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Rule 158Published

Rule 158: PAN application forms, deadlines and supporting documents

Rule 158 sets the PAN application framework, including the correct form, applicant-specific deadlines and supporting documents. It distinguishes Indian-citizen individuals, other domestic applicants, foreign-citizen individuals and foreign entities, and separately addresses Aadhaar intimation and verification.

Official notified Income-tax Rules, 2026

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Rule 158 - Application for allotment of a Permanent Account Number

(1) An application under section 262 for allotment of a Permanent Account Number shall be made in Form No. 93, Form No. 94, Form No. 95 and Form No. 96, as the case maybe, in accordance with sub-rule (8).

(2) An applicant may also apply for allotment of a Permanent Account Number through a common application form as maybe, notified by the Central Government.

(3) Any person, who has not been allotted a Permanent Account Number, but possesses the Aadhaar number may apply for allotment of the Permanent Account Number under section 262(1) or (2) or (11) to the authorities mentioned in sub-rule (4) by intimating his Aadhaar number.

(4) The Director General of Income-tax (Systems) shall, on receipt of information under sub-rule (3), authenticate the Aadhaar number for that purpose.

(5) An application referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be made,— (i) in cases where the function of allotment of Permanent Account Number under section 262 has been assigned by the Chief Commissioner or Commissioner to any particular Assessing Officer, to that Assessing Officer; and (ii) in any other case, to the Assessing Officer having jurisdiction to assess the applicant.

(6) For the purposes of sub-rule(5), the Assessing officer shall include an income tax authority who is assigned the duty of allotting Permanent Account Number by the Director General of Income-tax (Systems).

(7) The application referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be made by the person specified in Column B of the following Table within the time specified in column C thereof:

Sl. No.PersonTime within which application for allotment of Permanent Account Number is to be made
1Where the total income of the person or the total income of any other person in respect of which he is assessable under the Act during any tax year exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax and he has not been allotted any Permanent Account Number.On or before the 31st May of the tax year immediately succeeding the tax year, for which such income is assessable.
2A person not falling under Sl. No. 1, but carrying on any business or profession, the total sales, turnover or gross receipts of which are or is likely to exceed ₹ 500000 in any tax year and who has not been allotted any Permanent Account Number.Before the end of that tax year.
3A person who is required to furnish a return of income under section 349 and who has not been allotted any Permanent Account Number.Before the end of the tax year.
4A person who is entitled to receive any sum or income or amount, on which tax is deductible or collectible under Chapter XIX-B in any tax year.Before the end of such tax year.
5A person, being a resident, other than an individual, which enters into a tax transaction of an amount aggregating to ₹ 250000 or more in a tax and which has not been allotted any Permanent Account Number.On or before the 31st May, immediately following such tax year.
6A person, who is the managing director, director, partner, trustee, author, founder, karta, chief executive officer, principal officer or office bearer of the person referred to in Sl. No. 5 or any person competent to act on behalf of the person referred to in the said serial number and who has not been allotted any Permanent Account Number.On or before the 31st May, immediately following the tax year in which the person referred to in Sl. No. 5 enters into financial transaction specified therein.
7A person who intends to enter into the transaction prescribed under section 262(1)(f) and section 262(9)(a).At least seven days before the date on which he intends to enter into the said transaction.

(8)(a) The application referred to in sub-rules (1) and (3), in respect of an individual who is a citizen of India, shall be filled in the Form 93, and shall be accompanied by the documents mentioned in the following Table for proof of identity, address and date of birth:

