The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is an all-India centralized number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is a 10-digit code that is unique to all persons as per the definition of law. Individuals, partnerships, AOPs and private and public limited companies all have a unique PAN number allotted to them. This unique PAN is to be used when you file your returns annually and also to be used when making most high value transactions. Today, any economic activity from saving, investment, and borrowing require you to have a PAN card. Getting a PAN card is very easy and one can fill up Form 49A from the Income Tax department website and submit it online with documents. Self Attested copies of the documents need to be sent to the NSDL in Pune and the PAN card processing is done accordingly. Let us look at what is PAN card and understand the PAN Card details. Let us also look at the documents required for PAN card.
Documents required for applying for a PAN card
Like all other government issued proofs, PAN too requires applicants to submit a certain set of documents for identification purposes. Application for PAN can be made either online or offline. There are two kinds of application forms available for the same. One is form 49A and the other, for foreigners is form 49AA . Also, applications can be made both for new PAN as well as correction or reprint of an existing PAN card. Today if you even want to apply for mutual funds or open a trading account, your PAN card is compulsory. In case you do not have a PAN card, you can apply for a PAN card and submit a copy of Form 49A along with the application. Once you’re PAN card is allocated and issued to you (normally within 10-12 days), you can update with your new PAN number.
Documents required for each type of PAN application are different and can be segregated based on the entities that are applying for it. Let us look into the different sets of documents required by various entities in order to obtain PAN.
Specific documents that individual applicants need to submit with PAN application
For obtaining a PAN care you need to broadly submit proof of your identify and also a proof of your residence in India.
Proof of Identity required to apply for PAN Card by an Individual who is Indian Citizen
Following are the required documents out of which any one can be submitted as identity proof for the purpose of PAN card application:
Copy of voter's identity card issued by the CEO
Ration card with the applicant's photograph. This is not accepted in many cases so always have an alternative.
Copy of passport which is still valid for a minimum period of 6 months as on the date of the application for the PAN card.
Copy of driving license issued by the regional transport office (RTO) with the photograph of the applicant and name mentioned.
Arm's license as issued by the relevant government authority
Copy of Aadhar card issued by Unique Identification Authority of India. Most often, Aadhar is required in the normal course of things and you may have to provide one more such proof.
Photo identity card issued by central government or state government or any other public sector undertaking
Central government health scheme card like the CGHS card with the photograph and signature
Bank certificate containing an attested photograph of the applicant along with bank account number of the applicant
Copy of pensioner card having photograph of the applicant
Certificate of identity in original signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councillor
In case of PAN card application for minors, any of the above documents either for parents or the minor can be submitted as proof of identity. The birth certificate of the minor with the names of the parents is a must in these cases.
The following are admitted as proof of residence for PAN card application:
Passport copy with the address
License copy with the Address
Latest bank statement stamped and signed with the latest address
Landline telephone bill; normally MTNL or BSNL could be insisted
Letter certifying address from employer
Latest Water Bill not more than 3 months old
Latest power Bill not more than 3 months old
All the above documents have to be self attested on a photocopy. In case you are applying online, the photocopies self attested are good enough. In case you are going to the centre personally, then carry the originals of these documents for verification by the official.