
A PAN card is one of the most important legal documents required in India. From opening a bank account to purchasing a property, a PAN is needed for every activity involving some kind of financial transaction. If you don’t have it yet, you can easily apply along with a set of PAN card documents to the income tax (IT) department. The PAN card helps the IT department to track all the financial transactions of an individual or an entity.
The primary objective of a PAN card was to prevent tax evasion by assessees. But it is also accepted as valid proof of your identity in case of non-financial transactions such as applying for a passport, driving license, LPG connection, etc. But how do you apply for it? What are the documents required to apply for a PAN card? Read on to know more.
Applying for a PAN Card
Every individual and registered business entity should possess a PAN card. The entire process of PAN application & allotment is managed by the NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited and UTI Infrastructure Technology Services Ltd. You can visit their official websites and apply online for the PAN card. You can also apply offline through your local PAN agent by filling out and submitting the physical application form. A nominal fee is charged for PAN services. After the payment is made, a 15-digit acknowledgment number will be generated. Please note this for future reference.
Documents Required for PAN Application
When you apply for a PAN card online, the application has to be submitted along with a few supporting documents. The set of documents will differ based on the category of the applicant.
For Individual Applicants (Indian Citizens)
The three basic types of documents to be submitted along with the PAN application are related to identity proof, address proof, and age proof.
Documents Related to Identity Proof:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Ration Card with Photo
- Driving License
- Photo ID issued by Government
- Arms License
- An attested certificate, along with the applicant’s photo & bank account number
Documents Related to Address Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID
- Landline/Electricity/Gas Bills
- Bank Account Statements
- Domicile Certificate
- Property Registration Documents
Note: Utility bills and bank account statements have to be the latest (not older than three months) when you apply for a PAN card.
Documents Related to Age Proof
- Birth Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Matriculation Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Affidavit for Date of Birth (signed before a magistrate)
For Non-Resident Indians (NRI)
Even NRIs can apply for a PAN card. Identity proof and address proof documents are required to be submitted along with the PAN card application.
Documents Related to Identity Proof:
- Passport
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card allotted by the Indian Government
- Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by the Indian Government
- Documents such as the Citizenship ID, Taxpayer ID, or National ID that is attested by the Indian Embassy or the Consulate in the applicant’s native country
Documents Related to Address Proof:
The following address-proof documents are required for NRIs to apply for a PAN card online.
- Passport
- OCI/PIO Card issued by the Indian Government
- Registration Certificate issued by the Foreigners Registration Office showing Indian address
- Non-resident bank account statements in India
- Bank statements from the applicant’s country of residence
- Documents such as the Citizenship ID, Taxpayer ID, or National ID that is attested by the Indian Embassy or the Consulate in the applicant’s native country
- Visa granted by the foreign country.
For Business Entities
Proprietorship Firm
A proprietorship firm is not a separate legal entity distinct from the proprietor (individual). So the PAN of the proprietor holds valid for the proprietorship firm also. The proprietor has to submit the following documents to apply for PAN.
- Identity Proof
- Address Proof
- Age Proof
Partnership Firm
To apply for a PAN card online, a partnership firm needs the following documents.
- Copy of the firm’s Partnership Deed
- Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Firms
Company
The documents required for a company to apply for a PAN card are given below.
- A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies (RoC)
- Documents of the company’s registered office as proof of address