AO Codes for PAN
When someone applies for a new PAN card, they must input an AO code in one section of the application. It can be found at the very top of the Pan application form. The AO Code indicates the tax jurisdiction under which the application would fall. AO is an acronym for Assessing Office. The significance of an AO Code in identifying jurisdiction is closely related to taxation because these codes inform the relevant authorities about which tax laws apply to a person.
If the individual is a resident of this nation, they may be required to pay taxes following one set of regulations, but if they are a corporation, the tax slabs and rules may be different. Such distinctions can also exist amongst citizens because the Area Code for individuals serving in the Army or the Air Force would differ. Thus, the correct AO Code is required to guarantee that people and businesses are taxed by the applicable regulations.
Components of an AO Code
Different Assessing Officers are assigned to each region to assess the taxation of the individuals that live there. Thus, AO codes help us to identify the AO offices and officers of our region. An AO code is made up of four components. They are as follows:
- Area Code: To identify an individual’s or company’s geographic location, their area is allocated a code which is represented by three letters.
- AO Type: The type assists the tax department in determining if the PAN card bearer is an individual, a corporation, a service worker, or a person who is not a resident of India.
- Range Type: A Range Type is issued to each PAN cardholder based on their real address, which aids in identifying the ward or circle in which they reside.
- AO Number: The AO number is a numerical value released by NSDL, which is the AO code's final element.
Types of AO Codes for PAN Card
Four sorts of AO codes are used to identify individuals/companies and link them to the relevant tax legislation. Here’s a brief overview of them:
- International Taxation: This applies to individuals and businesses seeking a PAN card who are not residents of India or are not established in India.
- Non-International Taxation (Outside Mumbai): These are AO codes for persons and businesses who live or are registered in Mumbai.
- Non-International Taxation (Mumbai): This is a list of AO codes that apply to people and businesses based in India but located outside of Mumbai.
- Defense Personnel: These AO codes are used to identify a person as a member of the Indian Army or Air Force. It only has two sorts of codes, one for the Army and one for the Air Force.
How to Find AO Code Online?
It can be found on the Government-authorized PAN website. The steps to find it are given below:
Step 1: Determine if you are a paid individual, a non-salaried individual, or a non-individual application.
Step 2: Based on the requirements you satisfy, choose a residential/office address.
Step 3: AO Code listings are available on the NSDL and UTIITSL websites.
Step 4: On the NSDL/UTIITSL website, you may search for your city alphabetically. Select a city and read the city description/jurisdiction.
Step 5: Find one corresponding to your office location/company type/profession/income. Make a note of the Area Code, AO Type, Range Type, and AO Number to get your AO Code.
How to Check AO Code for PAN?
Follow the procedures below to check your AO code while applying for a PAN card:
Step 1: Go to the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) website and look for the AO code.
Step 2: Now, from the relevant list of AO codes, look for your city.
Step 3: Once you’ve identified the city, look for the “Additional Description” section to see if the selected region is part of that AO code.
Step 4: Determine if the AO code applies to you as a corporation, person, or multinational organization.
Step 5: Once you’ve chosen the correct AO code, note the AO type, Range type, Area code, and AO number.
Step 6: After you’ve chosen the correct AO code, click the Submit button.
