Aadhaar-PAN Linking Deadline Looms: What You Must Do Before December 31

The deadline to link your Aadhaar with your PAN is December 31. Failure to link them will make your PAN card inoperative. This affects all taxpayers in India.

A penalty of ₹1,000 applies for missing the deadline. According to ClearTax, some newer PAN holders may link for free. Services requiring PAN could be disrupted for defaulters.

Step-by-Step Guide to Link Your PAN with Aadhaar

First, visit the Income Tax e-filing portal. You must log in or register with your credentials. Then, navigate to your profile settings.

Look for the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option under personal details. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers accurately. You will then be redirected to a payment gateway.

Select the relevant assessment year for payment. Choose ‘Other Receipts’ as the payment type. The ₹1,000 fee will be pre-filled for most users.

Complete the payment via the generated challan. Return to the e-filing portal after successful payment. Finally, confirm the linking process on the site.

Consequences and How to Verify Your Status

An inoperative PAN causes significant problems. You cannot file income tax returns. Financial transactions requiring PAN will be hindered.

Checking your link status is simple and quick. Go to the e-filing portal’s dedicated status page. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar details to view the link status.

If details mismatch, you must correct them first. Update your name or date of birth on the UIDAI portal for Aadhaar. For PAN errors, use the NSDL or UTIITSL websites.

Time is running out to link Aadhaar with PAN. Completing this mandatory process secures your financial identity and ensures seamless tax compliance.

Info at your fingertips

What happens if I miss the December 31 deadline?

Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) will become inoperative. This prevents you from filing tax returns and may block high-value financial transactions.

How can I check if my PAN is already linked?

Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal. Use the ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’ tool. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number to see the current status.

Is the ₹1,000 penalty mandatory for everyone?

No. According to reports, PAN holders who got their card after October 1, 2024, using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID can link for free until December 2025.

My name is different on PAN and Aadhaar. What should I do?

You must correct the discrepancy before linking. Update your details on the UIDAI website for Aadhaar or the NSDL portal for PAN to ensure both documents match.

Why is linking PAN with Aadhaar necessary?

Linking helps the government eliminate duplicate or fake PAN cards. It streamlines tax administration and strengthens the verification process for financial activities.