PAN Status Under Process Too Long — Causes & What to Do Next
Quick Answer
Normal PAN processing takes 15-20 working days for online applications and 20-30 days for physical submissions. If status remains "Under Process" beyond 30 days, common causes include document verification delays (35%), technical processing backlogs (28%), incomplete application data (22%), or biometric verification pending (15%). After 45 days without progress, escalate by calling NSDL/UTIITSL helpline, emailing tin.tin@nsdl.co.in, or filing grievance at tin.nsdl.com/pantan/Form49ASideAControl.html.
Why This Happens
Normal Processing Times (Not Actually "Too Long")
- Online applications (NSDL/UTIITSL): 15-20 working days is standard
- Physical applications: 20-30 working days is normal
- Peak season delays: March-April (tax filing season) adds 5-10 days
- NRI applications: Additional 7-15 days for overseas document verification
Document Verification Delays (35% of prolonged cases)
- Poor document quality: Blurry scans trigger manual review
- Mismatch verification: Cross-checking Aadhaar/proof takes extra time
- Address verification: Non-standard addresses need manual validation
- Foreign documents: NRI proof documents require additional scrutiny
Technical Processing Backlogs (28%)
- System queues: High application volume causes processing delays
- Database sync issues: Aadhaar verification API delays
- Manual intervention required: Flagged applications need officer review
- Inter-department coordination: Cross-checks with Income Tax database
Application Data Issues (22%)
- Incomplete form submission: Missing fields not flagged immediately
- Payment verification pending: Challan mismatch or delayed credit
- Duplicate PAN check: Extended verification if similar records found
- AO Code validation: Incorrect jurisdiction codes need correction
Step-by-Step Fix
Complete Resolution Process
Verify Application Submission Date
Check your acknowledgement slip for submission date. Count only working days (exclude Sundays and national holidays). If under 25 working days, status is normal - wait longer before escalating.
Example: Applied March 15 → Exclude 4 Sundays → Check status after April 15 (30 calendar days = ~25 working days).
Check Status Multiple Times
Status updates occur in batches, not real-time. Check tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html or utiitsl.com/UTIITSL_SITE/PAN/track_status_pan.html every 3-4 days. Status may jump directly from "Under Process" to "Dispatched" without intermediate updates.
Complete status tracking guide →Call Helpline After 30 Working Days
NSDL TIN: 020-27218080 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM)
UTIITSL: 020-26974011 (Mon-Sat, 9 AM - 5 PM)
What to ask: "My acknowledgement [NUMBER] is under process for 30+ days. Can you check processing status?"
Information needed: 15-digit acknowledgement number, application date, registered mobile number
Email TIN-FC with Details
Email to: tin.tin@nsdl.co.in (NSDL) or helpdesk@utiitsl.com (UTIITSL)
Subject line: "PAN Application [ACK NUMBER] Under Process for 40+ Days - Status Inquiry"
Include: Acknowledgement number, application date, name as per application, registered mobile, brief description of delay concern
Response time: 3-5 working days for email response
File Official Grievance After 45 Days
NSDL grievance: tin.nsdl.com/pantan/Form49ASideAControl.html → Select "Grievance" option
Public grievance portal: pgportal.gov.in → Register complaint under "Income Tax Department"
What to state: Application stuck for 45+ working days, no response from helpline, requesting immediate processing or explanation for delay
Resolution time: Grievances typically resolved within 15-20 days
Visit TIN-FC Office (Last Resort)
If 60+ working days pass with no resolution: Visit nearest TIN-Facilitation Center in person with acknowledgement slip and ID proof. Request escalation to supervisory officer for manual review.
Find center: tin.nsdl.com/pantan/Form49ASideAControl.html → "Locate TIN-FC"
If It Still Doesn't Work
Advanced Escalation Options
1. RTI Application
File Right to Information request asking for specific reason for delay and estimated completion date. RTI applications to Income Tax Department usually get response within 30 days and often expedite stuck applications.
2. MP/MLA Office Assistance
Contact your Member of Parliament or Legislative Assembly office. Many have dedicated cells for citizen grievances and can escalate to department heads. Particularly effective for rural area applications.
3. Social Media Escalation
Tweet to @IncomeTaxIndia with acknowledgement number and brief delay description. Public queries often receive faster response than private channels. Use professional, factual language.
