Error Name Entered is Not as per PAN. Please Retry

This is a very common issue, and it’s often due to small discrepancies, formatting differences, or outdated information.

Common Causes of the Mismatch

Order of Names:
- The most frequent cause is the incorrect order of your First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name/Surname. The e-filing portal is very strict about this.
Initials vs. Full Name:
- Your name on the PAN card might use initials, while the name in the PAN database might be the full name, and vice versa.
Spelling Mistakes:
- Even a single letter typo can trigger this error.
Spaces and Formatting:
- Extra spaces, hyphens, or a different use of titles (like Dr., Shri, Smt.) can cause a mismatch.
Outdated Name:
- If you have legally changed your name (e.g., after marriage), your PAN and e-filing portal records might not be updated.
Technical Glitch:
- On a day with high traffic like today, September 15, 2025 (ITR filing deadline), the system may experience temporary glitches that cause this error even if the name is correct.

Follow these steps in order to resolve the issue:

Before you do anything else, you need to find out what your name is on the Income Tax Department’s database.

Check the 5th Character of Your PAN:
- The fifth letter of your PAN is the first letter of your surname. This can be a useful clue, especially if you have a compound or multi-word name. For example, if your name is “Satyam Rao” but your PAN’s 5th character is ‘R’, it means “Rao” is your surname. If it’s ‘S’, then “Satyam” is your surname.
Use the “Validate Your PAN” Service:
- While the Income Tax portal doesn’t show your full name, you can use the “Validate Your PAN” service on the e-filing website to confirm if your PAN, full name, and date of birth are valid. This can help you pinpoint which detail is causing the problem.

If you’ve identified a discrepancy, you may be able to fix it directly on the e-filing portal’s profile.

Login to the e-filing portal.
Go to “My Profile” (usually available on the top-right corner of the dashboard after logging in).
Click the “Edit” button in the “Personal Details” section.
Carefully enter your name exactly as it appears in the PAN database, paying close attention to the order of names, initials, and any suffixes.
Click “Save.”

Note: For some details, the portal may redirect you to the PAN issuing authority’s website to make the change first.

If the name on your PAN card is incorrect, you need to change it at the source first. The e-filing portal will then sync with the updated PAN data.

Visit the official website of the PAN issuing authority: You can do this through the Protean e-Gov Technologies (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL website.
Select the “Change/Correction in existing PAN Data” option.
Fill in the online application form with the correct details.
You will be required to upload valid supporting documents, such as your Aadhaar card, passport, or a marriage certificate for a name change.
Pay the applicable fee.
Submit the form. You will receive an acknowledgment number to track the status of your application.

Once the name is corrected in the PAN database, it will automatically reflect on the Income Tax e-filing portal, which should resolve the error.

Given that today is the deadline, if the issue is a minor glitch, you can try these immediate fixes:

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: This can fix many temporary login issues.
Try a different browser or Incognito mode: This helps rule out browser-specific problems.
Wait and Try Again: The servers are likely overloaded. Waiting a few minutes or trying during off-peak hours (very early morning or late at night) can make a difference.
Take Screenshots: If you are unable to file due to this error, take screenshots of the error message. This can serve as proof that you attempted to file on time, which may be helpful if you have to apply for a condonation of delay.