Independent guide · Not the Income Tax Department, Protean or UTIITSL · We never ask for your PAN, Aadhaar number or OTP.
What Is the Difference Between an Inoperative, Deactivated and Cancelled PAN?
An inoperative PAN still exists but is frozen because it isn't linked with Aadhaar; linking it fixes it, usually within 30 days. A deactivated PAN has been switched off by the tax office, often because one person held two PANs. A deleted ("cancelled") PAN has been removed. For deactivated, deleted or fake-marked PANs, contact your Assessing Officer.
- Check status
- Free on e-Filing ("Verify Your PAN")
- Inoperative fix
- ₹1,000 fee + Aadhaar link
- Back to normal
- Within 30 days of linking (Rule 162)
- Deactivated / deleted / fake
- Contact your Assessing Officer
- Difficulty
- Easy to check; AO cases need paperwork
On this page
What status do you see, and what should you do?
Pick the words you saw on the e-Filing portal, or the message your bank, broker or employer gave you. The answer tells you what it means and the next step. Not sure what you need at all? Try the PAN wizard.
| You see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Active / Existing and Valid | Nothing; check name and date of birth if a bank rejects it |
| Valid, event marked | Check the event; contact your AO if wrong |
| Inoperative | Pay ₹1,000 and link Aadhaar |
| Deactivated | Write to your Assessing Officer |
| Deleted, and you had two PANs | Use the remaining valid PAN; surrender guide |
| Deleted, and it was your only PAN | Contact your AO before applying again (find your AO) |
| Marked as fake | Contact your AO with ID proof |
| Not found / invalid | Re-check the PAN for typos; then check your application |
How do the PAN statuses compare?
Here is every status you are likely to meet, side by side. "AO" means your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer, the tax officer in charge of your PAN.
| Status | What it means | Why it happens | What stops working | How to fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active / Existing and Valid | Normal, working PAN | — | Nothing | Nothing to fix |
| Existing and Valid, event marked | PAN exists, but an event is recorded: death, merger, amalgamation, dissolution, liquidation and similar | Holder died, or the business changed or closed | Depends on the event; others may refuse to deal with that PAN | Legal heir or successor handles it; AO if the event is wrong |
| Inoperative | PAN exists but is frozen | Not linked with Aadhaar by the deadline (for PANs made with an Aadhaar Enrolment ID, real Aadhaar not given by 31 Dec 2025); for some NRIs, residential status not updated | No refunds, no refund interest for that period, TDS/TCS at higher rates; KYC may be held | Pay ₹1,000 and link Aadhaar; operative within 30 days |
| Deactivated | Switched off by the tax office | Usually more than one PAN found for one person | Treated as not valid by banks and others | Write to your AO |
| Deleted ("cancelled") | Removed from use | Duplicate surrendered or found; sometimes after a death and surrender | Cannot be used at all | Use your other valid PAN; AO if it was your only one |
| Marked as fake | Tax office found the identity false | Allotted to a non-existent person or on false details, after an enquiry | Cannot be used | Genuine holder writes to the AO with proof |
| Not found / invalid | No such PAN in the database | Typing mistake, or a PAN that was never issued | Cannot be used | Re-check; find your real PAN |
The inoperative effects come from the income tax rules. What a bank, broker or mutual fund does with other statuses depends on its own rules, so treat that column as a guide.
Which PAN status words are official?
You meet PAN status in two places, and they use different words.
On the e-Filing portal
The free Verify Your PAN service on incometax.gov.in shows whether your PAN is active and whether the name, date of birth and other details match. The portal says this check is information only. For questions about the result, it tells you to contact your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer.
At banks, brokers, employers and other institutions
Banks, mutual funds, brokers, insurers and large TDS deductors use Protean's Online PAN Verification service. Protean lists these outcomes:
- Existing and Valid (some results add an event, such as death or merger);
- Marked as Fake;
- Deactivated;
- Deleted;
- Not found in the ITD database, or invalid PAN.
The same service also shows the Aadhaar–PAN link result as Operative, Inoperative or Not applicable. India Post's 2024 instructions to its staff use these results: a PAN is accepted only when it shows "Existing and Valid" and the name and date of birth match, and an inoperative PAN gets the higher TDS rate.
