Understanding India’s New PAN Forms: 93, 94, 95 & 96 Explained

Understanding The New PAN Forms

The new PAN allotment forms have been categorised into four types. Each form has been carefully designed under Rule 158 and Section 262 of the Income-tax Act to ensure compliance with the latest legal and regulatory standards. The forms are introduced to address the diverse needs of Indian and foreign applicants, both individuals and entities.

India’s New PAN Forms: 93, 94, 95 and 96

Using different forms for Indians and non-Indians, along with different forms for Indian and non-Indian businesses, the ITD has made the process easier and minimised the chances of errors and omissions.

Who Should File?

Any person (Individual/Entity) who wants to apply for PAN allotment. This includes Indian citizens, foreign nationals, domestic companies, unincorporated entities, and foreign companies or entities operating in India. In effect, anyone who requires PAN for whatever reason must choose the relevant form based on his/her classification.

Existing PAN Forms vs. New Forms

Under the old system, the PAN application process relied on Form 49A and Form 49AA, as notified under Rule 114 of the Income-tax Rules, 1962. Form 49A was used by Indian citizens, companies incorporated in India, and unincorporated entities formed in India,

Form 49AA was for individuals not being citizens of India and entities incorporated or formed outside India.

Although functional, the old forms were less specific in catering to different applicant categories. Many applicants faced difficulties in understanding which sections to complete, which supporting documents were required, and how to avoid common errors.

Structure of New Forms

Each form collects essential information in 6 major sections:

1. Personal Information: Information such as Name, Gender, Date of Birth/Incorporation, address, contact details etc.
2. Source of Income: Applicants must provide details about the nature and source of income or business activity.
3. Parents’ Details: Name of the parent and information regarding the single parent
4. Assessing Officer Code: Jurisdiction details
5. Representative Assessee Details: Information of the representative assessee, such as name, address, contact details etc.
6. Declaration: Declaration statements along with date and place for signature and thumb impression.

Supporting Documents Required

Supporting documents, as listed in Rule 158, are required in support of:

• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Address
• Proof of Date of Birth/Date of Incorporation

Application Process

The process of applying for a PAN card is quite straightforward. First, the applicant needs to fill out the PAN allotment application form, pay the required fees, and submit it either online or in physical form through authorised PAN Service Providers (SPs). If the form is submitted physically, the SPs will digitise the application and carefully verify the supporting documents against the information provided in the form. Once the documents and details are verified successfully, the data is sent to the Income Tax Department for generating the PAN. Finally, the PAN is allotted to the applicant, and if a physical card has been requested, it is dispatched to the applicant’s address.

What Are The Changes Made in These New Forms?

The forms have been designed in such a way that they are precise, to the point and self-explanatory. Instructions accompanying the forms are clear, unambiguous and aligned with IT Act and rules. Consistency has been maintained across forms in terms of nomenclature and structure. Simplification of the forms into four types so that each form contains only the necessary information concerning a particular type of applicant for the purpose of easy completion of the form. Contact details (mobile, email etc.) have been made mandatory for all the applicants, which also enables the applicant to track the application and get updated information directly from ITD. The size of the photograph has been increased. The sub-categorisation of the entity status has been given in a detailed manner as part of the form itself. Various fields which are not relevant (e.g. Salutation, Abbreviations of name, ‘have you ever been known by any other name’, KYC details for FPI applicants) have been eliminated.

Old vs. New Forms: Key Differences