New Delhi, May 8 -- The government has updated postal regulations, mandating the Permanent Account Number (PAN) for critical transactions under the Income Tax Rules, 2026. This change aims to streamline tax tracking for postal savings and investment activities.

The Department of Posts now requires depositors to quote their PAN for all specified financial activities. According to the 2026 rules, post offices must collect Form No. 97 from any depositor who doesn't have a PAN. This new document captures the individual's name, address, transaction amount, and necessary supporting evidence to ensure compliance.

The administration has also introduced Form 121 to replace the long-standing Forms 15G and 15H. This single document will now be use...