What Is the e-Filing Password Format Based on PAN in India?

The Income Tax Department assigns a default password for users logging into the e-Filing portal for the first time or downloading certain documents like Form 26AS, intimation orders, or ITR-V. This password is derived using a fixed pattern based on your PAN and date of birth or incorporation.

• Default Password for First-Time Login (Old Portal)

• For older logins, the default password used to be the PAN in lowercase followed by the date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

• Example: If your PAN is ABCDE1234F and date of birth is 14 August 1990, your password is:
  abcde1234f14081990.

• This format was mostly relevant for initial login attempts before setting a new password.

• After login, users were prompted to create their own secure password.

• Password for Opening Form 26AS or ITR-V PDFs

• PDF files like Form 26AS or ITR-V acknowledgments are password protected for security.

• The password to open these files is usually the PAN in lowercase followed by date of birth (individual) or date of incorporation (company) in DDMMYYYY format.

• Example: For a company with PAN AABCT1234D and incorporation date 01 January 2020, password is:
  aabct1234d01012020.

• This format applies when downloading files from the e-Filing portal, TRACES, or CPC.

• For Resetting Login Password (If Forgotten)

• If you forget your login password, you can reset it via:
  – OTP on mobile/email (linked to PAN)
  – Aadhaar OTP (if linked)
  – Net banking login

• PAN is required to validate your identity while resetting the password.

• Always choose a secure password (min 8 characters, including uppercase, number, and special character).

• Avoid using PAN or DOB in your custom password for security reasons.

• PAN-Based Login Not Format-Based Anymore

• On the new e-Filing portal   users create their own password during registration.

• PAN is still the user ID, but the password is set independently and securely.

• The earlier format (PAN+DOB) is mostly limited to PDF downloads and some pre-login services.

• For regular login, only a valid PAN and your chosen password are needed.

• Security Tips for Using PAN-Based Passwords

• Avoid sharing your PAN-based passwords or PDF files with others.

• Change your login password regularly to prevent unauthorized access.

• Do not store your passwords in open files or emails without encryption.

• Always download tax documents from the official Income Tax website only.