PAN stands for Permanent Account Number. It is a ten-digit unique alphanumeric number which is issued by the Income Tax Department.
A permanent Account Number is issued in the form of a laminated plastic card, commonly known as a PAN card.
A PAN Card enables the department to link all the transactions of the assessee with the department. These transactions include TDS/TCS credits, tax payments, returns of income, specified transactions, correspondence, etc. It also facilitates the easy retrieval of information of an assessee and comparing of various investments, borrowings and also other business activities of the assessee.