We seem to learn on a daily basis ... more and more information about what we need to be aware of here in Delhi.
Things like the fact that our visa renewal process SHOULD have been done MONTHS ago ... instead of sometime during March ... nice.
Things like that even though we "rent" our flat ... most of the costs associated with running this household are OUR responsibility (unlike in the States where maintenance fees are generally the responsibility of the LANDLORD) ... nice.
And then there are the things like PAN cards. Mail came for the Husb recently and the above card was inside.
I've blurred out the actual names and number, but what was interesting to us was that Husb's father's name was listed on the card. His FULL name!
From the "PAN website" I got the following information ::
PAN or Permanent Account Number is a ten-digit alphanumeric code generated by the India's 'Income Tax Department', that is required by anyone and everyone who wish to conduct any kind of financial transaction in India. Even those whose financial transaction is limited to paying income tax require it! PAN is required if you wish to enter the Indian Share Market. This is true for NRIs - Non Resident Indians living abroad too, who wish to make investment in India, buy property/house in India, open bank account, demat account, rent out a property etc.So it's like what we have in the US, a social security number, right?
Then they say this ::
What's interesting to me here in India is that there are SO many things that require you to have a printed and recorded connection to your father.
Also, while its true that only those who generate income out of India have to pay back to the Government in the form of taxes, it is advisable that non-residents too pay taxes. This shows the credibility of the client. Thus, it is a must for all you non-residents to have a PAN. You may apply for a PAN through any PAN Assistance Brokers or your representative who could get a PAN Card made for you by visiting any such help centre established by the IT Department.
Resumes often have the education and employment information of the possible future employee's FATHER.
So now the Husb has a PAN card. If we could only find an accountant capable and willing to do our US/India taxes.
Sigh.
There is nothing more frustrating than going to the bank to make a withdrawal or a deposit ... and being asked for my FATHER's or HUSBAND's name. I can't even imagine the hassle in trying to open a bank account here on my own.
To those readers that are PIOs, (Person of Indian Origin) ... do your PAN cards have your father's name on it as well? If you are a gal and married, does it carry your FATHERs name or your HUSBANDs?
Here's the FAQ section of the website ::
IMPORTANT POINTERS:
In case of an illiterate, left hand thumb impression should be affixed in place meant for signature in the respective form and get the same attested by a Magistrate or Notary Public or Gazetted Officer
In case of female applicants, irrespective of marital status, father's name HAS to be mentioned.
A Representative Assessee may apply for PAN in case of non-resident, minor, lunatic, idiot and court of wards.
(There just is so much that seems so wrong with all of this ... except that it's just DIFFERENT, I guess?)
