In India, having a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is essential for all individuals and organisations that make money. Comprising a unique combination of alphabets and numbers, PAN is a 10-digit financial identity card. As per Income Tax Act of 1961, PAN is a mandatory document for financial transactions..
Any firm that is incorporated and conducting business in India must obtain a business PAN card. In case, you run a commercial activity and do not own a Business PAN Card, Apply Now!!
Here in this article, we will explain for business owners how to apply for a business PAN card. Religare not only offers easy to understand information on the PAN application process but also provides PAN services in association with Protean.
What is a business PAN card?
A permanent account number (PAN) issued especially for Indian businesses or entities, other than individuals, is known as a business PAN card. In order to file taxes, open bank accounts, comply with regulatory requirements, claim tax deductions, and carry out other financial operations on behalf of the business entity, business PAN cards are used.
The standard format for PAN cards is ABCFu1234D. The first three letters of the above number, “ABC,” are part of an alphabetic sequence that goes from AAA to ZZZ. The status of the PAN holder is indicated by the fourth character, “T.”
“F” stands for firm, “T” for trust, “H” for HUF, “P” for individual, “C” for company, and so on.The first letter of the PAN holder’s last name is represented by the fifth character, “U.” The following four characters are consecutive numbers from 0001 to 9999. From A to Z, the tenth character, or “D,” is an alphabetic check digit.
Who is eligible for Business PAN Card?
All Indian enterprises are required to have a Business PAN card. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) introduced the SPICe+ form in 2017, which allows applicants to apply for a PAN Card in addition to company registration. All domestic businesses must use the MCA portal’s SPICe+ form to apply for PAN.
There are several exceptions to this rule, such as domestic businesses that were registered prior to February 1, 2017, but for which PAN had not yet been applied, and domestic businesses that were registered after February 1, but for which PAN had not yet been applied through SPICe+.
In case of Indian Companies, a PAN card is required for any business that was registered under the Companies Act of 2013 or earlier. The following are on the list:
- Company
- Partnership firm
- Association of persons
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Body of individuals
- Trust
- Incorporations
- Limited companies
- Private firms
- Associations
- Foreign institutional investors
- Hedge funds
The international businesses, operating or making money in India, must get a PAN card.
How to apply for a Business PAN Card online?
For new incorporations in 2026, the PAN application is mandatory via the MCA SPICe+ form. Here are the Steps to apply for Business PAN card via Religare portal.
1: Go to the “Customer Services” section of the Religare Digital website, then select “PAN Card.”
2: Start your online PAN card application to apply for a PAN card quickly and easily. On the right, you will find the PAN Card Application form.
3: Enter the necessary information, including your name, mobile number, OTP, and PAN card type (either physical or eCard). Choose between a new PAN or a PAN correction, alteration, or reprint.
4: To submit your application, click “Apply now.”
Now your application is redirected to Protean’s PAN application interface.
5: Continue with application. Fill out identity details followed by selection of Form 49A for Indian firms or Form 49AA for foreign enterprises from the drop-down menu.
6: Select ‘Firm’ from the ‘Application Type’ menu and input details such as the firm name and incorporation date.
7: Enter the company’s registration number, mailing address, and financial information.
8: Enter the Assessing Officer (AO) Code, which can be found on the “AO Code Search for PAN” page.
9: Upload copies of the required documentation and pay the required amount.
10: You will receive an acknowledgment number that will let you track the status of your PAN application.
After completing the online application, send the signed acknowledgment form to the Protean office listed below within 15 days.
Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
Protean eGov Technologies Limited,
Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
4th floor, Sapphire Chambers,
Baner Road, Baner,
Pune – 411045
How to apply for a Business PAN Card offline?
Here are the Steps to apply for Business PAN card through PAN facilitation Centre
1: Download Form 49A or 49AA
2: Complete the form and attach the necessary paperwork with it.
3: Send the completed form to the PAN facilitation center that is closest to you.
4: Pay the required fees and keep the receipt so you can follow the application’s progress.
What are the documents required for business PAN card?
The following paperwork must be submitted with the application form by Indian businesses seeking a PAN Card:
- The Registrar of Companies issues the Certificate of Incorporation registration.
