Introduction to a PAN Number for UK Entities

A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric ID issued by the Indian Income Tax Department. It acts like a tax identification number and helps keep track of financial transactions for tax purposes. Every PAN is specific to an entity or individual, and it stays the same throughout their lifetime. For UK entities, having a PAN is essential if they are involved in financial or business activities in India. Here are a few reasons why your entity might need a PAN:

For Doing Business in India or With an Indian Counterpart: If your entity plans to expand into India or work with Indian companies, a PAN is required for seamless transactions and compliance with regulations.
Paying Taxes in India: If your business or partnership owes taxes in India, a PAN is mandatory to make the payments.
Opening a Bank Account: Indian banks require a PAN to open accounts for entities, especially for handling investments or business funds.
Property Transactions: Whether buying or selling property in India, a PAN is needed to register the transaction.
Compliance with Indian Tax Laws: Having a PAN ensures your entity follows Indian regulations and avoids any legal issues related to taxation.

Why choose our services?

When it comes to applying for a PAN for your UK-based entity, PanCard.co.uk is here to make the process simple, stress-free, and efficient. You can be confident that your company PAN application is in the right hands. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on growing your business!

Here’s why so many businesses and organizations trust us:

Expert Assistance: Our experienced team specializes in helping various kinds of entities apply for an Indian PAN number quickly and correctly.
End-to-End Service: From filling out the forms to submitting your application and tracking its progress, we take care of everything.
Tailored for UK Entities: Whether you’re a company, partnership, trust, or any sort of entity; we’ve designed our service to simplify the complex PAN application process for all.
#1 PAN agency in the UK: We offer a personalized service with dedicated support for entities, making us the number 1 choice for our clients across the United Kingdom.

GET STARTED NOW

Types of UK Entities Eligible for a PAN number:

Companies (Incorporated Entities)

Limited Company (Ltd)
Public Limited Company (PLC):
Private Company Limited by Guarantee
Unlimited Company
Community Interest Company (CIC)
Overseas Company operating in the UK.

Partnerships

Partnership: Unincorporated business with two or more partners.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Hybrid structure with limited liability for partners.
Scottish Partnership: A partnership under Scottish law.
Scottish Limited Partnership (SLP): A partnership with limited liability under Scottish law.

Non-Profit and Social Enterprises

Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO): A corporate structure for charities.
Community Interest Company (CIC): A limited company for social enterprises.
Industrial and Provident Society (IPS): Includes cooperatives and community benefit societies.

Unincorporated Entities

Sole Trader (Sole Proprietorship): An individual running a business alone.
Unincorporated Association: A group of individuals or entities working together (e.g., clubs, societies).
Trusts: A legal arrangement where assets are managed by trustees for beneficiaries.

Mutual and Cooperative Entities

Cooperative Society: Owned and run by members for mutual benefit.
Building Society: A mutual organization providing banking services.
Friendly Society: A mutual organization for insurance, savings, or pensions.

Other Specialized Entities

Industrial and Provident Society (IPS): Includes cooperatives and community benefit societies.
Royal Charter Company: Established by royal charter (e.g., BBC, Bank of England).

How to apply for an Entity PAN number?

Entities based in the United Kingdom can apply for their PAN cards through UTITSL, or PROTEAN, or using an independent PAN agency like us.

We’ve made the process of applying a PAN for a company as simple as possible.

Here’s how it works:

Submit your basic information:
Tell us about your entity—its type, name, and purpose. This helps us understand your specific needs and get started on your application.
Provide required documents (mentioned below):
We’ll guide you step-by-step on the documents you need, including proof of identity, address, and legal status of your entity. Don’t worry—we’ll make sure you have everything in place.
Let us handle your entity PAN application:
Sit back and relax! We’ll take care of filling out the 49AA form, verifying your details, and submitting the application. We’ll also keep you updated throughout the process.

Documents Required:

To apply for a PAN number for your UK entity, you’ll need to provide specific documents based on your entity type. Here’s what you’ll need (only copies):

For Companies:

Certificate of Incorporation
Company Registration Number
Proof of Address (utility bill, bank statement, or other valid address proof)

For Partnerships:

Partnership Deed (showing the partnership agreement)
Registration Certificate of the Partnership
Proof of Address (for the partnership office or registered location)

For Trusts:

Trust Deed (legal document establishing the trust)
Trustees’ Details (names, addresses, and identification)
Proof of Address (for the trust’s registered address)

Note: The copies of the above documents must be attested by the Indian High Commission in London, or apostilled (paper based) from the Legalization Office. And along with the supporting documents mentioned above, the entity must also submit a properly filled PAN Form 49AA. We provide this form, along with easy-to-follow instructions, once you begin the process with us.

