69. Is Pan Card Number required to

maintain Bank Account in India?

Q. Hello, I have few questions and need your help. I am US citizen and hold two bank accounts in India. Is it true that all NRI's have to have a PAN number to maintain bank accounts in India. US passport's don't have our address, so can I send a copy of US Bank statement to prove my residency or do you need statement from Indian Bank. Does PAN office accepts Utility bill to support from residency in USA. Do I need to get all documents notarized. Appreciate your help in this matter. Thanks Ajay Maheshwari A. Unless you have taxable income in India and need to file a tax return in India you do not require a Pan Card to maintain Nri bank accounts. I believe that currently there is no income tax on earnings up to Rupees 1,60,000 for men and Rupees 1,90,000 for women. If the interest income you receive in India is more than the exempt amount then you should get a PAN and file income tax. In case you are interested in buying or selling stocks then a PAN is compulsory. As for what is acceptable as proof of address, Here is an excerpt from the Indian Tax Dept site: Proof of Identity 1 Copy of passport 2 Copy of other National ID attested by Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Apostle 3 Copy of Person of Indian Origin(PIO)card issued by Government of India Proof of Address Copy of any of the following 1 Copy of passport 2 Copy of other National ID attested by Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Apostle 3 Copy of bank account statement in country of residence, duly attested by Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate/Apostle in the country where applicant is located 4 Copy of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India 5 Copy of NRE bank account statement** ** showing at least two customer induced transactions in last six months period and duly attested by Indian Embassy / Consular office / High commission or Apostle or by the manager of the bank in which the account is held. The applicant may be a joint holder.