention the PAN(s) to be cancelled. After that, submit the form, pay the fee, and send documents to the PAN services unit.

You need to provide personal details like name, date of birth, father's name, etc., PAN that you need to retain, duplicate PAN number(s) to surrender, contact details, and identity/address proofs.

PAN surrender letter is a signed letter addressed to your jurisdictional Assessing Officer explaining that more than one PAN was allotted, specifying which PAN is to be retained and which to cancel. This letter is often attached to the form and used mainly for offline/ AO-based surrender.

How to Surrender PAN Card or PAN Card Cancellation?

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should a PAN Card be Surrendered?

Is it Illegal to Hold Two PANs, And if I Do So, What's the Penalty?

How Can an Individual Surrender a Duplicate PAN Card Online?

What Details are Required in the Online Form?

What is a PAN Surrender Letter, and When Is It Used?

How to Surrender PAN Card or PAN Card Cancellation?

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should a PAN Card be Surrendered?

Is it Illegal to Hold Two PANs, And if I Do So, What's the Penalty?

How Can an Individual Surrender a Duplicate PAN Card Online?

What Details are Required in the Online Form?

What is a PAN Surrender Letter, and When Is It Used?