What is the process to apply for PAN card?

Permanent Account Number is a ten-digit identification number provided to every individual and entity who is an eligible taxpayer. It is compulsory to have a PAN card if an individual's income falls under the taxable income devised by the government. The PAN card was launched in India with a primary purpose to curtail and prevent tax evasion by the taxpayers. It is done by keeping a record of all the financial transactions of every individual and entity. Importance of PAN card:

1. It is mandatory for filings income tax.2. It is compulsory to submit a PAN card as an identity proof for applying for a loan.3. It is needed while opening a new bank account.4. It assist the government to keep track of payments and transactions.

PAN Card for Resident Individuals:
Resident individuals, Non-resident individuals and undivided Hindu families fall under this category.
Resident individuals and undivided Hindu families have to fill form 49A to apply for this Permanent Identity card.
PAN Card for Foreigners:
Foreigners are required to get the PAN for conducting business India.
They can apply for the form by filling form 49AA form. PAN Card for Foreign Companies:
Foreign companies conducting business in India are required to get the PAN card. They can get the PAN card by filling the form 49AA. PAN Card for Companies:
1. It is mandatory for companies, trusts, partnership and firms registered in India to get PAN Card.
2. Companies can apply for the PAN using NSDL, UTIITSL or MCA portal.
3. Companies are required to fill Form 49A to apply for a PAN card if applying through NSDL or UTIITSL portal.
4. Companies applying through the MCA portal has to fill the common SPICe-INC 32 form. Read more about: What is PAN card and How to apply for a PAN card?

What is PAN card and How to track your PAN application?

PAN is the unique account number of an individual with the Income Tax Department. You can track the application on NSDL or UTI, irrespective of the fact that how did you file the PAN card application.

Steps to track the PAN card application on NSDL are: 
1. Visit the official website of NSDL and go to track applications.
2. Now, choose the type of application as ‘PAN-New/Change Request’.
3. The next step is to enter the acknowledgement number.
4. Follow it up by filling the captcha and clicking on ‘Submit’.

As a result, the window will appear showing you the latest status of your PAN card application.

Track the application through UTI; the steps are: 
1. Visit the website of UTI and open the tracking application option.
2. After that, enter the application number in the given box if you applied for a PAN card first time. Otherwise, enter the PAN number if the application is for change in any information.
3. In the next box, fill in your ‘Date of Birth’.
4. The last step is to fill the captcha and click on submit.

Apart from the above ways, you can also track your PAN card application through a call by calling on 020-27218080, and by sending an SMS ‘NSDL’ followed by the 15 digit acknowledgement number to 57575.
Read more: Step-by-Step Guide to Check PAN Card Status

What are the documents required for PAN?

PAN card or the permanent identity card is a 10 digit alphanumeric provided by the income tax department. It helps the authorities to keep track of all the payments made by the individual. PAN number is laminated in a card with the additional info like name, address, DOB, and the card is known as PAN card. An applicant needs to provide proof of identity, proof of residence and date of birth certificate to apply for the PAN card.

Hindu undivided family and individuals are required to provide any documents like voters Identity card, Aadhar card, Passport, Ration card, Driving License Photo Identity card which is issued by the central government and state governments​ like a job card, Central government health scheme card and Pensioner card as for identity proof. 

Documents for proof of residence are Domicile certificate allotted by the government, Driving license and Allotment letter of accommodation issued by Central or State Government of not more than three years old Property.

Further Documents which can act as Proof of Date of Birth are Birth certificate, Matriculation certificate from a recognized board, Aadhaar Card, Driving license and Passbook of Post office account containing the applicant’s address.

Companies are required to provide a different set of documents to apply for the PAN card. 

1. A company is required to provide the Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies for applying for the PAN card.

2. Partnership firms need a copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Firms or Copy of partnership deed is required for applying for the PAN card. 

3. Limited liability partnerships are obliged to provide the Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar. Read more: Know the process for Applying a PAN Card?