A. Copy of:–
Sl. No.Nature of DocumentProof of IdentityProof of AddressDate of Birth ( bearing the name, date , month and year of birth)
1.AADHAAR cardYesYesNo
2.Indian PassportYesYesYes
3.Driving LicenceYesYesYes
4.Elector‘s Photo Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of IndiaYesYesYes
5.Ration card having photograph of the applicantYesNoNo
6.Transgender Identity Card or certificate issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 having photograph of the applicantYesYesYes
7.Photo identity card issued by the Central Government or a State Government or a Public Sector UndertakingYesNoYes
8.Pensioner Card issued by Government, having photograph of the applicantYesNoNo
9.Central Government Health Scheme Card or Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme photo cardYesNoYes
10.Indian Passport of spouse bearing name of the personNoYesNo
11.Post office passbook having address of the applicantNoYesNo
12.Domicile certificate issued by the GovernmentNoYesYes
13.Allotment letter of accommodation issued by the Central Government or State Government of not more than three years oldNoYesNo
14.Property registration documentNoYesNo
15.Latest property tax assessment orderNoYesNo
16.Electricity bill (Not more than three months old)NoYesNo
17.Landline telephone or broadband connection bill(Not more than three months old)NoYesNo
18.Water bill(Not more than three months old)NoYesNo
19.Consumer gas connection card or book or piped gas bill(Not more than three months old)NoYesNo
20.Bank account statement as per Note 2 (Not more than three months old)NoYesNo
21.Depository account statement(Not more than three months old)NoYesNo
22.Credit card statement(Not more than three months old)NoYesNo
23.For individuals born on and after 1st October, 2023 birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or any office authorised to issue birth and death certificate by the Registrar of Birth and Deaths or the Indian Consulate as defined in clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955);NoNoYes
24.Birth certificate issued by the municipal authority, or any office authorised to issue birth and death certificate by the Registrar of Birth and Deaths or the Indian Consulate as defined in clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955)NoNoYes
25.Pension payment orderNoNoYes
26.Marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of MarriagesNoNoYes
27.Matriculation certificate or mark sheet of recognised boardNoNoYes
B. Or original of:
Sl. No.Nature of DocumentProof of IdentityProof of AddressDate of Birth ( bearing the name, date , month and year of birth)
1.Certificate of identity signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted Officer, as the case may beYesNoNo
2.Bank certificate, on the letter head from the branch (along with the name, stamp and copy of employee ID of the issuing officer) containing duly attested photograph and bank account number of the applicant.YesNoNo
3.Certificate of address signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted Officer, as the case may beNoYesNo
4.Employer certificate.NoYesNo
5.Affidavit sworn before a Magistrate stating the date of birthNoNoYes

Note 1: In case of a person being a minor, in addition to Aadhaar of the minor, any of the above listed documents of any of the parents or guardian of such minor shall be deemed to be the proof of identity.

Note 2: In case of an Indian citizen residing outside India, copy of bank account statement in country of residence or copy of non-resident external bank account statements shall be the proof of address.

Note 3: In case of a minor, any of the above listed documents of any of the parents or guardian of such minor shall be deemed to be the proof of address.

(b) The application referred to in sub-rules (1) and (3), in respect of an applicant mentioned in column B of the following Table, shall be filled in the Form mentioned in column C of the said table, and shall be accompanied by the documents mentioned in column D thereof, as proof of identity, address and date of birth or date of incorporation of such applicant:

