How to Check if Someone Else Is Using Your PAN in India

If your PAN (Permanent Account Number) is misused, it can lead to financial, legal, and tax complications. Fortunately, the Income Tax Department provides digital tools that allow you to track all activities linked to your PAN. Regular monitoring helps detect unauthorized use and prevent fraud.

• Review Form 26AS for Unknown TDS Entries

• Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal 

• Go to ‘My Account’ → ‘View Form 26AS’ and download the statement.

• Check if there are TDS entries or income sources you do not recognize.

• Suspicious entries may indicate that your PAN has been wrongly used in another person’s income records.

• Check Annual Information Statement (AIS)

• Access your Annual Information Statement (AIS) from the dashboard on the e-Filing portal.

• The AIS lists bank interest, high-value transactions, and TDS under your PAN.

• Verify whether the transactions match your actual income and financial behavior.

• If you find unrecognized activities, it may suggest unauthorized use of your PAN.

• Monitor Filed Income Tax Returns

• In your e-Filing account, go to ‘View Filed Returns’ to see any ITRs submitted under your PAN.

• If an ITR appears that you did not file, it may be a sign of PAN misuse.

• You can download and review the ITR-V for more details.

• Respond immediately if you detect false filings, as they may lead to tax liability.

• Verify PAN Usage in High-Value Transactions

• PAN is often used in property purchases, cash deposits, mutual fund investments, and credit reports.

• If you suspect misuse, check your Form 26AS and AIS for property or investment entries not made by you.

• Contact financial institutions to confirm if your PAN was used in any KYC or transaction.

• Also monitor your credit report to ensure no loans or cards are issued in your name.

• Steps to Take if PAN Misuse Is Detected

• File a complaint on the Income Tax Grievance Portal via your e-Filing account.

• Lodge a police complaint or cybercrime FIR for legal documentation.

• Inform NSDL or UTIITSL if PAN was misused during application or verification processes.

• Submit an official letter or online request to the Income Tax Department with supporting proof.