How to Apply and Get a Business PAN Card in 2025?

What is a Business PAN Card?

A business PAN card refers to a permanent account number (PAN) specifically issued for businesses or entities in India. Business PAN cards are typically required for tax filing, opening bank accounts, legal compliance, claiming tax deductions, and conducting other financial activities on behalf of the business entity.

Business PAN Number Example

PAN has a typical format of ABCFu1234D. The first three characters, i.e. ‘ABC’ in the above number is an alphabetic series ranging between AAA and ZZZ.

The 4th character, i.e. ‘T’, represents the PAN holder’s status. The alphabet ‘F’ represents Firm, ‘T’ represents Trust, , ‘H’ for HUF, ‘P’ for Individual, ‘C’ for Company etc.

The 5th character, i.e. ‘U’, represents the first alphabet of the PAN holder’s last name.

The next four characters are sequential digits ranging between 0001 and 9999. The 10th character, i.e. ‘D’, is an alphabetic check digit that runs from A to Z.

How to Apply for a Business PAN Card in 2025?

Online Application Process

1. Visit NSDL PAN portal 
2. Click: “Apply Online for New PAN (Form 49A)” 
3. Select Application Type: Choose “Firm”, “Company”, “LLP”, etc. 
4. Fill in Details: 
   • Name of business 
   • Date of incorporation/registration 
   • Business address 
   • Company registration number (CIN/LLPIN/Firm Registration No.) 
   • AO Code (can be searched online on NSDL portal) 
5. Upload Documents: 
   • Identity proof (Registration certificate, deed, etc.) 
   • Address proof (GST certificate, utility bill, etc.) 
6. Pay the Fee: 
   • ₹107 for Indian communication address 
   • ₹989 for foreign communication address 
7. e-Sign / Submit Form: 
   • Aadhaar-based OTP (for individuals) 
   • Digital Signature (for companies/LLPs) 
8. Note the Acknowledgement Number and track status online.

How to Apply for a Business PAN Card Offline?

Here’s the procedure for obtaining a PAN card offline:

1. Download the Form 49A from the NSDL website.
2. Fill out the form and attach the necessary documents.
3. Submit the form and documents to the nearest NSDL centre. The website provides the address of the nearest centre.
4. The centre will issue a letter of acknowledgement.
5. Post verification of your details, you will receive the business PAN card at the mentioned company address. The cost of this whole procedure is Rs.107.

Which Types of Businesses Require a PAN Card? 

If you come under any of the following entities, you should have a business PAN card:

• Company
• Partnership firm
• Association of persons
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• Body of Individuals
• Trust
• Incorporation
• Limited company
• Private firm
• Association
• Foreign institutional investor
• Hedge fund

Read More: Documents You Need to Start a Business in India

Business PAN Card Processing Time and Fees 

Getting a PAN card for your business is one of the crucial steps to ensure that you maintain financial integrity. Detailed below are the processing time and fees associated with applying for a business PAN card.

Related Read: What is GSTIN Number & Why It Is Required?

Estimated Processing Time for Business PAN Card Issuance

The estimated processing time for a business PAN card issuance is around 15 days. 

Business PAN Card Fee Structure

Business PAN Card fees for e-PAN Card

Documents Required for Business PAN

Related Read: How to Check Aadhaar and PAN Card Link Status Online?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the business PAN format?

The PAN format for businesses is similar to that for individuals. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric number, which the Income Tax Department allows. The initial three characters are alphabets, followed by four digits, and terminated with a single alphabet. This PAN number is often used for GST search by PAN. 

Is PAN for business mandatory for GST registration?

Yes, a PAN card is a mandatory document for obtaining GST registration. Additionally, understanding how to register a business in India is crucial for new entrepreneurs.

What is the Apostille Convention?

The Apostille Convention is an international pact that makes the procedure of verifying documents to be used in other nations a lot easier. It eliminates the need for extra certification by endorsing the original document with an apostille certificate.

Who is eligible for a business PAN card?

Businesses, which include sole proprietorships, partnerships, companies and other legal entities, are entitled to apply for a business PAN card.

How to apply for PAN for a proprietorship firm?

A proprietorship is not a separate legal entity, so the owner must use their personal PAN for business purposes. However, to apply for registrations like GST or open a current account, the proprietor must submit their PAN along with business-related documents (e.g., trade license, utility bill, MSME certificate) as proof of business identity.

How do I apply for a PAN card for my company, firm, or LLP?

To apply for a PAN card for a company, firm, or LLP, visit the NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL portal. Select Form 49A and choose the appropriate entity type. Fill in details like registration number, date of incorporation, and AO code. Upload required documents (like Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed), pay the application fee, and submit the form online or via physical submission.

What is the difference between PAN card and business PAN card?

A personal PAN card is issued to individuals for personal tax identification, while a business PAN card is assigned to registered entities like companies, partnerships, or LLPs for business-related tax and compliance purposes. Each business entity must have its own separate PAN.

Is PAN required for small business?

Yes, PAN is mandatory for small businesses if they need to file taxes, open a current bank account, apply for GST, or conduct financial transactions above specified limits.

Can we use a personal PAN for business?

For sole proprietorships, the owner’s personal PAN is valid. However, for other business types like partnerships or companies, a separate business PAN is required as the entity is distinct from the individual.