PAN is the foundational identity document for all tax and financial transactions in India. Without PAN, you cannot file income tax returns, register for GST, open a bank account above a basic savings account, or incorporate a company. For Pune residents and businesses, PAN registration is the first compliance step - and from April 2026, the process requires more documentation than before.
This blog covers everything a Pune individual or business needs to know: how to apply, what documents are required (under both old and new rules), how entities (companies, LLPs, HUFs, trusts) get PAN, and how our local CA team assists through the process.
What Is PAN Registration?
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It serves as the universal identification key for all direct tax transactions and is increasingly used for non-tax purposes (banking, property, high-value purchases).
PAN is issued to: individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), companies, LLPs, partnership firms, trusts, Association of Persons (AOPs), Body of Individuals (BOIs), artificial juridical persons, local authorities, and government agencies. Businesses using PAN registration services (know more) get PAN application and all related compliance handled.
Key Terms You Should Know
Form 49A: PAN application form for Indian citizens, entities, and HUFs. Being replaced by Form 93 from April 2026.
Form 49AA: PAN application for foreign citizens and entities. Being replaced by Form 95 from April 2026.
Form 93 (New): Replaces Form 49A from April 2026. PAN application for Indian citizens and Indian entities.
Form 95 (New): Replaces Form 49AA from April 2026. PAN application for non-residents and foreign entities.
e-PAN: Digital PAN card issued instantly via the Income Tax e-filing portal. Available for individuals with Aadhaar linked to an active mobile number. No physical card - PDF format.
Protean (formerly NSDL eGov): One of the two authorised PAN service providers. Portal: onlineservices.proteantech.in.
UTIITSL: UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited - the other authorised PAN service provider. Portal: pan.utiitsl.com.
TAN: Tax Deduction Account Number. Required for deducting and depositing TDS. Often applied alongside PAN. For companies: allotted during SPICe+ incorporation.
PAN-Aadhaar Linking: Mandatory. PAN must be linked to Aadhaar. Unlinked PAN becomes inoperative (cannot be used for ITR filing, bank transactions, or as ID proof).
Who Needs PAN? The Complete Applicability Matrix
| Applicant Category | PAN Required? | How to Apply | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian individual (resident) | Yes - mandatory for ITR, bank, transactions | Protean / UTIITSL / IT portal (instant e-PAN) | Form 49A (till 31 March 2026) / Form 93 (from April 2026) |
| NRI (Non-Resident Indian) | Yes - if Indian income or investments | Protean / UTIITSL | Form 49A / Form 93 |
| Foreign national / entity | Yes - if Indian income, property, or investment | Protean / UTIITSL | Form 49AA (till March 2026) / Form 95 (from April 2026) |
| Pvt Ltd Company | Yes - allotted automatically during incorporation | MCA SPICe+ (Part B) | No separate form - part of SPICe+ |
| LLP | Yes - allotted during FiLLiP incorporation | MCA FiLLiP | No separate form |
| HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) | Yes - separate PAN for HUF | Protean / UTIITSL | Form 49A / Form 93 |
| Partnership Firm | Yes | Protean / UTIITSL | Form 49A / Form 93 |
| Trust / AOP / BOI | Yes | Protean / UTIITSL | Form 49A / Form 93 |
| Minor (through parent/guardian) | Yes - for investments, bank accounts in minor’s name | Protean / UTIITSL (parent applies) | Form 49A / Form 93 |
For Pune businesses: every entity type needs PAN. Companies and LLPs get it automatically during incorporation. All others must apply separately. For Pvt Ltd registration (know more) including automatic PAN allotment, we handle the complete incorporation.
The April 2026 Rule Change: What’s New
| Parameter | Before April 2026 | From April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Application form (Indian) | Form 49A | Form 93 (new form - to be released by IT Department) |
| Application form (Foreign) | Form 49AA | Form 95 (new form) |
| Aadhaar-only application | Allowed. Aadhaar alone sufficient for e-KYC PAN. | Not allowed. Aadhaar + additional document (DOB proof) required. |
| Additional documents required | Only Aadhaar (for e-KYC mode). Or Aadhaar + ID + address proof (for non-e-KYC). | Aadhaar + mandatory DOB proof (birth certificate, voter ID, passport, driving licence, matriculation certificate, or affidavit). |
| Name on PAN | As entered by applicant. | Must match Aadhaar exactly. Mismatch = PAN deactivation risk. |
| Verification | Aadhaar OTP or document-based. | Stricter verification. Aadhaar OTP + document cross-check. |
Action for Pune residents and businesses: If you need a PAN and have not applied yet, apply before 31 March 2026 using the simpler Aadhaar-only process. After April 2026, you will need additional documents and the new form. For Pune startup registration checklist (know more) including PAN as part of startup setup, see our comprehensive guide.