- Business stamp and seal.
- Utility bills, bank statements, or any other official document can serve as proof of address.
- Authorised Signatory Proof: The company’s authorized representative’s identification and address (e.g. Director).
- No Objection certificate from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for domestic companies established after 1 February 2017.
- Company PAN Application Form 49A.
What are the benefits of Company Pan Card?
A Company PAN Card is important for eligible businesses because it serves as a unique tax identification number. Key benefits include:
- Tax identification – PAN provides a unique identity to the business for income-tax purposes.
- Filing income-tax returns – Businesses use their PAN for filing income-tax returns and meeting tax compliance requirements.
- Business bank account – A PAN is generally required when opening a bank account in the name of a business entity.
- High-value financial transactions – PAN is required or quoted for certain specified financial transactions, subject to applicable tax rules.
- TDS compliance – Businesses that deduct or collect tax may need PAN for TDS/TCS-related compliance.
- Loan and credit applications – Financial institutions may require the business’s PAN when evaluating business loan or credit applications.
- Business registrations and documentation – PAN is commonly used as an important identifier across various government, financial and regulatory processes.
- Helps establish business identity – For companies, LLPs and other separate legal entities, the entity’s PAN distinguishes the business from the personal PANs of its directors, partners or representatives.
Read also: Benefits of PAN Card for your Financial Journey
Conclusion
Obtaining a PAN card for your business in India is crucial. It, in fact, goes beyond a simple legal requirement to become a crucial element in ensuring financial integrity and tax compliance. It serves as your business’s tax identification, enabling the government to effectively track economic activity. Managing remittances, creating invoices, and completing income tax returns are all made simple with a PAN card. Start your Business Pan Card apply process today.
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FAQs on Company PAN Card
What is a Company PAN Card?
A Business PAN Card is a Permanent Account Number issued by the Income Tax Department to a business entity or organisation. It acts as a unique tax identification number and is used for income-tax compliance and various financial transactions.
Who needs a Business PAN Card in India?
Companies, LLPs, partnership firms, trusts, HUFs, AOPs, BOIs and other eligible non-individual entities formed or incorporated in India may need a PAN. The specific requirement depends on the entity and applicable tax and financial regulations.
Which form is required to apply for a Business PAN Card in 2026?
For fresh applications from 1 April Indian non-individual entities generally use Form under the Income Tax Rules, Form applies to Indian companies and other eligible Indian entities, including LLPs, firms, trusts, HUFs, AOPs and BOIs.
What documents are required for a Business PAN Card?
The documents depend on the type of business entity. Generally, applicants need the prescribed proof of identity, proof of address and proof of incorporation or formation. For example, a company may need its registration or incorporation document, while a partnership firm may need its partnership deed or registration certificate.
How can I apply for a Business PAN Card online?
You can apply online through authorised PAN service providers such as Protean eGov or UTIITSL. Select the appropriate PAN application form, enter the business and authorised representative details, provide the required documents, pay the applicable fee and submit the application.
Can a sole proprietorship apply for a separate Business PAN Card?
A sole proprietorship generally does not receive a separate PAN in the firm’s name. The proprietor’s individual PAN is used for the proprietorship business because the proprietor and the proprietorship are not separate legal entities for PAN purposes. The current Form instructions specifically state that a sole proprietorship concern should apply for PAN in the proprietor’s own name.
Is a Business PAN different from the owner’s or director’s PAN?
Yes. A company, LLP or other eligible separate entity has its own PAN, which is different from the personal PAN of its directors, partners or authorised representatives. The business PAN is used for the entity’s tax and financial transactions.
How much does it cost to apply for a Business PAN Card?
The applicable PAN application fee depends on factors such as the communication address and the application process. Applicants should check the current fee displayed by the authorised PAN service provider before submitting the application, as charges can change.
How can I track my Business PAN Card application?
After submitting the application, you receive an acknowledgement or reference number. You can use this number to track the status of your PAN application through the designated PAN service provider’s online tracking facility.
How long does it take to get a Business PAN Card?
The processing time can vary depending on the completeness of the application, document verification and the mode of application. A PAN is allotted after the application and supporting information are successfully verified. Applicants can track the application using their acknowledgement or reference number.