Permanent Account Number (PAN) is one of the most essential identification tools issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It plays an important role in all types of financial transactions, tax filings and various legal compliances. For the partnership firms, obtaining a PAN card is essential to operate legally and file the income tax returns. Whether your partnership is registered or unregistered, it must have its own PAN separate from that of its partners.
This guide explains in a comprehensive manner how to apply for a PAN card for a partnership firm, including eligibility, documents required, steps for the application process and important tips.
Importance of PAN for Partnership Firms
A Partnership Firm PAN is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code issued under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It serves as the firm’s official identity for all tax-related purposes and is required for:
- Opening a current bank account in the firm’s name.
- Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR).
- Registering for GST or other licenses.
- Entering into business contracts.
- Conducting high-value transactions such as property purchase or payments exceeding ₹50,000.
Even if your partnership firm is not registered under the Partnership Act, a PAN card is compulsory for tax compliance…!
Eligibility for PAN Card Application
The following entities are eligible to apply for a PAN card under the “Firm” category:
- Registered Partnership Firms (under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932)
- Unregistered Partnership Firms
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) – though they apply under a separate category (Body Corporate)
Thus, both registered and unregistered partnership firms must apply for a PAN card as soon as the partnership deed is executed.
Documents Required for PAN Application (Partnership Firm)
Before applying for the PAN, make sure you have all the required documents. The Income Tax Department has specified the following:
1. Proof of Identity (in the name of the firm)
- Copy of the Partnership Deed; or
- Certificate of Registration (if registered with Registrar of Firms)
2. Proof of Address (in the name of the firm)
Any one of the following:
- Partnership Deed showing the firm’s address
- Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Firms
- Latest Utility Bill (Electricity, Water or Landline) not older than 3 months
- Property Tax Assessment Order
- Bank Account Statement in the firm’s name
3. Proof of Date of Formation
Copy of the Partnership Deed (clearly mentioning the date of establishment)
4. Identity & Address Proof of Partners
Though not mandatory for the firm’s PAN, partners’ details may be needed for verification.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a PAN Card for a Partnership Firm
You can apply for a partnership firm’s PAN card online or offline through NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies Limited) or UTIITSL.
1. Apply Online via NSDL Portal
Follow these steps to apply online through https://nsdl.co.in/:
1. Visit the NSDL PAN Portal
Go to the official NSDL PAN application website.
2. Select Application Type
Under “Application Type,” choose ‘New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)’.
3. Select Category
From the drop-down list, select ‘FIRM’ as the category.
4. Fill Out the Application Form
Enter details like: –
- Name of the Firm
- Date of Formation
- Office Address
- Registration details. (if applicable)
- Details of partners (if asked)
5. Upload Supporting Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Partnership Deed (as identity, address and formation proof)
- Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of Address (Utility Bill or Bank Statement)
6. Pay the Application Fee
- The PAN application fee is ₹93 (excluding GST) for Indian communication addresses.
- Payment can be made via credit/debit card, net banking or demand draft.
7. Submit the Application
After submission, an acknowledgement number is generated. Keep this safe for tracking.
8. Verification & Dispatch
Once the documents are verified, the PAN card is dispatched to the firm’s registered address within 10–15 working days.
2. Apply Online via UTIITSL Portal
Alternatively, you can apply through https://www.pan.utiitsl.com.
- Visit the UTIITSL portal.
- Click on “Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49A)”.
- Select Category: Firm.
- Fill in the online form, upload documents and pay the fee.
- Submit and track the application using the acknowledgement number.
3. Offline Application Process
You can also apply offline by submitting a physical PAN application.
- Download Form 49A from the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
- Fill the Form Manually – Mention firm details, address and partners.
- Attach Documents – Partnership Deed, registration certificate and address proof.
- Affix Firm’s Stamp and Partner’s Signature – The application must be signed by an authorized partner.
- Submit to the Nearest TIN Facilitation Centre along with the application fee.
- Collect the acknowledgement slip for future tracking.
Authorisation and Signatory
Only an authorized partner can sign the PAN application form.
- In the case of a multiple-partner firm, the managing or authorised partner needs to sign the application and provide a declaration if needed.
- The name and signature on the form must match the details mentioned in the Partnership Deed.
Tracking Your PAN Application Status
You can track the application status after 24 hours of submission using your Acknowledgement Number:
- For NSDL: https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html
- For UTIITSL: https://www.trackpan.utiitsl.com/PANONLINE
Once processed, the PAN number will be allotted, and the physical card will be delivered to the firm’s registered address.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Providing an incorrect firm name or formation date (must match the partnership deed).
- Uploading unclear or mismatched documents.
- Using the partner’s personal documents instead of the firm’s.
- Forgetting to sign or stamp the form.
- Not checking for proper format while uploading documents (PDF, JPEG as required).
After Getting the PAN Card
Once the PAN card is issued, use it for:
- Opening a current account in the firm’s name.
- Registering for GST, MSME or Import-Export Code (IEC).
- Filing income tax returns for the partnership firm.
- Conducting all official financial transactions.
Keep the PAN details updated in all business and tax records.
Correction or Changes in PAN Details
If there’s any mistake in the issued PAN card, you can apply for a correction using the ‘Request for the Changes or Correction in PAN Data’ form on NSDL or UTIITSL portals.
Provide supporting documents with the correct details and pay a nominal correction fee.
Conclusion
To obtain a PAN card for your partnership firm is an important step towards building a legally recognised, structured and tax-compliant business entity. The process is simple and can be done through an online process with minimal documentation. To ensure that all details in your Partnership Deed, Partnership firm registration certificate and application form are accurate and consistent to avoid rejection or delays.
A PAN card not only helps in taxation but also enhances your firm’s credibility and financial transparency, a necessity for banking, tenders and other business operations.
