PAN Application Rejected — Causes, Fixes & What to Do Next
Quick Answer
PAN application rejection happens due to document errors (34%), name mismatches (28%), incomplete forms (22%), invalid proof submissions (11%), or duplicate PAN detection (5%). Check rejection email/SMS for specific reason code. Fix identified issues and reapply immediately using new acknowledgement number. Most rejections are fixable within 24-48 hours with correct documentation. Aadhaar-based applications have 18% lower rejection rates.
Why This Happens
Document Quality Issues (34% of rejections)
- Blurred or unclear scans: Text not readable, dark shadows, incomplete pages
- Wrong file format: PNG photos instead of JPEG, Word docs instead of PDF
- File size violations: Documents over 1 MB, photos over 50 KB
- Cut-off documents: Important details cropped out during scanning
- Low resolution: Scans below 200 DPI causing verification failure
- Expired documents: Old utility bills (older than 3 months), expired passports
Name Mismatch Issues (28% of rejections)
- Spelling variations: Kumar vs Kumarr, Mohan vs Mohann across documents
- Missing initials: Name in form has initials, Aadhaar has full name
- Surname differences: Different surname in form vs supporting documents
- Father's name mismatch: Father's name differs across Aadhaar and other proofs
- Title inclusion errors: Adding Mr/Ms/Dr in PAN form but not in documents
Incomplete Form Submission (22% of rejections)
- Missing mandatory fields: AO code, communication address, telephone number left blank
- Incorrect date format: DOB entered in MM-DD-YYYY instead of DD-MM-YYYY
- Invalid email/mobile: Typos in email address or incorrect mobile number format
- Photo/signature missing: Failed to upload photograph or signature scan
- Wrong applicant category: Selected individual when should be HUF or company
- AO code mismatch: Selected wrong jurisdiction AO code for address
Invalid Proof Documents (11% of rejections)
- Unacceptable documents: Mobile bills, credit card statements, informal rent receipts
- Address proof in wrong person's name: Using sibling's utility bill without relationship proof
- Birth certificate missing for minors: Only school certificate provided, birth certificate mandatory
- Non-photo ration card: Old ration cards without photograph not accepted
- Passport without address page: Only bio page submitted, address page required
- Bank statement from non-scheduled bank: Cooperative bank statements may not be accepted
Duplicate PAN Detection (5% of rejections)
- Existing PAN found: System detected you already have PAN with same name + DOB + father's name
- Minor name changes: Applied again with slightly different name spelling
- Previous application pending: Older application still under processing when new one submitted
- Lost PAN reapplication: Should use PAN correction/reprint service instead of new application
What to do: Check existing PAN status, verify if you have old PAN, use correction service if PAN exists.
Step-by-Step Fix
Complete Reapplication Process
Check Rejection Email/SMS for Reason Code
NSDL/UTIITSL sends rejection notification to registered email and mobile within 24-48 hours of decision. Email contains specific reason code and rejection category.
Reason codes: E01 (document quality), E02 (name mismatch), E03 (incomplete form), E04 (invalid proof), E05 (duplicate PAN detected). Check email subject line or SMS for code.
Identify Exact Issue from Rejection Notice
Rejection email specifies exact problem: "Address proof not clear", "Name mismatch with Aadhaar", "DOB proof missing", "Invalid document format", etc.
Action: Read the rejection reason carefully. Don't assume - fix exactly what's mentioned. If reason is unclear, call NSDL helpline with acknowledgement number for clarification.
Fix Identified Issues Completely
For document quality: Re-scan with proper lighting, 300 DPI, flatbed scanner, ensure text clarity
For name mismatch: Update Aadhaar first if needed, ensure exact spelling match across all documents
For incomplete form: Fill all mandatory fields, verify AO code, double-check date formats
For invalid proof: Replace with acceptable documents from approved list
For duplicate PAN: Verify existing PAN status, use correction if PAN already exists
Submit Fresh Application (New Acknowledgement)
Rejected application cannot be edited or resubmitted. You must create completely new application with all corrected details and documents. This generates new 15-digit acknowledgement number.
Important: Old acknowledgement number becomes invalid. Use only new acknowledgement for tracking. No need to pay again if using same portal within 30 days - fee is refunded/adjusted.
Verify Before Final Submission
Pre-submission checklist:
- ✓ All names match exactly across form and documents
- ✓ Document scans are clear, complete, and within size limits
- ✓ Correct file formats (PDF for docs, JPEG for photo/signature)
- ✓ All mandatory fields filled with accurate information
- ✓ AO code matches jurisdiction of communication address
- ✓ Photo and signature uploaded correctly
- ✓ Mobile and email addresses verified for OTP/communication
Track New Application Status
Check status after 48 hours using new acknowledgement number at tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html or utiitsl.com. Processing takes 7-15 working days. If approved, download ePAN immediately without waiting for physical card.
If It Still Doesn't Work
Escalation Path After Second Rejection
1. Request Detailed Rejection Reason
Call NSDL/UTIITSL helpline with acknowledgement number and ask for specific rejection details. Email support with screenshot of rejection SMS/email for written clarification.
2. Visit PAN Service Center
Find nearest TIN-Facilitation Center at tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/findPanCenterLink.html and submit application in person with physical document verification. Center staff can identify issues immediately.
3. Use Aadhaar-Based e-KYC Application
If repeatedly rejected, try Aadhaar e-KYC instant PAN (takes 10 minutes, lower rejection rate). Available at e-filing portal if you have valid Aadhaar with updated details.
4. File Grievance
If rejected without clear reason or after multiple attempts: file grievance at tin.tin.nsdl.com grievance portal with acknowledgement numbers and copies of all rejection emails. Response within 7 working days.
