New PAN rules 2026: What changes for taxpayers from today

If you are a Permanent Account Number (PAN) cardholder, new changes are coming your way from today (April 1). PAN card applications are to change starting today, as announced by Common Services Centres (CSC), a Government of India entity working under the Ministry of Electronics & IT’s aegis.

Those applying for a new PAN card or updating their existing one will be required to provide additional documents beyond Aadhaar. Meaning applicants can apply for a PAN card using only Aadhaar until Tuesday (March 31). The current PAN application forms will also be replaced with the existing form.

Here’s a quick guide.

What’s new in the PAN application process?  

• Applicants who are using only Aadhar as a document of proof, including proof of date of birth, will need to change now. Citizens will have to submit their extra documents for a PAN card application.

• These documents include: Birth certificate, voter ID, class 10 certificate, passport, driving license and others.

• According to the CSC e-governance services announcement, applicants whose names do not match Aadhaar records will be removed from the PAN card.

• Only the name as it appears on the Aadhaar card will be printed on it, hence applicants must ensure their Aadhaar details are accurate and updated.

• Another change effective today is that applications submitted on the old forms will not be accepted; only those filed using the new PAN application form will be considered.

• Applicants should now use category-specific forms, including Form 93 for individuals, Form 94 for companies, Form 95 for foreign individuals, and Form 96 for foreign entities, according to reports.

New PAN card guidelines one shouldn’t miss

• From today onwards, PAN details will be required only if total deposits or withdrawals exceed Rs 10 lakh in a financial year. At present, PAN is compulsory for cash deposits of Rs 50,000 or over in a single day.

• Under the new rule, PAN will be required for vehicle purchases only if the vehicle’s value exceeds Rs 5 lakh. At present, the card is needed for most vehicle purchases.

• Currently, PAN is compulsory only for annual premiums above Rs 50,000; however, going forward, it will be required at the start of all insurance policies, irrespective of the premium amount.

• The PAN disclosure limit for property deals will be raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh under the new provision.

• At present, PAN is required for cash payments above Rs 50,000 for hotel, restaurant, and event bills. The threshold for requiring PAN in cash payments will now be doubled from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh under the revised rules.

With inputs from agencies