PAN Card for Companies

What is a PAN Card for a Company?

A PAN Card for a company is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identification issued by the Income Tax Department. It is necessary for all financial and taxation-related activities, such as filing tax returns, opening a bank account, and entering into financial transactions.

Updated On - 05 Sep 2025
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Who Needs a Company PAN Card?

A PAN Card is mandatory for all companies in India. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in 2017 introduced the SPICe+ form, a facility to apply for a PAN Card along with the registration of the company. Through this form, the corporate applicant can apply for both PAN and TAN.

All domestic companies must apply for PAN through the SPICe+ form through the MCA portal. Some exceptions to this are domestic companies registered before 1 February 2017, but PAN has not been applied, and domestic companies registered after 1 February, and where PAN has not been applied through the SPICe+. 

Indian Companies: Any company registered under the Companies Act of 2013 or earlier needs a PAN Card. Any corporate body or artificial judicial body doing business in India must have a PAN Card. The list includes: 

  1. Partnership firms 
  1. Body of individuals 
  1. Limited liability partnership (LLP) 
  1. Hindu Undivided Family 
  1. Limited Companies 
  1. Incorporations 
  1. Associations 
  1. Trusts 
  1. Private Firms 

Foreign Companies: A PAN Card is required for foreign companies operating or earning income in India. Foreign companies can apply for PAN through the NSDL website. 

Apply for Company Pan Card

Documents Required for PAN Card for Company

PAN Card for an Indian Company

Indian companies applying for a PAN Card have to submit the following documents along with the application form:

  1. Certificate of Incorporation registration issued by the Registrar of Companies.
  1. Company Seal and Stamp. 
  1. Address Proof: Utility bills, bank statements, or any other official document.
  1. Authorized Signatory Proof: ID proof and address proof of the company's authorized representative (e.g., Director).
  1. No Objection certificate from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for domestic companies established after 1 February 2017.
  2. Company PAN Application Form 49A.

PAN Card for a Foreign Company

In the case of foreign companies applying for a PAN Card, the following supporting documents are to be submitted.

Submit any one of the following as ID and address proof:

In the case of foreign companies applying for a PAN Card, the following supporting documents are to be submitted. 

Submit any one of the following as ID and address proof:

  1. Copy of a Certificate of Registration issued in the applicant's country and duly attested by a "Apostille" or by the Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate there, or by a representative of an overseas branch of a Scheduled Bank with Indian registration. 
  1. Copy of registration certificate issued in India of approval to set up office in India by Indian authorities. 
  1. PAN Application Form 49AA 

In order to pay the Income Tax Department the fee for the issuance of the PAN Card, you as the applicant will need a bank draft. The amount due must be paid in INR (Indian Rupees). For this reason, you can purchase a foreign currency draft made out to Pan or UTIITSL, Protean eGov Technologies Limited. Mumbai will be the destination of this draft. 

How to Get Apostille Company Documents for a PAN Card?

All documentation filed as a foreign corporation requesting a PAN Card must be apostilled. Any nation that took part in the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents accepts an apostille as proof of authenticity for documents. There won't be a requirement for permission if your nation has ratified the agreement and engaged in it, as India is also a signatory.

For apostille, the copies of your documents can be sent to the following offices:

Country

Office

UK

The Legalization Office

The Foreign and Commonwealth office

USA

Secretary of State Office

For other countries, you will need to contact your broker or agent for more information on the process.

How to Apply for a Company PAN Card?

Online Application Process For Company PAN Card

Applying for a PAN Card for a company can be done in a few quick steps, as outlined below:

Step 1 - Fill in the application form on the NSDL website . Select Form 49A  (for Indian companies) or Form 49AA (for foreign companies)  from the drop-down menu.

Step 2 - Select 'Firm' from the 'Application Type' and fill in details such as company name, date of incorporation, etc.

Step 3 - Include the company's registration number, financial information, and mailing address. 

Step 4 - Fill in the Assessing Officer (AO) Code (you can find the code on the 'AO Code Search for PAN' page on the NSDL website.

Step 5 - Upload copies of the required documentation and pay the requisite fee.

Step 6 - You will receive an acknowledgment number, which can be used to track the status of your PAN application.

Step 7 - Send the signed acknowledgment form within 15 days of filling in the online application to the NSDL office mentioned below:

Income Tax PAN Services Unit,

Protean eGov Technologies Limited,

5th Floor, Mantri Sterling,

Plot No.341, Survey No.997,8,

Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk.

Pune- 411016

Offline Application Process For Company PAN Card

Step 1 - Download Form 49A or 49AA from the NSDL/UTIITSL website.