Sl. No.ApplicantFormDocuments as proof of identity, address and date of birth or date of incorporation
1Hindu undivided familyForm No. 94(a) Original affidavit by the karta of the Hindu Undivided Family duly authenticated by a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner or Judicial Magistrate stating the name, father's name, Aadhaar number or Permanent Account Number and address of all the coparceners on the date of application; and (b) a copy of any document applicable in the case of an individual specified in serial number 1, in respect of karta of the Hindu undivided family, as proof of identity, address and date of birth.
2Company registered in IndiaForm No. 94(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in India by the Registrar of Companies; or (b) corporate identity number allotted by the Registrar under section 7 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013).
3Limited Liability Partnership formed or registered in IndiaForm No. 94(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in India by the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships; or (b) LLP identification number allotted in India by the Registrar under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008(6 of 2009).
4Firm (other than Limited Liability Partnership) formed or registered in IndiaForm No. 94(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in India by the Registrar of Firm; or (b) copy of partnership deed.
5Trusts formed or registered in IndiaForm No. 94(a) Copy of trust deed; or (b)Copy of Certificate of Registration Number issued by Charity Commissioner.
6Association of persons (other than trusts) or body of individuals formed or registered in IndiaForm No. 94(a) Copy of agreement; or (b) copy of Certificate of Registration Number issued by Charity Commissioner or Registrar of Co-operative Society or any other competent authority; or (c) any document originating from any Central Government or State Government Department, establishing identity and address of such person.
7Local authority or artificial juridical person formed or registered in IndiaForm No. 94Any document originating from any Central Government or State Government Department establishing identity and address of such person.
8Any person on behalf of the Central Government or State Government or Union Territory AdministrationForm No. 94Certificate in original from the Head of the Department or Pay and Accounts Officer or Zonal Accounts Officer or District Treasury Officer or Cheque Drawing and Disbursing Officer.
9Individuals not being a citizen of IndiaForm No. 95(i) Proof of identity :— (a) Copy of passport; or (b) copy of person of Indian Origin card issued by the Government of India; or (c) copy of Overseas Citizenship of India Card issued by Government of India; or (d) copy of other national or citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961) or by Indian embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India. (ii) Proof of date of birth: — (a) Copy of passport; or (b) copy of person of Indian Origin card issued by the Government of India; or (c) copy of Overseas Citizenship of India Card issued by Government of India; or (d) copy of other national or citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number containing date, month and year of birth duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961) or by Indian embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India; or (e) birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or any office authorised to issue birth and death certificate by the Registrar of Birth and Deaths or the Indian Consulate as defined in clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955); or (f) copy of birth certificate containing date, month and year of birth issued by any foreign authority and duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961) or by Indian embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India. (iii) Proof of address:— (a) copy of passport; or (b) copy of person of Indian Origin card issued by the Government of India; or (c) copy of Overseas Citizenship of India Card issued by Government of India; or (d) copy of other national or citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961), or by Indian embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India; or (e) copy of bank account statement in the country of residence; or (f) copy of Non-resident External bank account statement in India; or (g) copy of certificate of residence in India or Residential permit issued by the State Police Authority; or (h) copy of the registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Office showing Indian address; or (i) copy of visa granted and copy of appointment letter or contract from Indian Company and Certificate (in original) of Indian Address issued by the employer.
10Limited Liability Partnership registered outside IndiaForm No. 96(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in the country where the applicant is located, duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961), or by Indian embassy or High Commission or consulate in the country where the applicant is located, or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India; or (b) copy of registration certificate issued in India or of approval granted to set up office in India by Indian Authorities.
11Company registered outside IndiaForm No. 96(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in the country where the applicant is located, duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961) or by Indian embassy or High Commission or consulate in the country where the applicant is located, or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India; or (b) copy of registration certificate issued in India or of approval granted to set up office in India by Indian Authorities.
12Firm formed or registered outside IndiaForm No. 96(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in the country where the applicant is located, duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961), or by Indian embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located, or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India; or (b) copy of registration certificate issued in India or of approval granted to set up office in India by Indian Authorities.
13Association of persons (Trusts) formed outsideForm No. 96(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in the country where the applicant is located, duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961), or by Indian embassy or High Commission or consulate in the country where the applicant is located, or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India; or (b) copy of registration certificate issued in India or of approval granted to set up office in India by Indian authorities.
14Association of persons (other than Trusts) or body of individuals or local authority or person formed or any other entity (by whatever name called) registered outside IndiaForm No. 96(a) Copy of Certificate of Registration issued in the country where the applicant is located, duly attested by "Apostille" (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961), or by Indian embassy or High Commission or consulate in the country where the applicant is located, or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India; or (b) copy of registration certificate issued in India or of approval granted to set up office in India by Indian Authorities.

(9) Every person who has been allotted Permanent Account Number and who, in accordance with the provisions of section 262(6)(a), is required to intimate his Aadhaar number, shall intimate his Aadhaar number to the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) or the person authorised by the said authority.

(10) Every person who, in accordance with the provisions of section 262(6)(a), is required to intimate his Aadhaar number to the prescribed authority in the prescribed form and manner, failed to do so by 30th June 2023, shall, at the time of subsequent intimation of his Aadhaar number to the prescribed authority, be liable to pay, by way of fee, an amount equal to ₹ 1000.

(11) The Director General of Income-tax (Systems) shall specify the classes of persons, forms, guidelines, standards and formats along with procedure for safe and secure transmission of forms and formats under sub-rule (2) in relation to furnishing application for allotment of the Permanent Account Number.

(12) The Director General of Income-tax (Systems) shall specify the forms and formats along with procedure in relation to furnishing correction application under section 262(4).

(13) The Director General of Income-tax (Systems) shall specify the formats, guidelines and standards along with procedure, for the verification of documents filed with the application under sub-rule (8), intimation of Aadhaar number in sub-rule (9) and issue of Permanent Account Number for ensuring secure capture and transmission of data in such format and standards and shall also be responsible for evolving and implementing appropriate security, archival and retrieval policies in relation to furnishing of the application forms for allotment of Permanent Account Number, intimation of Aadhaar number and issue of Permanent Account Number.

(14) The Director General of Income-tax (Systems) shall lay down the formats, guidelines and standards along with procedure for,— (a) intimation of Aadhaar number under sub-rule (3); or (b) authentication of Aadhaar number under sub-rule (4); or (c) obtaining demographic information of an individual from the Unique Identification Authority of India, for ensuring secure capture and transmission of data and shall also be responsible for evolving and implementing appropriate security, archival and retrieval policies in relation to furnishing or intimation or quoting or authentication of Aadhaar number or obtaining of demographic information of an individual from the Unique Identification Authority of India, for allotment of Permanent Account Number and issue thereof.

