PAN Card for Company - Documents and Application Process

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is not just for individuals. Every company or organisation that earns income in India must have one. Without a PAN, businesses cannot file taxes, open bank accounts or conduct many basic financial transactions. In this easy‑to‑read guide we explain what a company PAN card is, who needs it, what documents you need and how to apply for it online or offline. We also cover the benefits of having a company PAN card and answer the most common questions about the process.

What Is a Company PAN Card?

A company PAN card is a ten‑character alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It serves as a unique tax identification number for the company and is used for filing income tax returns, tracking high‑value transactions and complying with government regulations. When a company applies for a PAN, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) issues it along with the Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) through the SPICe+ form, the combined company incorporation form. Even foreign companies earning income in India must obtain a PAN card.

A company PAN card looks similar to an individual PAN card but lists the company’s name, date of incorporation and PAN number. Like an individual’s PAN, it is permanent once issued, the number does not change. The PAN helps the government link all financial activities of the company together. Without a PAN, taxes may be withheld at higher rates and the company may not be able to open a bank account, issue invoices or participate in contracts.

Who Needs a Company PAN Card?

If your business earns income in India, you need a PAN card. According to the MCA guidelines, a PAN card is mandatory for all domestic companies incorporated under the Companies Act and for foreign companies that operate or generate income in India. This requirement applies to many types of business entities, including:

• Companies – both private and public

• Partnership firms

• Association of persons (AOPs)

• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

• Body of individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)

• Trusts and incorporations

• Limited companies and private firms

• Foreign institutional investors and hedge funds

Any business receiving payments in India must quote its PAN on invoices and tax forms; otherwise, the payer may have to withhold tax at the maximum rate. A PAN is also mandatory to get a Tax Registration Number (TRN) and for registering under Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Documents Required for a Company PAN Card

The documents you need depend on whether the company is Indian or foreign. The Income Tax Department has prescribed specific documents to prove the company’s identity, address and date of incorporation. Below is a summary of the required documents.

For Indian Companies

For companies incorporated in India, you must attach the following documents with your PAN application:

1. Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

2. Company seal and stamp (this is affixed on the form).

3. Address proof – usually a utility bill, bank statement or any official document with the company’s registered address.

4. Identity proof of the authorised signatory, such as the director’s PAN card and address proof.

5. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for domestic companies incorporated after 1 February 2017.

6. Form 49A – the prescribed application form for Indian companies.

For Foreign Companies

Foreign companies that carry on business or earn income in India require these documents:

1. Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in the applicant’s home country, attested by an “Apostille” or by the Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate, or by a representative of an overseas branch of a Scheduled Bank registered in India.

2. Copy of registration certificate issued in India by Indian authorities approving the establishment of an office in India.

3. Form 49AA – the application form for foreign companies.

4. Bank draft in Indian Rupees for the PAN application fee, payable to the PAN service provider in Pune.

Additional Requirements (All Companies)

Regardless of company type, you should also provide:

• Identity/address verification of directors or authorised signatories.

• Copy of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

• Copy of the NOC issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, if applicable.

Having all documents self‑attested and organised helps avoid delays.

How to Apply Online for a Company PAN Card

Applying online is fast and convenient. The government has made it possible to file for a company PAN card through Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL portals. Here’s a step‑by‑step guide based largely on the BankBazaar and Credlix instructions:

1. Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website. Choose the option for PAN services and select Form 49A (for Indian companies) or Form 49AA (for foreign companies).

2. Select the application type “Firm/Company”. Fill in the company name, date of incorporation, registration number and other basic details. Provide the authorised signatory’s name, email and phone number.

3. Generate and save the token number. After you submit the basic information, you will receive a token number to resume the application later if needed.

4. Enter additional details. This includes the company’s address, Assessing Officer (AO) code, and details of the authorised signatory. Ensure that the AO code is correct, as it determines the jurisdiction for assessing your tax return.

5. Upload documents. Scan and upload the Certificate of Incorporation, address proof and identity proof of the authorised signatory. For foreign companies, upload apostilled documents as required.

6. Pay the application fee. The fee for a physical PAN card is around ₹107 for delivery within India or ₹101 if you opt only for an e‑PAN. For foreign delivery the fee is higher (around ₹1,017 for a physical card or ₹1,011 for e‑PAN).

7. Receive and print the acknowledgement. An acknowledgement number is generated after payment. Print this form, sign it and send it by post to the NSDL office in Pune within 15 days.

