How to open a Zerodha HUF account
This guide explains how a Karta can open a demat and trading account in the name of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) with Zerodha, covering documentation, the HUF declaration deed, and segment eligibility.
Step-by-step procedure
Step 1: Obtain HUF PAN and HUF bank account
Before approaching Zerodha, the HUF must have two things in place:
HUF PAN: Apply for the HUF PAN on the Income Tax e-Filing portal (incometax.gov.in) or through NSDL/UTIITSL. The applicant is the Karta acting on behalf of the HUF. The application requires the HUF declaration deed and the Karta’s personal PAN. Processing takes 5-7 business days.
HUF bank account: Open a savings or current account in the HUF’s name at any scheduled commercial bank. Most banks require the HUF deed, HUF PAN, and Karta’s KYC documents. This account will serve as the settlement account for all trades.
The Zerodha HUF account page outlines permissible trading segments and brokerage structure.
Step 2: Download the HUF account opening kit
Go to zerodha.com/open-account. Under the account type selection, choose “HUF” or navigate to the non-individual account opening section. Download the form package, which includes:
- Account opening application form (HUF)
- FATCA and CRS self-certification form
- In-person verification declaration
- Annexure for segment activation
Print all pages on A4 paper.
Step 3: Complete the HUF declaration deed
The HUF declaration deed is a notarised document (or a deed on stamp paper, depending on the state) that:
- States the name of the HUF (e.g., “Ramesh Kumar HUF”)
- Identifies the Karta by name, PAN, and address
- Lists all coparceners by name and relationship to the Karta
- Contains the Karta’s signature and the date of formation of the HUF
If the HUF does not yet have a formal deed, consult a chartered accountant or advocate to draft one. The deed need not be registered but must be notarised or executed on appropriate stamp paper. Zerodha has in the past accepted self-declared deeds on plain paper with a notary seal; verify this requirement directly with nri@zerodha.com or the Zerodha support team before submission.
Step 4: Fill the account opening forms
The Karta fills all forms on behalf of the HUF. Key fields:
- Account name: Enter the full HUF name exactly as it appears on the HUF PAN card.
- PAN field: Enter the HUF PAN (not the Karta’s personal PAN) in the primary PAN field. The Karta’s PAN is entered in the Karta-specific field.
- Address: Use the Karta’s address as the correspondence address for the HUF account.
- Segment selection: Equity delivery is available to HUF accounts. F&O and currency derivatives are permissible; tick these segments if required and attach income proof.
- Bank details: Provide the HUF bank account number and IFSC code. The settlement account must be in the HUF’s name.
Sign every page in the Karta’s name followed by “Karta” (e.g., “Ramesh Kumar, Karta”). Signatures on behalf of individual coparceners are not required for the account opening.
Step 5: Prepare attested document copies
Compile self-attested photocopies of:
| Document | Attested by |
|---|---|
| HUF PAN card | Karta (self-attested) |
| Karta’s personal PAN card | Karta (self-attested) |
| Karta’s Aadhaar card | Karta (self-attested) |
| HUF declaration deed | Karta (self-attested); notary stamp if available |
| Cancelled cheque from HUF bank account | Karta (self-attested with “Karta” designation) |
| Karta’s address proof (if Aadhaar address differs) | Karta (self-attested) |
Attach one recent passport-size photograph of the Karta on the application form. The photograph must be signed across.
Step 6: Complete in-person verification
The IPV for a HUF account is conducted for the Karta only. The Karta signs the IPV declaration form included in the account opening package. Zerodha may require the Karta to attend a brief video IPV call; this is scheduled by Zerodha after the physical forms are received. The Karta should have their personal PAN card available during the video call.
Step 7: Courier the complete package
Assemble and courier to:
Zerodha Broking Limited 153/154, 4th Cross, Judges Colony, J.P. Nagar 4th Phase, Bengaluru 560078, Karnataka, India
Use a trackable courier service. Include:
- Completed and signed account opening forms (all pages)
- HUF declaration deed (attested copy)
- All document copies (attested)
- Passport photograph of Karta
Step 8: Pay the account opening fee and receive credentials
The standard account opening fee applies (Rs 200 at the time of writing; verify at zerodha.com). Zerodha sends a payment link after verifying the physical documents. After payment, processing takes approximately 3-5 business days. The Karta receives login credentials by email and can access Kite and Console on behalf of the HUF.
Related guides
- Zerodha HUF account overview - Regulatory framework, permissible segments, and brokerage for HUF accounts
- How to open a Zerodha account online - Standard individual account opening for comparison
- How to open a Zerodha corporate account - For company or institutional entities
- How to complete Zerodha KYC online - KYC steps applicable to new accounts
- How to add a nominee on Zerodha - Nominee registration for HUF demat accounts
- How to track Zerodha account opening status - Monitor the progress of a pending application
References
- Zerodha HUF account opening page: zerodha.com/open-account (accessed May 2026).
- Income Tax Department, HUF PAN application guidelines, Form 49A instructions, NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Ltd.
- SEBI Circular on KYC for non-individual accounts (SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/37, 23 March 2023).
- Central Board of Direct Taxes, Guidance note on tax treatment of HUF (CBDT Circular No. 7/2001, 20 June 2001).
- CDSL Operating Instructions, Non-individual account opening requirements, Chapter 4 (revised 2024).