The eligibility for obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) covers a wide range of individuals and entities involved in financial or taxable activities in India. The following categories are eligible to apply:

• Individuals: All Indian citizens, regardless of age or occupation. Even minors are eligible with parents or legal guardians applying on their behalf.
• Companies: Every company registered in India, irrespective of size or nature of business, must possess a PAN for tax compliance.
• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): NRIs earning income in India or engaging in transactions where quoting a PAN is mandatory.
• Foreign Nationals: Foreign citizens conducting business, investing, or undertaking financial transactions requiring tax identification.
• Partnership Firms and LLPs: All firms operating in India are required to have a PAN for income tax and regulatory filings.
• Trusts and Associations: Societies, clubs, and other non-individual entities carrying out financial or charitable activities.

Obtaining a PAN card ensures seamless financial transactions and full compliance with the regulatory requirements of the Income Tax Department.

A PAN (Permanent Account Number) Card is an indispensable document for individuals and businesses in India, offering numerous financial, legal, and administrative benefits. It plays a key role in ensuring transparency in financial transactions and maintaining compliance with tax regulations.

• Filing Income Tax Returns
  Every taxpayer—whether an individual, company, partnership firm, or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)—must quote their PAN when filing income tax returns. Without a valid PAN, taxpayers may face a flat tax rate of 30%, regardless of their income slab. Thus, PAN ensures proper tax assessment and helps avoid unnecessary penalties.
• Business Registration
  A PAN card is mandatory for registering a business in India, be it a private limited company, partnership, LLP, or HUF. It serves as an official identification number that must be provided during company incorporation or registration with government authorities.
• Financial Transactions
  PAN is required for various high-value and financial dealings to maintain financial transparency and prevent tax evasion. Examples include sale/purchase of property ≥ ₹5 lakh, vehicles, mutual funds/shares/insurance ≥ ₹50,000, bank deposits > ₹50,000, foreign remittance, and foreign travel expenses > ₹25,000.
• Opening a Bank Account
  Banks and financial institutions require PAN details under KYC norms. Whether opening a savings, current, or fixed deposit account, PAN verification is mandatory to authenticate the applicant’s financial identity.
• Utility and Service Connections
  A PAN card is often required when applying for utility services such as post-paid mobile connections, LPG gas, electricity, or broadband. While alternative IDs may sometimes be accepted, PAN offers a more standardized form of verification.

In summary, a PAN card is not just a tax document—it is a vital identity proof that facilitates legal, financial, and business activities across India. It enhances credibility, simplifies compliance, and ensures smoother participation in India’s economic system.

Obtaining a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card requires valid proof of identity, address, and (for individuals) date of birth. The documents accepted vary depending on whether the applicant is an Indian citizen/resident or a foreign citizen/NRI/OCI/PIO. Below are the commonly accepted documents as per Income Tax Department guidelines.

• Indian Citizens – Identity Proof
  Copy of any one of: Aadhaar card, Voter’s ID, Driving license, Passport, Ration card with photo, Arms license, Photo ID card issued by Central/State Govt or PSU, Pensioner card with photo, Central Govt Health Scheme card, Original Identity certificate by MLA/MP/Gazetted Officer/Municipal Councillor, or Original bank certificate on letterhead with attested photo & account number.
• Indian Citizens – Address Proof
  Copy of any one of: Aadhaar card, Voter’s ID, Driving license, Passport, Bank account statement, Post office passbook with address, Depository/credit card statement, Latest property tax assessment order, Utility bills (electricity/water/gas/landline/broadband – not older than 3 months), Property registration document, Domicile certificate, Employer certificate, Govt accommodation allotment letter (not older than 3 years), or Address certificate by MLA/MP/Gazetted Officer/Municipal Councillor.
• Indian Citizens – Date of Birth Proof
  Copy of any one of: Aadhaar card, Voter’s ID, Driving license, Passport, Matriculation certificate/marksheet, Birth certificate, Domicile certificate, Pension payment order, Marriage certificate (issued by Registrar), Central Govt Health Scheme photo card, Affidavit sworn before magistrate stating DOB, or Photo ID card issued by Central/State Govt or PSU.
• Foreign Citizens / NRIs / OCI / PIO – Identity Proof
  Copy of any one of: Passport, OCI card or PIO card issued by Govt of India, or Attested copy of Citizenship Identification Number (CIN) / national / taxpayer identification number – attested by Apostille (Hague Convention countries) or by Indian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India.
• Foreign Citizens / NRIs / OCI / PIO – Address Proof
  Copy of any one of: Passport, OCI/PIO card, Visa + appointment letter / contract from Indian company + employer certificate of Indian address, Residence Certificate in India or Residential permit by State Police Authorities, Bank account statement in country of residence or NRE account statement in India, or Attested copy of CIN / national / taxpayer identification number (attested as above).

All documents should be clear, valid, and self-attested where applicable. For the latest and most accurate requirements (including for companies, firms, trusts etc.), always refer to the official websites of NSDL, UTIITSL, or the Income Tax Department of India.

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card serves as a crucial document for establishing legal identity and providing a standardized photograph for a wide range of purposes. These include essential financial transactions such as obtaining a gas connection, opening a bank account, and conducting various business activities. Beyond its primary function in income tax filings, the PAN card is recognized nationally as a valid proof of identity, making it indispensable for numerous personal and commercial undertakings.

• Filing Income Tax Returns
  PAN is mandatory for individuals and entities to file their income tax returns with the Income Tax Department.
• Opening a Bank Account
  PAN is required for opening new bank accounts in India as per KYC (Know Your Customer) norms.
• Purchasing Jewellery
  PAN is necessary for purchasing jewellery exceeding a certain value, primarily to track high-value transactions and prevent tax evasion.
• Borrowing a Loan
  Financial institutions require PAN for loan applications to verify the applicant’s identity and assess creditworthiness.
• Applying for a New Telephone Connection
  Obtaining a new telephone connection often necessitates providing PAN for identity verification and connection establishment.

Here is the list of some of the additional transactions for which you must have a PAN card: Applying for a new gas connection, Purchasing property, Getting a new debit/credit card, Buying or selling a vehicle, Registering your business, Making investments in securities, Starting a fixed deposit or cash deposit, and Making insurance payments. A well-drafted understanding of PAN importance ensures financial transparency, tax compliance, and smooth participation in India's economic system.

A PAN Card serves as an important proof of identity and age while fulfilling the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. It includes several vital details that uniquely identify the holder:

• Name of the Cardholder
  This is the most prominent information displayed on the card. It shows the individual's full name, or in the case of entities, the registered name of the company or partnership firm.
• Father’s Name
  For individual cardholders, the father’s name is printed below the cardholder’s name as part of identity verification.
• Date of Birth (or Date of Incorporation)
  This section mentions the date of birth for individuals or the date of incorporation/registration for companies and firms.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN)
  The PAN is a 10-character alphanumeric code unique to every taxpayer. Each character in the PAN has a specific significance based on the nature of the entity and registration details.
• Signature of the Cardholder
  The signature of the cardholder is included to authenticate identity and is used for verification purposes during financial transactions.

Additionally, a passport-sized photograph of the cardholder appears on the lower right-hand corner, providing visual identification. This structured format ensures the PAN card serves as a secure and standardized document for all financial and tax-related purposes in India.