The importance of Permanent Account Number (PAN) card has grown over the years, and it is today an essential part of our lives. The most important purpose of allotting PAN to an entity is for the purpose of identification and to track all the related monetary information of that entity. Initially, the significance of PAN was for filing income tax returns. Over time, PAN was used in dealings with the stock markets, banks and purchase of real estate and vehicles. Today, PAN has started finding use in unconventional areas as well, as follows: • Bank Fixed Deposits: If you open a fixed deposit with your bank for an amount exceeding Rs. 50,000, a copy of PAN card needs to be given. In absence of PAN, the bank will deduct TDS of 20% or at the prevailing rate, whichever is higher (instead of the normal 10%). Further, the bank will not issue TDS certificate. Form 15G/15H and other exemption certificates will be invalid in this case. • Payment in Hotels and Restaurants: You ma