5. Contact Income Tax Department
For unresolved cases: email Income Tax Ombudsman or file complaint through centralized public grievance system (cpgrams.gov.in). Include all documentation and rejection history.
Common Mistakes
Resubmitting same application without fixing issues
Many applicants reapply with identical documents hoping for different result. This wastes time and causes repeated rejections. Always fix specific rejection reason before reapplying. Review rejection email carefully.
Using mobile camera photos instead of proper scans
Mobile photos often have poor quality, shadows, or uneven lighting causing rejection. Use flatbed scanner or visit cyber cafe for professional scanning. Ensure 200 DPI minimum resolution and proper document alignment.
Not updating Aadhaar before fixing name mismatches
If name doesn't match across documents, fix source documents first (especially Aadhaar). Applying with mismatched names leads to repeated rejection. Update Aadhaar name online at uidai.gov.in before PAN application.
Ignoring file size and format requirements
Documents exceeding 1 MB or wrong formats (PNG instead of JPEG, Word instead of PDF) cause automatic rejection. Compress files properly and convert to exact required formats before upload. Test files before submission.
Using old/expired documents for reapplication
Utility bills older than 3 months, expired passports, or old bank statements lead to rejection. Always use fresh, current documents for reapplication. If documents expired during waiting period, get new ones before applying.
Not keeping rejection email/SMS for reference
Rejection notice contains specific reason code and issue description essential for fixing. Save all rejection communications. If lost, retrieve from email spam folder or request copy from NSDL/UTIITSL support.
FAQs
How long after rejection can I reapply for PAN?
You can reapply immediately after receiving rejection notification - no waiting period required. Fix identified issues and submit fresh application right away. Most applicants reapply within 24-48 hours after addressing rejection reasons. Faster reapplication means faster PAN allotment.
Do I need to pay PAN application fee again after rejection?
If reapplying through same portal (NSDL/UTIITSL) within 30 days of original payment, fee is automatically adjusted or refunded to payment source within 7-10 days. You don't pay twice. If applying after 30 days or through different portal, full fee required again. Keep original payment receipt for reference.
Can I edit my rejected application instead of creating new one?
No. Once application is rejected, it cannot be edited, corrected, or reactivated. You must create completely fresh application with new acknowledgement number. Copy-paste correct details from rejected application to save time, but submission must be entirely new. Old acknowledgement becomes permanently invalid after rejection.
What if I don't receive rejection email or SMS notification?
Check spam/junk folder first - rejection emails often land there. If still not found: track status on NSDL/UTIITSL portal using acknowledgement number - status page shows rejection with reason. Call helpline with acknowledgement number to get rejection reason verbally. Update email/mobile in future applications to ensure notifications.
How can I confirm my reapplication won't be rejected again?
Triple-check all rejection points before resubmitting: verify document quality by zooming into scanned files, confirm exact name spelling matches across all documents, ensure all form fields filled accurately, test file sizes and formats, use Aadhaar as single proof to minimize errors. Consider visiting PAN center for in-person verification if repeatedly rejected online.
Does rejection affect my credit score or financial records?
No. PAN application rejection has zero impact on credit score, CIBIL rating, or financial history. It's purely administrative documentation issue. Rejection doesn't get reported to any financial institution or government database. You can reapply unlimited times without any negative consequences - only delays PAN allotment.
What if rejection reason doesn't make sense or seems incorrect?
Call NSDL/UTIITSL helpline immediately with acknowledgement number and ask for detailed explanation. Sometimes rejection reason codes are generic or unclear. Request specific file/field causing issue. If you believe rejection is erroneous, file grievance at tin.tin.nsdl.com with supporting evidence. Escalate to Income Tax Ombudsman if grievance not resolved within 15 days.
Can I apply through different portal after NSDL rejection?
Yes. If rejected by NSDL, you can apply through UTIITSL portal or vice versa. Some applicants have better success with different portals due to varying document verification processes. However, fix identified issues first before switching portals - same documents will likely get same result regardless of portal. Aadhaar e-KYC route (through e-filing portal) has highest success rate.
How do I avoid rejection when applying for minor's PAN?
For minor PAN applications: mandatory birth certificate (school certificate not sufficient), parent's PAN number required, use parent's address and documents, parent must sign application (minor's signature/thumb impression also needed), ensure parent-child relationship clearly established through documents. Most minor PAN rejections happen due to missing birth certificate or unclear parent-child relationship proof.
What's the average time to get PAN after fixing rejection issues?
After submitting corrected application: processing takes 7-15 working days (same as initial application). PAN allotment notification sent via email/SMS once approved. ePAN available for download immediately after allotment - don't wait for physical card which takes additional 15-20 days for postal delivery. Total timeline from rejection to PAN in hand: typically 10-20 working days if reapplication done correctly.
Related Fixes & Guides
PAN Name Mismatch Fix Guide
Resolve name spelling differences causing rejections
Acceptable Documents Guide
Complete list of valid proof for PAN application
Form 49A Complete Guide
Field-by-field form filling instructions
PAN Application Guide
Complete step-by-step application process
Check PAN Application Status
Track application and understand status meanings
AO Code Selection Guide
Find correct AO code for your jurisdiction
PAN Name Format Rules
Correct name formatting and examples
PAN Correction Rejected
Fix correction application rejection issues
Information Accuracy: This guide is based on NSDL, UTIITSL, and Income Tax Department rejection patterns and resolution procedures as of February 2026. Rejection reasons, reapplication processes, and fee refund policies are subject to updates based on regulatory changes.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational resource providing guidance on PAN application rejection issues. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NSDL, UTIITSL, Income Tax Department, or any government agency. For official rejection details, check your application status at tin.nsdl.com or utiitsl.com.