Instant e-PAN Service to Remain Unavailable for Two Days – Check Dates to Avoid Delays

New Delhi: If you are planning to apply for an instant e-PAN in the coming days, here’s an important update from the Income Tax Department. The department has announced that the instant e-PAN service will be unavailable for two days due to scheduled maintenance work.

According to the official notice on the e-filing portal, the service will remain suspended from 12:00 AM on August 17, 2025, until 12:00 AM on August 19, 2025. The department has advised taxpayers and applicants to complete all e-PAN-related processes in advance to avoid inconvenience during the downtime.

Why the Service Will Be Down

The temporary suspension is part of planned maintenance activities aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the portal. During this period, users will not be able to apply for or access the instant e-PAN facility.

What is the Instant e-PAN Service?

The instant e-PAN service is designed for individuals who do not have a Permanent Account Number (PAN) but possess a valid Aadhaar number linked with their mobile phone. It is a pre-login service available on the Income Tax e-filing portal that offers several features:

• Apply for a free digital PAN instantly using Aadhaar authentication.

• Update PAN details using Aadhaar-based e-KYC.

• Create an e-filing account after PAN allotment or update.

• Track the status of a pending e-PAN request.

• Download an issued e-PAN anytime.

This service is particularly useful for first-time PAN applicants who need a PAN urgently for tax, banking, or other financial purposes.

Common Questions About Instant e-PAN

1. Can I apply for an instant e-PAN if I already have a PAN?
No. This facility is only available to those who do not already have a PAN card. To use this service, you must have a valid Aadhaar number with updated KYC information.

2. Is there any fee for getting an instant e-PAN?
No. The instant e-PAN service is completely free of cost. The process is entirely online, eliminating the need for physical forms or in-person visits.

Important Advice for Applicants

If you plan to apply for an e-PAN, it is recommended to initiate the process well before the scheduled maintenance dates. Applying at the last moment may result in delays, especially if the application remains pending when the system goes offline.

For existing e-PAN holders, it is also wise to download a copy in advance if you anticipate needing it during the maintenance window.

Key Takeaway

The Income Tax Department’s planned maintenance from August 17 to August 19, 2025, will temporarily pause the instant e-PAN facility. To avoid disruptions, complete all related tasks before the downtime begins. This proactive step can save applicants from unnecessary delays in financial transactions, tax filings, or other PAN-dependent processes.