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AO Codes for PAN- Key Elements, Types & How to Check Online?

AO (Assessing Officer) codes are an important code when applying for a PAN card in India. In the process of applying for a PAN (Permanent Account Number), the AO Code helps the Income Tax Department identify the jurisdiction under which an applicant falls for taxation purposes. 

There are four key elements in an AO code: Area Code, Range Code, AO Type, and AO Number. Each of these elements contains specific information about the tax district and the type of PAN applicant, such as an individual, a government body, or a company. So, it is crucial to understand AO Codes for accurate PAN application filing. On the NSDL website or income tax portals, one can easily check their AO Codes. Let's learn more about AO Codes in this guide. 

Key Elements of an AO Code

An AO (Assessing Officer) Code consists of four essential components that determine the jurisdiction for a PAN holder’s income tax assessment:

  • Area Code: A three-letter code representing the taxpayer’s geographic location, e.g., DEL for Delhi, MUM for Mumbai.

  • AO Type: A letter indicating the taxpayer category (individual, company, NRI, defence personnel).

  • Range Code: A numeric code denoting the ward, circle, or range within the jurisdiction.

  • AO Number: A unique numeric identifier allocated to each assessing officer.

These elements, combined, ensure accurate assignment of your tax filings and notices to the appropriate tax authority. Applicants for PAN must provide this AO Code during the application to avoid processing delays or misallocation. 

Key points:

  • Makes a distinction amongst resident, NRI, business or defence personnel.

  • Decides which Income Tax Officer shall deal with your filings and notices.

  • Assists the Income Tax Department to control taxpayers in accordance to geography and type of income tax.

  • Ensures that the jurisdiction and the officer to assess your ITR are appropriate.

Source: Investopedia

Different Types of AO Codes

There are four types of AO Codes, where assignments of taxing jurisdiction are made correctly according to taxpayer status and geographic location:

Each of the AO Codes is used to identify different types of taxpayer segments (Non-International Taxation (Inside or Outside Mumbai), International Taxation, or Defence Personnel) and will thus determine that your PAN is matched with the appropriate tax regulations. It is necessary to accurately select the AO Code, which ensures that you have filed notices and been reviewed by the correct income tax authority.

The most important differences are:

  • International Taxation: Taxes apply to non-residents and foreigners, which is used in the PAN application by NRIs or overseas companies.

  • Non-International Taxation (Mumbai): This applies to Indian residents or latter forming businesses in Mumbai.

  • Non-International Taxation (out of Mumbai): Applicable on Indian citizens or companies located anywhere in India.

  • Defence Personnel: The Code is reserved only for individuals serving in the Indian Army or Air Force, and each branch of service has its own AO code.

Source: PIB, Reuters

How to Check Your AO Code Online?

  1. Visit NSDL, UTIITSL, or the Income Tax e-filing website.

  2. Choose the taxpayer type and location.

  3. Observe your Area, AO Type, Range, and AO Number.

Source: NSDL website 

Using the NSDL Website to Find AO Code

  1. Visit NSDL's e-Gov PAN AO search.

  2. Choose a state and city.

  3. Choose the taxpayer category (individual, company, etc.).

  4. A list of AO codes, along with area code, type, range, and AO number, will be shown.

  5. Check descriptions to discover your Ward/Circle.

  6. Observe all four elements for your PAN application .

Using the UTIITSL Website to Find AO Code

  1. Go to UTIITSL's PAN Card Services → "Search for AO Code Details".

  2. Select your category and city.

  3. See shown AO details by area, type, range, and number.

Using the Income Tax e-Filing Portal for AO Code

  1. Log on to the Income Tax e-filing website.

  2. Click "Profile Settings" → "My Profile" → "PAN Card".

  3. See your Area Code, AO Type, Range Code, and AO Number.

Identify Your Jurisdictional AO

  1. On the Income Tax portal, select "Know Your AO".

  2. Fill in your PAN and registered mobile number.

  3. Enter OTP and authenticate.

  4. Review your jurisdictional AO information, including address and contact details.

Source: Indiafilings

Process to Change PAN Card AO Code

  1. Search desired AO Code according to your new address.

  2. Proceed to the Income Tax Department portal.

  3. Navigate to "PAN" → "Change in AO Code".

  4. Submit the current PAN and the sought AO Code changes.

  5. Attach supporting proof of the new address.

  6. Monitor approval; updated AO shows up in jurisdiction details

Source: India filings, Livemint

AO Codes for Major Cities

Below are sample AO Codes for India’s major cities:

City

Area Code

AO Type

Range Code

AO Number

Mumbai

MUM

W

72

1

Delhi

DEL

C

76

2

Bengaluru

BLR

B

51

4

Hyderabad

HYD

P

34

1

Kolkata

KOL

W

60

3

Source: Economic Times

How AO Codes Are Assigned to PAN Cards?

The AO Codes are assigned methodically based on the location of the applicant and the type of taxpayer. The code allows tax members to properly match filings and notices by connecting PAN holders to the associated Assessing Officer.

Key Assignment Criteria:

  • Area Code: Obtained from the applicant's city or area, eg, "DEL" for Delhi or "MUM" for Mumbai.

  • AO Type: Specifies the type of taxpayer individual, company, NRI, or defense personnel, to ensure the relevant tax provisions are applied.

  • Range Code: Allocated based on the ward, circle or income range of the residential or business address.

  • AO Number: A numeric code assigned by NSDL or Protean to identify each Assessing Officer uniquely.

  • Jurisdiction Basis: Individuals are allocated as per their residential address, and businesses are allocated based on their registered office address.

  • Taxpayer Classification: Provides that PAN holders are taxed under proper compliance guidelines and overseen by the appropriate tax authority.

These coded attributes allow the Income Tax filing to easily profile the PAN holders to jurisdiction and prevent re-filing of the same and facilitate managing compliance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Bajaj Broking Financial Services Ltd. (BFSL) makes no recommendations to buy or sell securities.

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