PAN 2.0: What is the project, who should apply? All you need to know

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PAN 2.0 Project under the Income Tax Department. The announcement was made on Monday, November 25, 2024. This e-governance initiative focuses on modernising the taxpayer registration system through Digital PAN/TAN services. The government will invest Rs 1,435 crore to implement the project.
The existing PAN holders, which are around 78 crore in number, can upgrade their PAN cards. The number or PAN will remain the same for existing users, but the card will need to be upgraded, which the government said would be free of cost for the users.
The details about the application process and the timeline are yet to be released by the Income Tax Department.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “The PAN card is an essential part of life for the middle class and small businesses. With PAN 2.0, the system will be significantly upgraded, and a robust digital backbone will be introduced.”
Additionally, the government is working to strengthen the grievance redressal system, ensuring faster resolution to citizens’ concerns.