What Is Form 97 and How Does It Work

A PAN card is an important document issued by the Indian Income Tax Department, mandatory for investments, high-value purchases and loans. If you do not have a PAN card or your PAN allotment is pending for allotment, you can use Form 97 as per Rule 159 of the Income Tax Rules, 2026.

Let’s explore what Form 97 is, how it works, who should file, and the documents required.

What Is Form 97?

Form 97 is a self-declaration document used by individuals who do not possess a PAN card to carry out high-value financial transactions. Individuals who have not yet applied for a PAN card or have applied but are waiting for allotment can use Form 97.

However, using Form 97 without applying for a PAN card is not acceptable if your total income exceeds the basic exemption limit. In such cases, Form 97 can be used only if you have applied for a PAN card and await allotment.

When to Use Form 97?

Individuals must quote their PAN card for the following transactions or file Form 97 if they don’t have a PAN card or are waiting for an allotment as per Income Tax rules.

How to Fill Form 97?

Filling in Form 97 is quite easy and simple. Form 97 is divided into six main sections from A to F. At the end of Form 97, a code for the nature of the transaction, mode of transaction and documents will be provided.

Part A & B

In part A, fill in the details of the bank or financial institution with whom you’re undertaking a transaction. In part B, declare your status and that you don’t possess a PAN card.

Part C

Fill in your personal information, including whether you have applied for a PAN card, along with your address details. If you’re a foreign company filing Form 97, provide your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Part D

Enter your transaction details. Please provide the date of the transaction, the total amount, the cash portion, the mode of payment, and the share breakdown for joint transactions.

Part E

In section E, specify the documents submitted as proof along with their identification number, name and address of the issuing authority.

Part F

In section F, sign the declaration and enter the date, declaring that all the provided information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.

How to Download Form 97?

You can download Form 97 directly from the Income Tax Declaration website or from a major banking institution. Download Form 97, fill in the necessary information and attach the documents required.

How to Submit Form 97?

You must submit Form 97 and your necessary documents either online or offline, depending on your transacting entity.

Documents Required to Fill Form 97

Along with the copy of Form 97, please submit the documents listed in Part E. You will need to provide specific documents based on your entity type.

For Individuals & HUFs

For an individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), you can offer the following documents as

• Aadhar card.
• Driving License.
• Passport.
• Ration Card.
• ID proof from an accredited institution.
• Copy of the electricity bill or telephone bill.
• Any document issued by the Central Government, State Government or any local bodies.
• Any documentary proof related to the address mentioned in the form.

For Associations of Persons (Trust)

You must provide one of the following to prove your identity, address, and date of incorporation as a Trust.

• Copy of trust deed
• Copy of certificate of registration issued by the Charity Commissioner.

For Association of Persons (other than Trusts) or Body of Individuals or Local Authority or Artificial Juridical Person

You can provide any of the following to prove your identity, address, and date of incorporation.

• A registered agreement
• A registration certificate from the Charity Commissioner, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, or other competent authority
• Any other official document originating from a Central or State Government department

For a Foreign Company

You must provide one of the following documents to prove your identity, address and date of incorporation as a foreign company.

• Copy of Certificate of Registration or incorporation issued in the country where the applicant is located, attested by authorised officials of the IFSC banking unit.
• Copy of tax identification number used in the country where the applicant is located, attested by authorised officials of the IFSC banking unit.

FAQs

What is Form 97 in income tax, and who should file it?

Form 97, formerly known as Form 60, is a self-declaration used by individuals and other entities as a temporary substitute for a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card to carry out certain financial transactions as per Rule 159 of the Income Tax Rules, 2026.

What documents are required to submit Form 97 online?

You need to provide proof of identity, address, and Date of Birth for individuals and or Date of Incorporation for trusts and foreign companies.

Who is eligible to file Form 97 in India?

Indian individuals, Trusts, Foreign Companies, associations of persons, local authorities, or Artificial Juridical persons not possessing a PAN card are eligible to file Form 97 in India.

Form 97 is valid for how many years?

Form 97 is valid for 6 years from the end of the financial year in which the transaction was carried out.

What if I declare incorrect information in Form 97?

Deliberate declaration of incorrect information in Form 97 can lead to imprisonment for 3 months to 2 years or a penalty if the transaction amount is less than ₹25 lakhs and imprisonment for 6 months to 7 years and a hefty penalty if the amount exceeds ₹25 lakhs.