Multiple Applications - There are chances where an individual who applied for a PAN failed to receive it, making him/her reapply for it. Dual applications could lead to multiple PANs being allotted, with the applicant often unaware of this. Patience is advised in case the PAN does not reach an applicant even after a few weeks, as delays are possible and it is better to wait and watch rather than reapply and own multiple cards. In the past, the Income Tax department was issuing PANs, but due to delays this process was outsourced, thereby increasing the possibility of miscommunication in cases of multiple applications. Some individuals might have received a card from the IT department while others could have got it from the agencies who were outsourced with the task.