Step 2 - Fill out the form and attach the necessary documents.

Step 3 - Submit the form to the nearest PAN facilitation center.

Step 4 - Pay the fee and retain the receipt for tracking the application.

Tips on PAN Card for Companies

  1. Read the instructions on the form and ensure all supporting documents are included when the application is sent.
  2. The form should be filled in block letters with a black pen in case of offline forms.
  3. The form should be signed by the CEO only, or the authorized signatory of the firm.
  4. The PAN Department has a customer care service which can be reached for information and queries.
  5. Depending on whether the company is Indian or a foreign one, the method of paying the fee would differ.

Fees for PAN Card for Company Application

There are fees for applying for PAN cards for a company. The fees vary depending on the method of application. The table below shows the fees for different modes of application and their dispatch. 

Method of Application Submission

Method of Delivery of PAN Card

Fees (GST included) 

PAN application submitted offline or online through physical mode

Delivery of physical PAN Card in India

Rs.107

Delivery of physical PAN Card outside India

Rs.1,017

PAN application submitted online through paperless mode

Delivery of physical PAN Card in India

Rs.101

Delivery of physical PAN Card outside India

Rs.1,011

To receive e-PAN Cards through email, the fee is Rs.72 for online or offline using physical mode, and Rs.66 for applications submitted through paperless mode. 

Why Does Your Company Need a PAN Card?

Some of the reasons why getting a PAN Card is important are listed below.

  1. It serves as a reference number for the Income Tax Department to track your financial transactions. You will be required to quote your PAN on your transactions and your income tax document.
  2. Even if you are not eligible to pay taxes, it is mandatory to have one if you are earning money.
  3. Companies must pay tax for operations conducted within the nation, regardless of whether they are registered there or outside. The government will withhold tax at the maximum rate in the absence of the PAN.
  4. Your PAN will help you get invoices paid, remittances, and during income tax returns.
  5. Just like individuals, companies are required to provide their Tax Registration Number (TRN) to whomever is paying them. A TRN can be obtained only when the company has a PAN.
  6. It was made necessary for foreign corporations by Section 206AA, which was changed in 2009 by the Finance Act. All international parties who give or generate payments to a counterpart in India will now be required to provide their PAN. Individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, and other types of entities are all included in this.
  7. A PAN Card is necessary to invest in the company’s name, such as stocks, mutual funds, etc. 
  8. A PAN Card is needed to participate in government projects such as contracts and tenders. 
  9. In the absence of the PAN, the government will charge withholding tax which can be at the rate of more than 30% of the total invoiced payment.

Benefits of a Company PAN Card 

Having PAN for companies can be beneficial in multiple ways.  As an essential document of financial transactions, it is crucial to have a PAN Card for any business. First of all, having a PAN Card helps the Income Tax Department to track all financial transactions. Financial transparency is necessary, and it is equally important to comply with the rules and regulations of the Income Tax Department.

If a company doesn't have a PAN Card, it can lead to higher rates of tax. With a PAN Card, it is easier to claim tax benefits, file tax returns, and claim tax incentives. 

Points to Consider for Company PAN Card Application

There are many things to pay attention to when applying for a company PAN card. They include: 

  1. Failure to meet legal requirements: It is important to understand all the legal obligations of your company, and if there are any issues, they need to be resolved before applying. The eligibility criteria should also be carefully considered. 
  1. Incorrect information: Providing incorrect information could lead to complications and delays in getting a company PAN. So, it is vital to verify the accuracy of all details that will be furnished. 
  1. Address Discrepancies: In case of address changes, it is mandatory to update it before applying so it matches the one in the official government records. 

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FAQs on PAN Card for Companies

  • How do I obtain a physical copy of my PAN Card?

    Upon successful registration, the actual copy of your PAN Card will be prepared and sent to the provided address. The email address provided on the PAN application form will receive the electronic PAN Card in PDF format.

  • What is the cost of a PAN Card?

    The charge for candidates who live in India is INR 110, which includes processing expenses of INR 93 and GST of 18%. The government levies a fee of ₹864 on citizens who reside outside of the nation (exclusive of Goods and Services Tax). 

  • Why is a PAN Card necessary?

    PAN Card is required for a company to operate in India.

  • Is a PAN required for business GST registration?

    Yes, the PAN Card and the Aadhaar card are crucial documents for the Indian GST registration process.

  • How can unlisted corporations obtain company PAN Cards?

    In India, a company PAN Card is required for each and every business. Unlisted corporations can obtain their PANs in one of two ways: by utilizing their GSTINs (Goods and Service Tax registration numbers), or by visiting the Income Tax India e-filing website.

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