If you’re unsure about any document, don’t worry. Simply drop us an email here , and our expert will guide you through the process and ensure all paperwork is complete before submitting your application.

Timeline:

Processing Time: After we submit your application, it usually takes 3 to 5 working days for the electronic PAN (e-PAN) to be delivered to your email, and the actual printed card comes via post to your company address in about 3 to 4 weeks time.
Reassurance: We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, from submission to final approval. If there are any updates or additional requirements, we’ll notify you immediately.

We make sure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible, so you can focus on your business while we handle the rest.

Fees:

The fee for filing a company’s PAN application form depends on the option you choose. Here are the current estimated costs:

If applying directly through the Government’s PAN department: Rs.1017 (includes both e-PAN and a physical card).
If applying through our agency: Rs.1017 (for e-PAN and physical card) plus our service charges. The total fee can be paid online in GBP (£). Our fees vary based on the entity type, so check the applicable total charges here .

Important Guidlines:

Determine eligibility: Ensure that your company meets the eligibility criteria set by the Indian tax authorities for obtaining a business/entity PAN card.
Gather necessary documents: Collect all required documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, certificate of incorporation, and other relevant corporate documents.
Choose the appropriate application form: Select the correct form based on whether you're applying as an individual, company, or foreign entity.
Complete the application accurately: Fill out the application form with precise and up-to-date information, ensuring accuracy in details such as company name, address, and contact information.
Submit the application through the correct channel: Depending on your preference and convenience, you can either apply online through a PAN agency in the UK , NSDL or UTIITSL websites or submit a physical application at designated PAN application centers.
Pay the necessary fees: Be prepared to pay the applicable processing fees for your PAN card application. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of application and the mode of submission.
Track the application status: Keep track of your PAN card application status through the online tracking facility provided by NSDL, UTIITSL, or a PAN agency. This allows you to monitor the progress of your application and take necessary action if there are any delays or issues.
Ensure compliance with Indian tax laws: Familiarize yourself with the tax regulations in India relevant to your business activities to ensure compliance with the law, including reporting requirements and tax liabilities.
Seek professional assistance if needed: If you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the PAN card application process, consider seeking assistance from legal or financial experts who are experienced in dealing with international businesses operating in India.

Looking To Apply PAN Card For Your Organization?

START APPLICATION

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) by our clients:

Is a PAN number mandatory for UK entities without a permanent establishment in India?
Yes, even if an entity based in the United Kingdom has no physical presence in India, a 'permanent account number' is required for tax compliance and conducting financial transactions.

What business activities in India require UK organizations to have a PAN card?
Transactions like paying taxes, receiving payments from Indian clients, opening corporate bank accounts in India, or participating in contracts with Indian businesses typically require a PAN card.

Can organizations based in the United Kingdom apply for a PAN card without visiting India?
Yes, UK businesses can complete the process remotely via authorized representatives or online portals without needing to travel to India.

What documents must UK entities submit when applying for a PAN?
Required documents primarily include the certificate of incorporation, passport of the authorized signatory, proof of address, and an authorization letter. However, for accurate document advising, kindly contact us here .

How long does it take for a business based in the United Kingdom to receive an Indian PAN?
The process generally takes 15–20 working days from the submission of complete and correct documents.

Does a PAN card issued to an organization expire?
No, a PAN card remains valid for a lifetime and does not need to be renewed, even for foreign entities.

What are the consequences if businesses from the UK operate in India without a PAN card?
Without a PAN number, tax deductions at source (TDS) are charged at the highest rate of 20%, and it may cause regulatory and compliance challenges. This is as per 2024 ruling.

Can multiple branches of a UK entity in India use a single PAN?
Yes, one PAN card issued to the parent organization is sufficient for all its Indian operations. But as long as they are operating under one parent company.

Can directors of a UK organization use their personal PAN for business purposes?
No, the PAN card must be issued in the organization’s name, not an individual’s.

Should a UK entity surrender it's PAN card if it stops operating in India?
Yes, businesses can surrender their PAN card by submitting an application to the Indian tax authorities with proof of business closure. However this is not compulsory.

How much does it cost to apply for a PAN?
Our cost is GBP 99 per application case.

What if my entity doesn’t have all the documents?
If you don’t have the full set of documents, don’t worry. We’ll guide you on alternative ways to proceed, but it depends on your specific case.

Can PanCard.co.uk assist with corrections or duplicate PAN requests?
es, we can assist with corrections, updates, changes, or even getting duplicate PAN cards for your entity.

Have more questions? Contact our support team , and we’ll be happy to help!

Apply PAN Number For An Entity In The UK With Ease