Tax · Free tool
PAN Card Validator
Check if a PAN follows the correct 10-character format and decode the 4th character to see the holder type (Individual, Company, HUF, Firm, Trust, etc.).
How a PAN is structured
Every Indian PAN is exactly 10 characters: 5 letters + 4 digits + 1 letter. The 4th letter encodes the holder type (P=Person, C=Company, H=HUF, F=Firm/LLP, T=Trust, A=AOP, B=BOI, L=Local Authority, J=Artificial Juridical, G=Government). The 5th letter is usually the first letter of the surname (for individuals).
This validator only checks the structural format — it doesn't hit the income tax department's database to verify the PAN actually exists. For that, use the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
FAQ
What does each PAN character mean?
AAAPA1234A. First 3: alphabetic series. 4th: P (individual), C (company), F (firm), H (HUF), T (trust). 5th: first letter of surname/name. Then 4 digits + check letter.
I got an "Invalid PAN" error filing ITR — why?
Common: 4th letter mismatch with entity type (P for individual but you're filing as HUF). Or 5th letter doesn't match name on file. Verify on incometax.gov.in.
Can someone forge a PAN?
Format-valid PANs can be generated, but the IT database is the source of truth. Online verification (NSDL) reveals if a PAN is real and active.