Some systems show a one-letter code instead of words. "E" means existing and valid. If a bank shows you a code you don't understand, ask them to tell you the full status in words.
Notice what is missing: "cancelled" and "blocked" are not official results. People use "cancelled" for a deleted PAN, and sometimes, wrongly, for an inoperative one.
How do you check your PAN status?
The check is free and takes a few minutes. You need your PAN, your name and date of birth as on the PAN, and a mobile phone that can receive an OTP.
- Open incometax.gov.in and choose "Verify Your PAN"
- Enter PAN, full name, date of birth and mobile number
- Enter the 6-digit OTP (valid for 15 minutes)
- The portal shows the PAN status and whether details match
- Is the PAN active and operative? No: check Link Aadhaar Status, then use the finder
- Status known: you know your next step
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Open "Verify Your PAN" on the e-Filing portalGo to incometax.gov.in. In the Quick Links on the home page, choose Verify PAN Status (the help pages call the service "Verify Your PAN"). You don't need to log in.
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Enter your details exactly as on the PANType your PAN, full name, date of birth and mobile number, then continue. The OTP goes to this mobile number.
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Enter the OTPThe OTP is valid for 15 minutes, and you get 3 tries.
If the OTP doesn't arrive: wait for the timer, then use resend. Check that you typed the mobile number correctly.
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Read the resultThe portal tells you if the PAN is active and if your details match.
You'll know it worked when the result screen shows your PAN status. Take a screenshot for your records.
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Check the Aadhaar link if anything looks wrongUse Link Aadhaar Status on the same portal. If your PAN and Aadhaar aren't linked, that explains an inoperative PAN. How to check PAN–Aadhaar link status →
If the result says the details don't match: your PAN may be fine, but your name or date of birth differs from the PAN records. See PAN correction.
Want to check someone else's PAN, such as a tenant's or supplier's? See how to verify a PAN online.
What does an inoperative PAN mean?
An inoperative PAN is a real, existing PAN that is frozen because it isn't linked with Aadhaar. While it is inoperative, you get no tax refund and no interest on that refund for the period. Tax is deducted or collected at source (TDS/TCS) at higher rates.
The fix is simple: pay the ₹1,000 late fee on the e-Filing portal, then link your Aadhaar. The PAN becomes operative again within 30 days of linking (Rule 162, Income-tax Rules, 2026). People who don't need to link, such as residents of Assam, Jammu & Kashmir and Meghalaya, non-residents, people aged 80 or more and non-citizens, should not see this status for that reason. Since 1 January 2026, PANs made with an Aadhaar Enrolment ID can also show inoperative if the real Aadhaar wasn't given by 31 December 2025.
"An inoperative PAN is cancelled forever, so I need a new one." No. An inoperative PAN still exists. Once you link Aadhaar, it becomes operative again within 30 days of linking. In 2023 the Income Tax Department was reported as saying that "an inoperative PAN is not an inactive PAN", and returns can still be filed.
The full steps, fees and special cases are in our inoperative PAN guide. If linking fails, see linking problems and fixes.
What should you do if your PAN shows "deactivated"?
A deactivated PAN has been switched off by the tax office. A person may hold only one PAN. When an Assessing Officer learns that one person has more than one PAN, the officer can delete or deactivate the extra one.
This is not rare. In 2017 the Finance Ministry told the Rajya Sabha that 11,44,211 PANs had been deleted or deactivated where one person held several (as reported).
Don't apply for a new PAN. A new application creates yet another PAN for the same person, which makes the problem worse. The Assessing Officer may impose a ₹10,000 penalty for holding more than one PAN (section 467(1) of the Income-tax Act, 2025; earlier section 272B).
- Did you re-check the PAN on the e-Filing portal? No: check it yourself first
- Find your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer
- Collect ID proof and copies of every PAN you were given
- Write to the AO and ask which PAN stays active
- The AO checks the records and updates the PAN database
- Re-verify, then update your bank, employer and investments
- One PAN shows "Existing and Valid"
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Re-check the status yourself
Banks sometimes report the wrong reason. Run the e-Filing check and also check the Aadhaar link status.
You'll know it worked when you have the status in front of you, with a screenshot.
