How to cancel PAN card of a family member after their death: A step-by-step guide

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Cancel PAN card of a deceased family member

When a loved one passes away, managing their financial and legal affairs is an important responsibility. Among them, the task of surrendering their Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a significant but usually neglected activity.

Even though there is no law requiring the PAN cancellation at the time of death, it is highly recommended to avoid identity abuse, ending tax liabilities, and safeguarding the financial heritage of the deceased. A PAN card is still valid even after the demise of its owner, and hence, it can be used for financial forgery if not closed.Whether to clear pending returns of tax, for safeguard against misuse of the card, or to notify banks, cancellation of a PAN card in a proper, official manner is necessary.

A step-by-step process on cancellation of a deceased relative's PAN, documents needed, process flow, and alternative procedures is discussed below.

Step-by-step procedure to cancel PAN by Assessing Officer (AO)

Step 1: Compose a Formal Application

Prepare an autographed letter of application to the jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO). It should have:

Full name and PAN of the deceased
Date of death
Application for cancellation of PAN
Your address, telephone number, and relationship to deceased, and your name

Step 2: Affix Compulsory Documents

Put the PAN card of the deceased (if any), death certificate, and your identity and legal heir proof in an envelope with the application letter.

Step 3: Determine the Correct AO

Utilise the Income Tax Department's "Know Your AO" facility at www.incometax.gov.in to determine the Assessing Officer for the PAN jurisdiction of the deceased.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit the application either:

By posting to the AO's address, or
In person by visiting the AO's office and bringing the documents

Alternate way to cancel PAN card by Form 49A (via NSDL)

If direct access to AO is not possible, then alternative approach can be followed through PAN correction through Form 49A.Step 1: Download Form 49A

Download the hard copy of Form 49A from the NSDL-TIN website: www.tin-nsdl.com

Step 2: Fill in the Details

Mark the space for "PAN Cancellation"
Input the details of the deceased person's PAN
Sign the form as representative legal heir

Step 3: Attach all the supporting documents

Death certificate
Late PAN card
Your PAN card and legal heir certificate
Identity and address proof

Step 4: Submit at NSDL Centre

Go to your nearby NSDL PAN service center and submit the documents and completed form and write on the envelope: "Application for Cancellation of PAN – Deceased"

Why it is necessary to cancel a deceased person's PAN card

Prevent identity theft: PAN cards are utilized to open bank accounts or claim tax refunds illegally quite often.
Avoid tax notices: The deceased will continue to receive IT Department notices until the PAN is cancelled.
Close tax and financial records: Allows for legal closing of financial matters such as final tax return filings, unpaid liabilities, and asset transfer.

Documents required to cancel PAN of a deceased person

Prior to initiating the cancellation process, gather the following documents:

Photocopy of the deceased's PAN card (if available)
Death certificate (issued by hospital or municipal authority)
Covering letter requesting cancellation
Legal heir's proof of identity (aadhaar card, PAN card)
Relationship proof or legal heir certificate (will, succession certificate, or notarized affidavit)

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