PAN Card – What is PAN, Documents, Eligibility, and How to Apply for PAN Card

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric number issued for taxpayer identification in the form of a laminated card. PAN has to be mentioned in all communications with the Income-tax Dept. and in specified financial transactions which exceed the threshold limit. Aadhaar can also be used instead of PAN, effective September 1, 2019.

2. PAN Number Format

  1. Your full name.
  2. Your father’s name.
  3. A 10-digit code with letters and numbers that is your permanent account number (PAN).
  4. Your signature.
  5. Your date of birth.
  6. Your photograph.
  7. A hologram with the Government of India emblem and the Income Tax Department’s tag.

3. Details Included in PAN Card

PAN cards are used for identification and age proof, following Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. Here are the details found on a PAN card:

Here are the different entities, along with their corresponding characters:

The fifth letter in the PAN represents the initial letter of the individual’s surname.

The other letters and characters after that are random. The first four characters are numbers, and the last is a letter.

The PAN card also includes the individual’s signature, which is needed for financial transactions.

It has the person’s photograph as visual identification proof. However, corporations and firms have no photograph on the card.

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4. Types of PAN Cards

Since PAN Cards are available for individuals and entities, you need to use different variants of Form 49 issued by the Government to apply for different types of PAN Cards. Here are the various types of PAN Cards and the corresponding Forms used to apply for them.

4.1 PAN Card for Individuals

The most common type of PAN Card is for individuals. To get this card, you must apply using Form 49A, available online on NSDL and UTIITSL websites. It’s not just for adults; even minors and students who are resident Indians can apply for this PAN card.

4.2 PAN Card for Non-Resident Individuals or Persons of Indian Origin

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) can get a PAN Card for tax purposes in India. They also need to fill out Form 49A to apply for this card.

4.3 PAN Card for Foreign Entities Paying Tax in India

Foreign firms or corporates registered outside India but paying taxes in India because of their business operations here can also get a PAN Card. To apply for this card, they must complete and submit Form 49AA as part of the application process.

4.4 PAN Card for OCI and NRE

In an exclusive twist, even Overseas Citizens of India and Non-Resident Entities can seek a PAN Card. To embark on this endeavour, they must engage with the distinguished Form 49AA, tailored precisely for their exceptional requirements.

4.5 PAN Card for Indian Companies

Companies and corporate entities registered and operational in India can apply for a PAN Card to facilitate financial and tax-related transactions.

5. What are the benefits of a PAN Card?

Apart from widely recognized identity proofs like the Aadhaar card and Voter ID, the PAN card is important in various procedures. It is mandatory for several essential tasks, including but not limited to:

  1. Filing Income Tax returns, where a PAN card is crucial.
  2. Avoid higher TDS deductions on interest income by providing your PAN to financial institutions.
  3. Linking your bank account to PAN for claiming tax refunds in case of excessive TDS deductions.
  4. Opening a new bank account requires a PAN card as mandatory identity proof.
  5. For transactions involving immovable assets (property and car) worth more than Rs. 10 lakhs.
  6. Financial transactions exceeding Rs. 50,000 necessitate submitting PAN details.
  7. When investing in mutual funds, bonds, or stocks, obtaining a PAN card is essential.
  8. A PAN card is indispensable for daily cash deposits exceeding Rs. 50,000.
  9. Payment of life insurance premiums exceeding Rs. 50,000 in a financial year.

These scenarios highlight the benefits of possessing a PAN card for taxpayers. However, its significance extends even further, benefiting the Income Tax authorities in several ways:

  1. Maintaining comprehensive records of individuals’ financial transactions and tax liabilities to strengthen the system.
  2. Facilitating more accurate tax rate determination based on individuals’ income.
  3. Assisting in precise calculations of total tax revenue earned by the country.
  4. Suppose individuals require a PAN card for activities where it is necessary. In that case, they can declare their unavailability in Form No. 60. However, it is essential to apply for a PAN card promptly and ensure eligibility before doing so.

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6. Documents Required for a PAN Card

When applying for a PAN Card (using Form 49A or Form 49AA), certain essential documents need to be submitted for verification. The required documents vary depending on the applicant type. Below are the key documents needed for different entities applying for a PAN card:

A. Individual Applicant:

(i) Identity Proof (Copy of any one):