Documents Required for PAN Application
For Individuals (Indian Residents)
Till 31 March 2026 (current process):
- Aadhaar card (sufficient for e-KYC/OTP-based application - no other document needed)
From 1 April 2026 (new process):
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for e-KYC verification)
- Date of birth proof (mandatory additional document): birth certificate, voter ID, passport, driving licence, matriculation certificate, or affidavit sworn before a magistrate
- Passport-size photograph (for physical PAN card)
For NRIs
- Passport (Indian or foreign) - identity + DOB proof
- Overseas address proof (utility bill, bank statement, or residency certificate)
- Aadhaar (if available) or passport as primary ID
- PIO/OCI card (if applicable)
For IT notice for NRI/foreign companies (know more) where PAN is the foundational requirement, we handle the complete NRI PAN process.
For Companies (Pvt Ltd / Public / OPC)
- PAN allotted automatically during SPICe+ incorporation (no separate application)
- If PAN not received during incorporation (rare): apply via Form 49A / Form 93 with COI, MOA, Board resolution
For LLPs
- PAN allotted during FiLLiP incorporation
- If not received: apply with LLP registration certificate, LLP agreement, partner details
For HUF / Trust / Partnership Firm / AOP
- HUF: Karta’s PAN + Aadhaar, HUF deed, identity/address proof of Karta
- Trust: Trust deed, identity/address proof of managing trustee
- Partnership: Partnership deed (registered), identity/address proof of managing partner
- AOP/BOI: Registration document, identity/address proof of members
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for PAN Online
Method 1: Instant e-PAN (Fastest - Individuals Only)
Step 1: Visit incometax.gov.in. Click ‘Instant e-PAN.’
Step 2: Click ‘Get New e-PAN.’ Enter Aadhaar number.
Step 3: OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked mobile. Enter OTP.
Step 4: Verify pre-filled details (name, DOB from Aadhaar). Confirm.
Step 5: e-PAN issued within minutes. Download PDF.
Fee: Rs 0 (free). Available: only for individuals with Aadhaar linked to active mobile. Note: This method is available till 31 March 2026. After April 2026: may require additional document upload.
Method 2: Protean (NSDL) Portal (All Categories)
Step 1: Visit onlineservices.proteantech.in.
Step 2: Select: New PAN - Indian Citizen (Form 49A) or Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA). From April 2026: Form 93 or Form 95.
Step 3: Select category: Individual, Company, HUF, Firm, Trust, AOP, etc.
Step 4: Fill form: personal/entity details, name (must match Aadhaar), DOB, address, contact.
Step 5: Upload documents (ID proof, address proof, DOB proof, photograph).
Step 6: Select document submission mode: paperless (e-KYC via Aadhaar OTP) or physical (post documents to Protean).
Step 7: Pay fee: Rs 107 (India) / Rs 1,017 (abroad). Online payment.
Step 8: Submit. Receive acknowledgement number. Track status online.
Timeline: 7-15 working days. PAN card dispatched to communication address.
Method 3: UTIITSL Portal
Similar process as Protean. Visit pan.utiitsl.com. Select Form 49A or 49AA. Fill, upload, pay (Rs 107 India / Rs 1,017 abroad), submit.
PAN Fees: Complete Breakdown
| Application Type | Fee (India Delivery) | Fee (Foreign Delivery) |
|---|---|---|
| New PAN - physical card (Protean/UTIITSL) | Rs 107 (incl. GST) | Rs 1,017 (incl. GST) |
| New PAN - e-PAN only (no physical card) | Rs 66-72 (incl. GST) | Not applicable |
| Instant e-PAN (IT portal, Aadhaar-based) | Rs 0 (free) | Not available |
| PAN correction/update | Rs 107 | Rs 1,017 |
| PAN reprint (no changes, new card) | Rs 107 | Rs 1,017 |
| Company PAN (via SPICe+) | Included in MCA incorporation fee | N/A |
| LLP PAN (via FiLLiP) | Included in MCA incorporation fee | N/A |
When Is PAN Mandatory? Transaction Thresholds
| Transaction | PAN Required If |
|---|---|
| Property purchase/sale | Value exceeds Rs 20 lakh (from 2026; earlier Rs 10 lakh) |
| Vehicle purchase | Value exceeds Rs 5 lakh |
| Cash deposit in bank | Exceeds Rs 10 lakh in a financial year (aggregate) |
| Fixed deposit | Exceeds Rs 10 lakh in a financial year (aggregate across all FDs) |
| Hotel/restaurant payment | Single payment exceeds Rs 1 lakh |
| Insurance premium | All new policies (from 2026 - regardless of premium amount) |
| Shares/mutual funds/debentures | Any transaction |
| Opening bank account (other than basic) | Always required |
| Filing income tax return | Always required |
| GST registration | Always required |
PAN-Aadhaar Linking: Mandatory
Status: PAN-Aadhaar linking is mandatory for all PAN holders. Unlinked PAN becomes inoperative - cannot be used for ITR filing, as ID proof, for bank transactions, or for any purpose requiring PAN.
How to link: Visit incometax.gov.in > Link Aadhaar > Enter PAN + Aadhaar > OTP verification > Linked.
Fee for late linking: Rs 1,000 (if linking after the deadline that has passed). The fee is paid via Challan 280 on the IT portal.
After linking: PAN becomes operative within 30 days.
From April 2026: PAN name must match Aadhaar name. If there is a mismatch, update either PAN or Aadhaar before the names diverge further.