8. Track your application. Use the acknowledgement number to check the status online. Once approved, the PAN card will be delivered to the registered address within about 15 business days.

How to Apply Offline for a Company PAN Card

If you prefer a physical application process, you can apply offline through a PAN service centre. The steps are straightforward:

1. Download or collect Form 49A/49AA. Download the form from the NSDL/UTIITSL website or collect a paper form from a PAN facilitation centre.

2. Fill in the form carefully. Write in block letters using a black pen. Provide the company’s details and tick the relevant boxes for the type of entity. Make sure the authorised signatory’s name matches the documents.

3. Attach supporting documents. Enclose the Certificate of Incorporation, address proof and identity proof of the authorised signatory. Foreign companies should attach apostilled documents.

4. Affix the company seal and signature. Only the company’s CEO or authorised signatory may sign the form.

5. Submit the form and pay the fee. Hand over the completed form and documents at the nearest PAN facilitation centre. Keep the receipt for tracking the application.

6. Track and receive the PAN card. Use the acknowledgement number to monitor your application’s status and expect to receive the card in about 15 working days.

Fees and Processing Time

The cost of obtaining a company PAN card depends on the method of application and where the card will be delivered. According to BankBazaar’s fee table, applying online or offline for a physical PAN card within India costs ₹107 (including GST). If the physical card is delivered outside India, the fee is ₹1,017. For paperless online applications with e‑PAN (sent via email), the fee is around ₹72. Payment can be made via debit/credit card, net banking or demand draft.

After submitting the application and documents, it generally takes about 15 working days to receive the PAN card. During busy periods or if documents need additional verification, the processing time may be longer. Tracking your application online helps ensure there are no delays.

Tips and Guidelines for a Smooth Application

To avoid mistakes and speed up the process, follow these tips drawn from BankBazaar, Credlix and Groww guidelines:

• Read instructions carefully. Always read the guidance notes on the application form. Provide information exactly as it appears in official documents.

• Use block letters for offline forms. Writing in capital letters with a black pen makes the form easier to read.

• Verify AO code and contact details. An incorrect Assessing Officer code or contact number can lead to delays.

• Submit documents within 15 days. If applying online, the signed acknowledgement and supporting documents must reach the NSDL/UTIITSL office within 15 days.

• Only authorised signatories can apply. Only directors or authorised signatories may apply for a company PAN card. Self‑authorise a resolution if required.

• Avoid duplicate PANs. Having more than one PAN for the same entity is illegal and may attract penalties.

Following these guidelines helps ensure your application is processed efficiently and reduces the likelihood of rejection or delays.

Why Does Your Company Need a PAN Card?

Beyond legal compliance, there are many practical reasons to obtain a company PAN card. According to BankBazaar and Credlix, a PAN card allows the Income Tax Department to track your company’s financial transactions and ensures transparency. Here are the main benefits:

• Mandatory for tax filings. All companies must quote their PAN when filing income tax returns or paying taxes. Without a PAN, tax may be withheld at a higher rate (sometimes over 30 %).

• Opening bank accounts. Banks require a PAN to open a company current account or deposit large sums.

• Issuing invoices and remittances. Your PAN must be quoted on invoices and forms used for remittances and bill payments.

• Participating in government tenders and contracts. Government agencies require a PAN to award contracts or make payments.

• Investing in financial products. Companies must provide their PAN when investing in mutual funds, stocksor bonds.

• Obtaining a Tax Registration Number (TRN). Businesses can only get a TRN when they have a PAN. A TRN is essential for GST registration and to avoid high withholding tax on cross‑border payments.

In short, a company PAN card is not just a tax formality; it facilitates day‑to‑day operations, ensures compliance and prevents penalties.

Key Points to Remember

While applying for a PAN card is straightforward, there are a few additional points to keep in mind:

• Legal obligations: Ensure your company meets all legal requirements (such as company registration and other filings) before applying for PAN.

• Correct information: Providing incorrect information or mismatched details can cause delays or rejection. Double‑check spellings, numbers and dates.

• Address consistency: Make sure the address on your application matches the address in government records or registration certificates.

• Apostille and attestation: Foreign companies must provide apostilled or embassy‑certified documents for both identity and address proof.

Tracking and follow‑up: Keep the acknowledgement number and check your application status regularly to avoid missing any follow‑up requests or documentation.