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Find your Assessing OfficerYour AO depends on your PAN and address. The e-Filing portal has a "Know Your AO" service. How to find your AO code and jurisdiction →
If you can't find the AO online: call the e-Filing helpline on 1800 103 0025 and ask how to reach your jurisdiction.
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Collect your papersKeep ready: ID proof (such as Aadhaar), address proof, copies of every PAN card or e-PAN you received, and proof of where you used each PAN (bank statement, Form 16, past tax returns).
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Write to the AOWrite a short letter. Give your name, date of birth and every PAN. Say which PAN you have used for returns, bank accounts and investments, and ask for that one to stay active. Attach the copies and keep a stamped receipt or proof of sending.
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Follow up
We found no published time limit for the AO to act. Follow up politely, quoting the date of your letter.
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Re-verify and update everyone
Check the status again. Then give the valid PAN to your bank, employer, broker and mutual funds, so TDS and KYC use the right number.
You'll know it worked when your PAN shows active on e-Filing and your bank accepts it.
If the AO kept the PAN you never used: ask the AO to move your records, or update every institution to the PAN that stays active.
What does a deleted or "cancelled" PAN mean?
A deleted PAN has been removed from use. This is what most people mean by a "cancelled" PAN. It usually happens in two situations.
A duplicate PAN was surrendered or found
If you were given two PANs, you must surrender the extra one. Once it is processed, the extra PAN shows as deleted, and the one you keep stays "Existing and Valid". This is the right result. Just make sure every bank and investment uses the PAN you kept. How to surrender a duplicate PAN →
The holder has died
A PAN can show "Existing and Valid" with a death event marked. A family member may later ask the AO to close the PAN. Don't rush: a legal heir often needs the PAN first to file the person's last return, claim a refund or move investments. The e-Filing portal lets a legal heir register as the person's representative for this.
Business events
For a company or firm, events such as merger, amalgamation, dissolution or liquidation can be marked against the PAN. The successor or liquidator deals with the tax office.
What if your PAN is marked fake, invalid or not found?
Marked as fake
The government has explained that the PAN service provider checks identity and address, then reports to the AO. After enquiry, the AO can mark a PAN as "Fake". This covers PANs given to non-existent people or on false identities. If you are the genuine holder, write to your AO with original ID and address proof. If someone got a PAN in your name, also see our PAN fraud guide.
Not found, or invalid PAN
This means the system has no such PAN. Usually it is a typing slip. Common ones are O and 0, I and 1, S and 5. Copy the PAN from your e-PAN PDF.
If you got a card from an agent and it is "not found", the card may be fake or the application may never have been completed. Check with your acknowledgement number. Check PAN application status → If you have lost track of your real PAN, see find your PAN number.
Apply for a new PAN only if you are sure you never had one, and the tax office confirms your old number was never valid. If you are unsure, ask your AO first.
What can go wrong, and how do you fix it?
| Your situation | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Bank says your PAN is "invalid", but e-Filing shows active | The bank typed it wrong, or your name or date of birth doesn't match | Show the e-Filing result and ask the bank to re-check. Fix any mismatch with a correction. |
| Linked Aadhaar, but PAN still inoperative | The 30-day update window hasn't passed, or the link failed | Wait up to 30 days from linking, then check Link Aadhaar Status again. |
| Refund stuck and PAN inoperative | No refund is paid while the PAN is inoperative | Link Aadhaar. Refund interest isn't paid for the inoperative period. |
| PAN deactivated after you applied a second time | The AO found two PANs for you | Write to the AO and choose the PAN to keep. Don't apply a third time. |
| The PAN you use daily was deleted; the unused one is valid | The wrong PAN was kept | Write to the AO quickly with proof of where you used each PAN. |
| Parent died; bank won't accept their PAN | A death event may be marked | The legal heir registers as representative on e-Filing and settles returns and refunds. |
| Card from an agent shows "not found" | The PAN may never have been issued | Check status with the acknowledgement number. Report a fake card to cybercrime. |
| NRI, PAN suddenly inoperative | Residential status not updated in the PAN database | Send proof of NRI status to your AO. |
PAN status for NRIs and foreign citizens
- Non-residents and non-citizens don't have to link Aadhaar. Yet in 2023 many NRI and OCI PANs were reported as inoperative.
- As reported then, this happened where the tax database didn't show NRI status. That was when no return had been filed in the last 3 assessment years and the AO hadn't been told.