PAN Correction and Update
If your PAN has incorrect details (name spelling, DOB, father’s name, address), you can apply for correction:
- Visit Protean or UTIITSL portal > Select ‘Changes or Corrections in existing PAN.’
- Enter PAN number, select fields to correct, upload supporting documents.
- Fee: Rs 107 (India) / Rs 1,017 (abroad).
- Timeline: 7-15 working days.
- Common corrections for Pune clients: name spelling mismatch with Aadhaar, incorrect DOB, change of address after relocation to Pune.
For GST registration (know more) that requires PAN as the base document, PAN corrections must be completed before GST application.
Common Mistakes in PAN Registration
Mistake 1: Name mismatch between PAN and Aadhaar. From April 2026, PAN name will be aligned with Aadhaar. Any mismatch can lead to PAN deactivation. Verify and correct before the deadline.
Mistake 2: Applying for duplicate PAN. Having more than one PAN is illegal under Section 272B of the IT Act. Penalty: Rs 10,000. If you discover a duplicate, surrender it via Form 49A (correction mode) or write to the Assessing Officer.
Mistake 3: Not linking PAN with Aadhaar. Unlinked PAN is inoperative. Cannot file ITR, cannot use for bank/financial transactions. Link immediately and pay Rs 1,000 late fee if applicable.
Mistake 4: Using personal PAN for company/LLP transactions. The company/LLP has its own separate PAN. Business transactions, GST, TDS, and ITR must use the entity PAN, not the director’s personal PAN.
Mistake 5: Not applying for TAN alongside PAN. If the entity will deduct TDS (salary, rent, professional fees), TAN is needed. Apply for TAN simultaneously with PAN to avoid delays in TDS compliance. For tax planning framework (know more) including PAN/TAN as foundational setup, we handle the integrated compliance.
Penalties Related to PAN
| Non-Compliance | Penalty | Legal Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Not obtaining PAN when required | Rs 10,000 | Section 272B IT Act |
| Having more than one PAN | Rs 10,000 | Section 272B IT Act |
| Quoting false PAN | Rs 10,000 | Section 272B IT Act |
| Not quoting PAN in specified transactions | TDS at higher rate (20% or applicable rate, whichever is higher) under Section 206AA | Section 206AA IT Act |
| Inoperative PAN (not linked with Aadhaar) | PAN cannot be used. TDS at higher rate. Cannot file ITR. Cannot use as ID proof. | Section 139AA IT Act |
How Our Pune CA Team Assists With PAN Registration
From our Pune office handling PAN registrations for individuals, startups, MSMEs, and entities:
(1) Document preparation: We verify that all documents match (name spelling, DOB, address) across Aadhaar, PAN application, and other records. Mismatches are resolved before application.
(2) Entity PAN: For companies/LLPs, PAN is handled as part of the incorporation process (SPICe+/FiLLiP). For HUFs, trusts, and partnership firms: we prepare the application with all required documents.
(3) TAN application: Filed alongside PAN for entities that will deduct TDS. Single coordination ensures both are received together.
(4) PAN-Aadhaar linking: We verify linking status for all clients and handle the linking process (including Rs 1,000 late fee payment if applicable).
(5) PAN correction: If existing PAN has errors, we file the correction application with supporting documents.
(6) April 2026 transition: We are preparing all pending PAN applications for submission before 31 March 2026 (simpler process). For applications after April 2026: we will use the new Form 93/95 with additional document requirements.
(7) NRI/foreign entity PAN: We handle the complete process including document attestation, address verification, and Form 49AA/Form 95 filing. For tax planning services (know more) that include PAN as the foundational identity, we manage the complete setup.
Key Takeaways
PAN is mandatory for every individual and entity in India for tax and financial transactions. Three portals: Protean (NSDL), UTIITSL, and IT e-filing portal (instant e-PAN). Fee: Rs 107 (India) / Rs 1,017 (abroad). Companies and LLPs get PAN automatically during incorporation.
From April 2026: Aadhaar-only application ends. Additional DOB proof required. New forms (93/95) replace old forms (49A/49AA). PAN name must match Aadhaar exactly. If you need PAN: apply before 31 March 2026 for the simpler process.
PAN-Aadhaar linking is mandatory. Unlinked PAN is inoperative (cannot be used for anything). Late linking fee: Rs 1,000. Link immediately if not done.
Common PAN issues we resolve for Pune clients: name mismatch with Aadhaar, duplicate PAN surrender, PAN correction, entity PAN for HUF/trust/partnership, TAN application, and NRI PAN.
Our Pune CA team handles: document verification, application filing, entity PAN (company/LLP/HUF/trust), TAN alongside PAN, PAN-Aadhaar linking, correction/update, and April 2026 transition.
Need PAN Registration Assistance in Pune?
Whether you need a new individual PAN, entity PAN for your company or LLP, PAN correction, PAN-Aadhaar linking, or guidance on the April 2026 rule changes - our Pune CA team handles the complete process.
Explore our PAN registration services (know more) and Pvt Ltd registration (know more) for PAN and all registrations across Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, and all-India.
For queries, reach out at +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us directly.
