How to register for a PAN online with the IRD
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is your tax identity in Nepal, needed for salaried jobs, business and many official transactions. This guide shows how to apply free on the IRD taxpayer portal and what documents you need.
A PAN — Permanent Account Number — is the unique number the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issues to identify a taxpayer in Nepal. You need one for salaried employment, for running a business, and for many official and financial dealings.
The good news: registering for a PAN is free. The IRD charges no fee for PAN registration, whether personal or business, online or offline. If anyone asks you to pay the government for the PAN itself, be cautious — only an agent's optional service fee (if you choose to use one) would apply.
You can start the process online through the IRD's official taxpayer portal. This guide explains who needs a PAN, what to prepare, and the general steps to register, ending with collecting your PAN card. Always rely on the official site, ird.gov.np, rather than look-alike pages.
Who needs a PAN — and which type
Most working adults will need a PAN at some point. There is a personal PAN for individuals (commonly required when you take a salaried job) and a business PAN for those operating a firm or company.
Note that PAN and VAT are different registrations. VAT (Value Added Tax) registration is a separate, additional step required once your business crosses the threshold or for certain activities. This guide focuses on getting your PAN.
- Personal PAN — for individuals, e.g. for salaried employment
- Business PAN — for proprietors, firms and companies
- VAT is registered separately when your business is required to
- PAN is used for tax filing, banking, contracts and official transactions
Documents and details to prepare
Having your documents ready before you start makes the online form quick. Requirements can vary slightly by office and PAN type, so check the portal's current list, but commonly you will need the following.
- Your citizenship certificate (and details from it)
- A passport-size photo (digital copy for upload)
- Your mobile number and an email address for OTP/verification
- For a business: business registration details and address
- Accurate personal details exactly matching your citizenship
Register on the IRD taxpayer portal
Start from the official IRD website and use the Taxpayer Portal. Take your time entering details accurately, because corrections later are harder than getting it right the first time.
- Go to ird.gov.np and open the 'Taxpayer Portal'
- Choose 'Registration for (PAN, VAT, EXCISE)', then 'Application for Registration'
- Fill in the application form with your personal/business details
- Upload the required documents and photo
- Submit the application and note the submission/reference number
Verification and collecting your PAN
After you submit online, the application is processed by the relevant Inland Revenue Office (IRO) / taxpayer service office. There is usually a verification step before your PAN is issued.
- Submit/forward your application to your designated tax office as the portal directs
- Visit the office for verification with your original documents if required
- Once approved, your PAN is registered and you receive your PAN certificate/card
- Keep your PAN number and login details safe — you will reuse them for tax filing
After you have a PAN
Your PAN comes with responsibilities. If you are salaried, your employer normally handles tax deducted at source (TDS), but you should still understand your obligations. If you run a business, you will file returns and may need VAT registration.
You can check whether a PAN is genuine using the official PAN search on the IRD site (ird.gov.np/pan-search), which is the authorised government tool for PAN verification. Keep your PAN details private and only share them where legitimately required.
Key takeaways
- ✓A PAN is your tax identity in Nepal, issued by the IRD and needed for jobs, business and official dealings.
- ✓PAN registration is free — the IRD charges no fee for personal or business PAN.
- ✓Apply online via the official Taxpayer Portal at ird.gov.np, then complete any verification at your tax office.
- ✓PAN and VAT are separate; VAT is an additional registration when your business requires it.
- ✓Verify any PAN using the official PAN search at ird.gov.np/pan-search.
How to Register for a PAN Online in Nepal (IRD) — Free Step-by-Step — FAQ
How much does a PAN cost in Nepal?+
The PAN itself is free — the Inland Revenue Department does not charge for registration, whether personal or business, online or offline. You would only pay if you voluntarily hire an agent for help, which is optional.
Can I get my PAN fully online?+
You can complete the application online through the IRD Taxpayer Portal, but you often need to complete a verification step at your designated tax office with original documents before the PAN is issued. Check the current portal instructions for your case.
What is the difference between PAN and VAT?+
PAN identifies you as a taxpayer and is widely required. VAT (Value Added Tax) is a separate registration needed only when a business crosses the required threshold or undertakes certain activities. You can have a PAN without being VAT-registered.
How do I check if a PAN is real?+
Use the official PAN search at ird.gov.np/pan-search. It is the authorised government platform for verifying a PAN in Nepal; avoid third-party sites that imitate it.
Sources & data note
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