PAN Card Update 2026: New Forms 95 and 96

PAN Card Update 2026

New Forms 95 and 96 Replace Form 49AA

If you are a foreign national or your company is registered outside India, this news is critical for your compliance. As of April 1, 2026, the Income Tax Department has officially restructured the PAN card application process.

The goal is simple: to reduce errors, enhance security, and ensure that foreign investments are accurately categorized in Indian databases. Until recently, all non-Indian applicants—whether individuals or multi-billion dollar corporations—used the same generic Form 49AA. Under the new Income Tax Rules, 2026, this form has been retired.

The New Categorization

1. Form 95: For Foreign Individuals

Strictly for individuals who are not citizens of India.

Who needs it: Foreign nationals, PIOs, or OCIs wishing to invest, work, or open bank accounts in India.

Key Requirement: Mandatory Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from country of residence.

Mandatory Documents:
  • Valid Passport
  • Proof of overseas address
  • Birth Certificate (Aadhaar alone is insufficient)

2. Form 96: For Foreign Entities

Dedicated to entities incorporated or registered outside India.

Who needs it: Foreign companies, partnership firms, trusts, or AOPs opening Indian branches or registering as FPIs.

The Change: Removes personal fields (like "father's name") to focus purely on corporate structure.

Mandatory Documents:
  • Certificate of Incorporation (Apostilled or Indian Embassy attested)
  • Authorized Representative details

💡 Practical Examples

Case A: The Individual Investor (Form 95)

John, a UK citizen, buying shares in an Indian EV startup. Previously, he used Form 49AA. Now, he uses Form 95, provides his UK Passport and National Insurance Number (TIN). To avoid "Exact Match" rejection, he must use his full name "John Albert Doe" as per passport, not "John A. Doe".

Case B: The Overseas Tech Firm (Form 96)

"Berlin Data Solutions GmbH" setting up in Noida. Previously used Form 49AA with many irrelevant blanks. Now uses Form 96 with an Apostilled German Registration Certificate and appoints an Indian Authorized Representative with mandatory digital tracking details.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I already have a PAN card issued via Form 49AA. Is it still valid?

A: Yes. Your existing PAN remains valid. Use new forms only for new applications or "Change Requests".

Q: Can I still apply using only my Aadhaar card?

A: No. As of April 1, 2026, the "Aadhaar-only" route has ended for non-citizens. Separate proof of Date of Birth is mandatory.

Q: Why was my application rejected even though my name is correct?

A: The 2026 system is sensitive. No abbreviations are allowed unless they appear in the ID. Also, "Mother's Name" is now mandatory in Form 95.

Q: Where can I find these new forms?

A: Available on Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL portals. Old Form 49AA is no longer accepted.

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Conclusion

The introduction of Forms 95 and 96 is a commendable step toward a more transparent and "digital-first" tax ecosystem in India. By separating individuals from corporate entities, the government has cleared the path for smoother foreign investment.