What Are The Different Types Of PAN Cards Available In India?

PAN (Permanent Account Number) refers to a 10-digit alphanumeric code utilised by the Income Tax Department to identify taxpayers in India. The PAN system effectively identifies all tax-paying entities, including individuals and companies. 

A PAN card is necessary for most monetary transactions above a certain limit. It is also mandatory for filing taxes, receiving tax refunds and registration of businesses. So, it is necessary for both individuals and businesses to apply for a PAN card. 

Depending on the entity, there are different types of PAN cards and the following sections have all the details about the same. 

What Are the Types of PAN Cards in India?

PAN cards can be issued for any entity that is liable to pay taxes, for example, individuals, HUFs, NRIs, companies and institutions. The applicant status is represented by the 4^th digit on the PAN number, which is different for each type of PAN card. 

The following are all the different types of PAN cards and their letters:

• P: for individuals
• B: for Body of Individuals (BOI)
• A: for Association of Persons (AOP)
• H: for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
• C: for companies
• E: for Limited Liability Partnership
• F: for partnership firms
• T: for trusts
• G: for government agencies
• L: for local authority
• J: for artificial judicial person

Let us take the example of a PAN- BHPCA5845D to know what type of PAN card it is. 

The first three numbers are in a sequence from AAA to ZZZ, while the fourth character, C, tells us that it is a PAN for a company. Next, the fifth character A represents the first character of the company’s name. The four numbers after that are in a series from 0001 to 9999, while the last letter is an alphabetic digit check.

PAN Card for Individuals

Applicants who are resident Indians, NRIs or foreigners can apply for this type of PAN card. PAN cards for individuals have the person’s name, photograph, father’s/mother’s name, signature, date of birth, QR code, date of issue and PAN. 

Any resident Indian, including students and minors, can apply for a PAN card by submitting the 49A form. Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can apply for a PAN card by filling out form 49AA.

To get a PAN card for individuals, you will have to furnish valid proofs of identity, address and date of birth. Minors and students can also apply for a PAN card, especially when they are nominated for an investment/property. 

PAN Card for Non-individuals

Entities like companies, firms and LLPs cannot register their business in India without a PAN card. In addition, companies registered outside the country will need a PAN card if they are liable to pay taxes here. 

PAN cards for businesses do not have any photographs, person’s name, date of birth, father’s/mother’s name or signature. They have the organisation’s name in place of the cardholder’s name and the entity’s incorporation date instead of DOB. 

Indian companies, partnership firms, NGOs, local bodies, trusts etc., need to file form 49A while foreign entities need to file the form 49AA.

Who Needs to Get a PAN Card in India?

Here is a list of entities that must have a PAN card under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act. 

• Any individual whose overall annual income is more than the amount exempted from tax
• A business organisation, irrespective of whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLP, partnership firm, etc.
• Anyone who intends to carry out financial transactions that require them to quote PAN
• Any person whose business/profession has a turnover of more than Rs. 5 lakh annually
• A charitable trust liable to pay returns
• Non-individuals whose total value of financial transactions in a fiscal year exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs
• Anyone who wants to open an account with a bank or NBFC (other than a basic savings account or time deposit)

Also read – What Is The Eligibility Criteria To Apply For A Pan Card?

Documents Required to Apply for PAN Card

Depending on the type of applicants, the following documents are required to apply for a PAN card.

Individuals

ID proof (voter ID, Aadhaar card) and address proof (utility bills, voter ID, bank account statement, etc.)

Applicants who are not Indian citizens

Indian passport, copy of OCI, PIO issued by the Indian government, bank statement from the country of residence, NRE bank statement, copy of VISA issued by an Indian company (for address proof)

Hindu Undivided Family

Affidavit issued by the HUF’s Karta stating coparcener’s name, address, and father’s name; valid proofs with regard to age, identity and address for individual PAN

Association of Persons

Registration certificate number issued by the Registrar of Co-operative Societies, government-issued IDs

Companies

Copy of registration certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies

Firms and LLPs

Copy of partnership deed and registration certificate 

Trusts formed/registered in India

Copy of registration certificate issued by the Charity Commissioner

Also read – Know Everything About The Documents Required To Apply For A PAN Card

Final Word

Any tax paying entity in India, including NRIs, foreigners, companies, trusts or NGOs, needs to have a PAN card. It serves as proof of identity and allows you to perform high-value transactions. Furthermore, this document allows you to file taxes and receive tax refunds. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the documents that I need to submit while applying for a PAN card for my business? 

You will need to submit the following documents while applying for a PAN card for your business organisation:

• Business registration certificate or certificate of incorporation
• Bank account statement bearing the entity’s name and full address

What can I do if my PAN has incorrect information?

Follow these steps to correct your PAN card’s information.

Step 1

Click on ‘Apply Online’ on NSDL/UTIITSL’s webpage.

Step 2

Select ‘Application Type’ and click on ‘Changes or Correction in the Existing PAN Card’

Step 3

Fill in the correct information, upload necessary documents and complete payment.

How does the instant PAN facility work?

An applicant who has an Aadhaar card and a mobile number that is registered with UIDAI can apply for an instant PAN using the Aadhaar number. To get a PAN, go to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal and enter your Aadhaar number, OTP and e-mail address.

Do I need to link my Aadhaar with PAN?

Yes, it is compulsory for individuals to link their Aadhaar with PAN. If they fail to link both these documents, they won’t be able to file income tax returns. Moreover, they will not be able to carry out a banking transaction worth over Rs. 50,000. 

 Where can I apply for a PAN card in India?

UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) and National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) have PAN Services Centres in all major Indian cities. You can also apply for PAN online via the websites of NSDL and UTIITSL. 

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