What is AO Code in PAN Card?

When applying for a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card in India, one crucial detail required is the AO Code. This code helps assign your application to the correct tax jurisdiction under the Income Tax Department.

Earlier, the AO Code was primarily handled internally by tax officials or intermediaries. But now, applicants need to select the right AO Code themselves during the online PAN application process. Understanding what it is and how to find it ensures your PAN is issued and managed correctly.

AO Code Meaning

AO Code stands for Assessing Officer Code. It is a combination of identifiers that determine your:

• Geographical region

• Type of taxpayer

• Income range

• Assigned Income Tax Officer

AO code in PAN card plays a vital role in assigning your case to the right tax authority based on your occupation and location.

What is AO Code?

The AO Code is made up of four components:

1. Area Code – Identifies your city or locality

2. AO Type – Type of applicant (Individual, Company, Government, etc.)

3. Range Code – Denotes a specific income range or sub-region

4. AO Number – A unique number assigned to the Assessing Officer

For example, an AO Code like DEL W 66 3 means:

• DEL – Delhi (Area)

• W – Individual (Type)

• 66 – Range code

• 3 – AO number

This code determines which Income Tax Office handles your file and notices, if any.

How to Find Your AO Code in PAN Card Online (Step-by-step)

Finding your AO Code is easy with official tools provided by the Income Tax Department. You can search based on your location, income type, and application category.

Option 1: NSDL AO Code Search

1. Go to the official NSDL AO Code Search page.

2. Choose your State and City.

3. Select your PAN category (e.g., Individual, Company, HUF, etc.).

4. Browse the list and pick the AO Code that matches your address and profession.

Option 2: UTIITSL AO Code Directory

1. Visit the UTIITSL AO Code Directory.

2. Choose your State/UT and City/Location.

3. View all AO Codes relevant to your region.

4. Select the one based on your income type and residence.

Tip: If you’re a salaried individual, use your residential address - not office location - to find your AO Code. For self-employed or business owners, base it on your business address.

List of AO Code Examples (Major Cities)

Here are some sample AO codes for popular Indian cities:

These are sample entries. For the complete and updated list, always use the official search portals:

• NSDL AO Search

• UTIITSL AO Directory

Conclusion

The AO Code is a small but essential part of your PAN application process. It links your PAN with the correct Income Tax Officer based on your location and profile. Whether you're a salaried employee, business owner, or freelancer, choosing the correct AO Code ensures smoother tax communication and assessment.

Use the official tools to find your AO Code in PAN card accurately, and double-check the category and jurisdiction before submission.