Rule breakdown

Choose the form by applicant category

An Indian-citizen individual uses Form 93. The listed domestic non-individual categories, including HUFs, companies, firms, LLPs, trusts and other stated entities, use Form 94. An individual who is not an Indian citizen uses Form 95, and the listed foreign entities use Form 96.

Citizenship and entity formation or registration matter. Residence abroad does not by itself turn an Indian citizen into a Form 95 applicant. The rule also permits a Central Government-notified common application form.

Match the deadline to the applicable trigger

The first table has seven cases. They include income above the non-chargeable maximum, business or professional receipts exceeding or likely to exceed ₹5 lakh, the stated return requirement, and deductible or collectible receipts. Different rows use tax-year end or the following 31 May.

The specified resident non-individual transaction and responsible-person cases use their stated 31 May rules. The prescribed intended-transaction case requires an application at least seven days beforehand. Do not substitute one deadline for all applicants.

Identity, address and birth proof are separate tests

For Indian-citizen individuals, the table marks which documents support each purpose. Aadhaar is marked Yes for identity and address but No for date of birth. Some other documents satisfy all three columns; others satisfy only one or two.

Use the exact document category and conditions. Utility and financial statements in the listed rows carry the stated three-month age limit, while the government accommodation allotment letter has a different three-year limit.

Minor and overseas Indian-citizen notes

For a minor, the identity note uses the minor’s Aadhaar plus the listed parent or guardian document; a separate note addresses proof of the minor’s address. For an Indian citizen residing abroad, the specified residence-country bank statement or NRE account statement can serve as address proof.

Read these notes alongside the document columns. Do not assume a parent’s document or overseas address evidence proves every required particular.

Other entities and foreign individuals need category-specific evidence

The second applicant table sets documentary alternatives for HUFs, companies, LLPs, firms, trusts and other entities. Foreign-citizen individuals have separate identity, birth and address lists, including the stated attestation routes where applicable.

For foreign entities, check the incorporation or registration evidence and permitted attestation or Indian-registration alternative. Do not apply an attestation requirement to every document indiscriminately; follow the particular row.

Aadhaar route, intimation and the stated late fee

A person without PAN who has Aadhaar may use the specified Aadhaar-intimation route, with Systems authentication. Those required under section 262(6)(a) to intimate Aadhaar must do so to the stated Systems authority or authorised person.

The rule prescribes ₹1,000 at subsequent intimation for the described person who failed to intimate by 30 June 2023. This is not stated as a universal fee for every first PAN application. Check the current parent-section applicability and exemptions.

Follow current official Systems procedures

The rule authorises Systems to specify forms, standards and secure procedures for common applications, corrections, document verification and Aadhaar authentication.

Check the current official application channel and requirements, retain the filed form and acknowledgment, and ensure the legal name, birth or incorporation date and address are supported consistently.

Key takeaways

Four principal forms

Use citizenship and applicant category to choose Forms 93–96.

Seven deadline cases

The trigger determines the application period.

Three evidence purposes

Identity, address and date of birth are not interchangeable.

₹1,000 has a defined context

It concerns the stated late Aadhaar intimation, not every PAN application.

Practical checklist

  • Select the correct applicant form.
  • Check the applicable deadline row.
  • Verify each identity, address and birth or incorporation requirement.
  • Observe document-age and attestation conditions.
  • Retain the official filing acknowledgment.

Avoid

  • Do not treat citizenship and tax residence as the same classification.
  • Do not assume one document proves every required particular.
  • Do not present the late-linking fee as a universal application fee.

FAQs

Is Aadhaar alone marked as date-of-birth proof in this table?

No. The Indian-citizen document table marks Aadhaar Yes for identity and address, but No for date of birth.

Does an Indian citizen abroad automatically use the foreign-individual form?

No. The form distinction concerns citizenship; the rule has a separate address-proof note for Indian citizens abroad.

Must all applicants apply by 31 May?

No. The first table contains different tax-year-end, 31 May and advance-transaction periods.

Is ₹1,000 the fee for every PAN application?

The quoted provision concerns the specified late Aadhaar-intimation case following failure to intimate by 30 June 2023.

Are the same documents required for every entity?

No. The table specifies category-specific documents and alternatives.

Glossary

PAN application category
The applicant classification that determines the prescribed form and documentary row.
Aadhaar intimation
The notification of Aadhaar to the specified authority under the applicable Act and rule provisions.

Official sources