- The reported fix: send your residential status, with supporting documents, to your Jurisdictional AO. Linking Aadhaar is not required if you are exempt.
- You can check status and find your AO online from abroad. The OTP goes to the mobile number you enter, so use one you can receive.
- For deactivated, deleted or fake-marked PANs, the AO route is the same as for residents. You can write by post or through someone in India.
- More on PAN rules for people abroad: PAN for NRIs and foreign citizens.
Region not right?
"We'll reactivate your PAN" scams
- The only official payment to fix an inoperative PAN is the ₹1,000 late fee, paid on the e-Filing portal. Anyone charging thousands to "reactivate" it is charging a service fee at best.
- A deactivated, deleted or fake-marked PAN is reviewed by your Assessing Officer. Paying an agent does not replace that review.
- Treat any call, SMS or WhatsApp message saying "your PAN will be blocked today" as a red flag, especially if it contains a link.
- Treat any call or message asking for an OTP as a red flag. Never share your e-Filing password or Aadhaar OTP.
- Lost money or shared an OTP? Call the cybercrime helpline 1930 quickly. PAN fraud guide →
Frequently asked questions
Is an inoperative PAN the same as a cancelled PAN?
No. An inoperative PAN still exists and becomes operative again within 30 days of linking Aadhaar. A deleted ("cancelled") PAN has been removed from use and cannot be switched back on by linking.
Can I reactivate a deactivated PAN online?
We found no self-service online option for it. A deactivated PAN is reviewed by your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer, so you write to the AO with ID proof and copies of every PAN you hold.
Should I apply for a new PAN if mine is deactivated?
No. Applying again creates another PAN for the same person, which is not allowed and can attract a penalty. Ask your AO which PAN should stay active.
How do I know if my PAN is active?
Use the free Verify Your PAN service on incometax.gov.in. Enter your PAN, name, date of birth and a mobile number for the OTP. The result shows whether the PAN is active and whether the details match.
Can I file my income tax return with an inoperative PAN?
Yes, as reported from a 2023 tax department clarification. But you won't get any refund while the PAN is inoperative, so link Aadhaar first.
What happens to TDS on my salary or interest if my PAN is inoperative?
TDS is deducted at a higher rate, as if you had no PAN. Linking Aadhaar stops this for future payments once the PAN is operative again.
What does "Existing and Valid" mean?
It is the normal, working status in Protean's PAN verification, which banks and other institutions use. Some results add an event, such as death or merger, that is recorded against the PAN.
What should I do with a deceased parent's PAN?
Keep it until the last tax return is filed and any refund or investments are settled. A legal heir can register on the e-Filing portal as the representative. After that, you can ask the AO to close the PAN.
My PAN shows "not found". Is it fake?
Not always. Most cases are typing mistakes. Copy the PAN from your e-PAN PDF and check again. If it still isn't found and the card came from an agent, check your application status with the acknowledgement number.
Who can fix a PAN marked as fake?
The fake marking is made by the Assessing Officer after an enquiry, so contact your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer. If you are the genuine holder, write to the AO with original ID and address proof, and keep a record of what you sent.
Bottom line
Check your status first; it is free. If your PAN is inoperative, pay ₹1,000 and link Aadhaar. If it is deactivated, deleted or marked fake, write to your Assessing Officer, and don't apply for a second PAN. For help, call e-Filing on 1800 103 0025 or Protean on 020-27218080.
Sources
- Income Tax e-Filing – Verify Your PAN user manual (inputs, OTP, information only, contact JAO) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Protean – Online PAN Verification (status outcomes, operative/inoperative, who can use it) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Department of Posts – SB Order 02/2024 on online PAN verification (status E, Aadhaar seeding status) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Income Tax Department – Permanent Account Number (one PAN per person, inoperative PAN consequences) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Income Tax Department – PAN (forms, CR-01/CR-02) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Reported: Finance Ministry reply in Rajya Sabha, 1 Aug 2017, on duplicate and fake PANs (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Reported: Business Today, 18 Jul 2023, I-T Department clarification on NRI/OCI inoperative PANs (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
Page history: 16 Oct 2026, first version; same day, final review (penalty under the 2025 Act, Enrolment ID PANs, portal label, more links).