The gender category of the applicant should either be male or female. For this very reason, transgender across the country could not enroll in schools, get a job, or apply for government-issued identity proof documents.
To end this issue, the Government of India announced that going forward, transgenders can apply for Pan Card and perform tax-related transactions under the “Independent” category. The form that is now being used to apply for the Permanent Account Number (PAN) has been amended to include the “Third Gender” option. According to a gazette notification that was issued on 9 April 2018, going forward, the PAN application form will have a “Transgender” option along with “Male” and “Female” options. The country appreciates this move. The other major government-issued documents namely, Aadhaar and Voter ID already have this option.
Transgender individuals Can Apply for PAN- What You Need to Know About The New Rule?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the department that frames the rules and regulations related to tax in the country. They issued a notification under sections 139A and 295 of the Income Tax Act which clearly specifies the new procedure to apply for a PAN by an individual in the country.
The changes will be seen in Form 49A (PAN application form for Indian citizens) and Form 49AA (PAN application form for individuals not a citizen of India). Transgenders who already have an Aadhaar card can inform the tax department about the same and obtain their new PAN.
Update PAN Card Gender to Transgender
To update the PAN card gender to Transgender, the PAN card application or PAN card data change application can be used. Follow the steps below to complete the PAN Card gender change. Step 1: The application to update PAN Card gender can be submitted online or offline through the following modes:
- Through any IT PAN Service Centres (managed by UTIITSL)
- Through any TIN-Facilitation Centres (TIN-FCs)/PAN Centres (managed by NSDL e-Gov)
- Income Tax Website
- UTIITSL website
- NSDL e-Gov website
Step 2: Download or access the new PAN card application or changes form with the third gender. Step 3: Complete the application fully (all columns) and provide existing PAN at the beginning. Fill the application legibly in BLOCK LETTERS and preferably in BLACK INK. Form should be filled in English only. Its illegal to possess more than one PAN at anytime. Hence, while filling the application provide the existing PAN. Also, if you have more than one PAN, fill the details in Item No. 11 of this form and surrender the same. Step 4: When it comes to the gender, select the box on the left hand side of the application to indicate there is a change in gender. In the gender, select Transgender option. Note: There is no document or evidence to be submitted along with this application for change of gender on PAN to Transgender. Hence, there is no requirement for additional document submission. Step 5: Submit the PAN card change application online or offline. The fee for processing PAN application is Rs.110/- (including GST). In case, the PAN card is to be dispatched outside India then additional dispatch charge of Rs.910/- will have to be paid by applicant.
What Documents Are Required ?
- Any proof of residence (such as a Rental Agreement, Passport, Voter ID Card, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, or a utility bill for water, electricity, or gas)
- A photo identification proof (such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID Card, PIO Card, or Birth Certificate)
- A signature or thumb impression on the application form
FAQs
How to download the Transgender certificate?
To download their identity certificate and ID cards, transgender individuals can visit the National Portal for Transgender Persons, log in to their account, and click on the download button as provided on the screen.
In how many days will the certificate of identity arrive?
The processing of the certificate of identity usually takes up to 30 days. You can file a grievance if you haven’t received your identity certificate within this timeframe. However, it is crucial to ensure that you use a registered ID while filing the grievance.
