02 August 2025
Great question! Here's a clear breakdown of **types of PAN cards in India** as recognized under the Income Tax laws:
### Types of PAN Cards by Category of Applicant:
1. **Individual** — For natural persons (including minors) 2. **Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)** — PAN issued in the name of HUF 3. **Company** — For companies (private, public, etc.) 4. **Firm** — For partnership firms, LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) 5. **Trust** — For trusts (registered or otherwise) 6. **Association of Persons (AOP) / Body of Individuals (BOI)** — Groups of individuals or entities 7. **Local Authority** — Municipalities, local government bodies 8. **Artificial Juridical Person** — Any entity not covered above, e.g., NGOs, government bodies, societies, etc.
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### Legal Reference:
* **Section 139A of the Income Tax Act, 1961** defines PAN and the manner of allotment but does not specifically classify "types" of PAN cards. * The **Income Tax Department's official application form** (Form 49A) requires the applicant to select the category of applicant from the above list. * So the types correspond to the **category of entity/person applying for PAN**.
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### Summary:
* There is **one type of PAN card** as a card/document. * But **PAN cards are issued for different categories** (types of applicants/entities) as above. * So when people say "types of PAN," they usually mean the category under which PAN is allotted.
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If you want, I can share more details on how each category is identified in the PAN card number or the application process!