The main idea behind creating a 'PAN number' by India's Income Tax Department was to use it as a unique identifier for financial transactions, tax filings, and compliance processes, making financial information flow easy, transparent, and trackable.
However, many people, including non-resident Indians and foreign nationals, find getting a PAN number difficult. This is because the application forms can be complex, with different application forms for various applicant categories like individuals, associations of persons, companies, trusts, LLPs, firms, government bodies, HUFs, artificial juridical persons, local authorities, corporations, LLCs, minors, etc.
So, whether you are an Indian citizen, a foreign national, an OCI, an organization, or any other category applicant, understanding these forms is crucial for a smooth PAN application process. Thus, at pancard.co.uk, our goal is to simplify the complexities of PAN applications. We clarify the different forms, like 49A, 49AA, and CSF, and explain their use for various applicant categories, including those residing in the United Kingdom (U.K.).
Kindly note that there is not 1 single kind of a PAN form that fits all needs. In fact, there are 3 different types of forms, and one needs to be careful while choosing a PAN form; as it must match the needed requirement.
| Feature | 49A | 49AA | CSF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose Of The Form | This application form is used for applying a fresh new PAN number by someone who never applied before. | This form is used for obtaining a new PAN card by someone who never applied for one before. | This form is used for requesting a correction, change in an existing PAN card, or getting a duplicate copy reprinted. |
| Applicant Category (Nationalities) | This form is for Indian citizens, non-resident Indians (NRIs), companies and organizations incorporated in India. | This is for entities incorporated outside India and foreign nationals with or without an OCI or PIO card. | This is for all kinds of applicants, like Indian residents, NRIs, foreign citizens (including OCI/PIO card holders), and entities incorporated in India or abroad. |
| Structure | Two-page form, with an extra 6 pages of instructions. | 3-page form, excluding 5 pages of instructions. | Single-page form with an added 2 pages of instructions. |
| Address Details | Permanent and communication address required. | Permanent and communication address required. | Address details required, including details of representative in India. |
| Fee | Rs. 117 for Indian address, Rs. 1,017 for foreign address. | Rs. 117 for Indian address, Rs. 1017 for foreign address. | Rs. 117 for delivery within India, and Rs. 1017 for a foreign address. |
| Documents Required | Proof of identity and address documents. | Proof of identity and address documents. | Proof of identity, address, and representative documents. |
| Proof of Identity | Indian citizenship proof required (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.). | Proof of identity required (Passport, PIO card, OCI card, etc.). | Proof of identity required (Passport, PIO card, OCI card, etc.). |
| Proof of Address | Address proof required (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Utility bill, etc.). | Address proof required (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Utility bill, etc.). | Address proof required (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Utility bill, etc.). |
| Submission | Can be submitted physically or online. | Can be submitted physically or online. | Can be submitted physically or online. |
| Processing Time | Generally takes 15-20 working days. | Generally takes 15-20 working days. | Generally takes 15-20 working days. |
| Photos to be Pasted | Two photos required. | Two photos required. | Two photos required. |
| Where To Download? | Official website of Income Tax Department and TIN-FCs. | Download it right here from the Official website of Income Tax Department and TIN-FCs. | Official website of Income Tax Department and TIN-FCs. |
| Where To File Online (electronically)? | Applicant can file it on UTIITSL, NSDL, PROTEAN TIN website or on any authorized PAN agency e-platform. | On NSDL, UTIITSL, PROTEAN TIN or on any authorized PAN agent's website. | On NSDL, PROTEAN TIN, UTIITSL or on any PAN agency website. |
| Where To Submit Or Send Physically? | One can submit the application by visiting any of the branches of NSDL, PROTEAN, UTIITSL or PAN agent. | Submit it in any branch office of UTIITSL, PROTEAN, NSDL or PAN agency. | You may submit it at any of the branches of the UTIITSL, NSDL, PROTEAN or PAN agent's office/branches. |
Be advised that the above table is for general information only, and the details provided might not be accurate. Thus, it is highly recommended that you refer to the official sources for the most accurate and current information.
It's important to know that a 'PAN card' is an essential document for resident Indians, NRIs, companies, foreign nationals, and entities with no presence in India. It's needed for various financial transactions, making investments, opening bank accounts, filing taxes, getting reduced withholding tax rates, claiming back TDS, and more. To get a new PAN number or to make changes or corrections to an existing card, you must file the correct type of application form that matches your specific category. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free process.
Form 49A is the most commonly used PAN card application form for citizens of India (both residents and NRIs living overseas) and companies registered in India. You can download it from the official websites of the Income Tax Department of India, NSDL, PROTEAN, UTIITSL, any TIN-FC center in physical form or you can download from here. Form 49A is exclusively for Indian citizens holding Indian passports and not for foreign citizens or organizations.
The form requires information such as the applicant's name, address, date of birth, contact details, and other personal details. Once filled out, the form must be signed and sent to the Income Tax Department for processing. After the application is processed, the e-PAN is sent to the applicant's email, and the physical card is mailed to the address provided in the application.
This form is similar to 49A, however, it has been modified to meet the needs of foreign nationals (including PIO and OCI card holders) and companies having no presence or registration in India. The form must be filled out in English or Hindi and must be accompanied by a valid passport and a proof of residence in case of an individual, and articles of association and memorandum in case of an international company. The form also requires the individual/company to provide their foreign address, foreign country of citizenship, and other relevant information that pertains to their situation.
All the necessary documents must be submitted along with the form in order to process the application. Additionally, applicants must provide a self-attested copy of their passport and a photograph to complete the submission. Once the application is approved, both the ePAN and physical printed card will be dispatched to the foreign address (overseas).
Individuals seeking to make changes, corrections to their existing PAN data or duplicate PAN card copy must fill out Form CSF. This form requires the following information: full name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. It also requires the individual's address, contact details and the existing PAN details. Additionally, individuals must also provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID along with the completed CSF form, which must also be signed and dated by the individual who is making the corrections or changes. Plus, the individual must also provide supporting documents to substantiate the change or correction that is being made in the PAN data. This may include documents related to change of name, address, or date of birth, and a copy of the old existing PAN card.
Also to mention, this form is available in both physical and digital forms and can be easily downloaded from the official website of the Income Tax Department, PROTEAN, NSDL, UTIITSL and authorized PAN card agent in the UK.