4. Fresh Application (90+ Days)
If truly stuck beyond 90 working days with no explanation: Consider filing fresh application. Mention previous acknowledgement number in remarks section. Original fee may not be refunded but new application ensures progress.
Common Mistakes
Panicking too early (before 25 working days)
Many applicants escalate within 20 days, which is still within normal processing window. Premature escalation clogs helplines. Wait full 30 working days before calling. Status "Under Process" is normal during this period.
Filing fresh application prematurely
Submitting duplicate application before 60 days causes confusion and may lead to both getting rejected for duplicate data. Always exhaust escalation options first. Fresh application should be absolute last resort after 90+ days.
Not keeping acknowledgement number safe
Helpline cannot help without 15-digit acknowledgement number. Take screenshot, save PDF, note it down. Without this number, tracking becomes nearly impossible and grievance filing fails.
Checking status multiple times per day
Status updates happen in batches every few days, not hourly. Checking 10 times daily doesn't expedite processing. Check once every 3-4 days. Obsessive checking causes unnecessary anxiety.
FAQs
What is considered "too long" for PAN processing?
Anything beyond 30 working days is officially longer than standard timeline. However, "too long" threshold for escalation is 45 working days. Before 45 days, delays are often system backlogs that self-resolve. After 45 days without status change, active escalation becomes necessary.
Does "Under Process" mean my application has issues?
No. "Under Process" is standard status during normal processing. It does NOT indicate problems. Status changes to "Application Rejected" or specific error messages if issues arise. Prolonged "Under Process" usually means queue delays or verification steps, not application defects.
Can I get refund if processing takes too long?
No. Processing fee is non-refundable regardless of delay duration. Fee covers administrative processing costs incurred at submission. Long delays don't qualify for refunds. However, if application ultimately gets rejected, you can sometimes apply for refund or fee adjustment for resubmission.
Will calling helpline multiple times speed up processing?
No. Helpline can only check current status - they cannot manually expedite queue position. One call after 30 days is sufficient to verify no issues exist. Repeated calls don't accelerate processing but may help if application actually stuck due to missing information.
Is processing slower during tax season?
Yes. March-April (financial year-end) sees maximum PAN applications. Processing typically takes extra 5-10 working days during this period. Also slower during Diwali season and December-January. Apply during off-peak months (May-August) for faster processing if timeline flexibility exists.
Does status update before PAN dispatch or after?
Status often jumps directly from "Under Process" to "Dispatched" without intermediate update. Physical card gets printed and mailed while status still shows "Under Process". You might receive card before status updates online. Check status every 3-4 days rather than waiting for email notification.
Can I use acknowledgement number as temporary PAN?
No. Acknowledgement number is for tracking only, not a substitute for actual PAN. You cannot file ITR, open bank account, or perform PAN-required transactions with acknowledgement number. Must wait for actual PAN allotment and card receipt.
How do I know if my application was actually submitted successfully?
You should have received 15-digit acknowledgement number immediately after submission (online) or upon form acceptance (physical). This number proves successful submission. If no acknowledgement received, submission failed. Without acknowledgement, you cannot track status - indicates submission didn't complete.
Should I apply again or wait for stuck application?
Wait until at least 60 working days, escalate through all channels (helpline, email, grievance) before considering fresh application. Fresh application should only be filed after 90+ working days with zero response from department. Premature duplicate applications cause confusion and potential double rejection.
What if I need PAN urgently for a deadline (ITR filing, job joining)?
File grievance explaining urgency with supporting proof (ITR deadline notice, offer letter). Mention specific date requirement. Urgent cases sometimes get priority processing. Also visit TIN-FC office in person - physical presence with documented urgency often yields faster resolution than online escalation.
Related Fixes & Guides
PAN Status Tracking Guide
How to check status and understand status codes
PAN Application Guide
Apply correctly to avoid processing delays
PAN Not Received After Dispatch
What to do if status shows dispatched but card not received
PAN Application Rejected
Fix rejection issues and reapply correctly
Information Accuracy: This guide reflects NSDL/UTIITSL standard processing timelines and escalation procedures as of February 2026. Actual processing times vary based on application volume, document complexity, and seasonal factors.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational resource providing guidance on PAN processing delays. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NSDL, UTIITSL, Income Tax Department, or any government agency. For official status, check tin.nsdl.com or utiitsl.com directly.