Linking Aadhaar with PAN is a mandatory requirement set by the Income Tax Department of India. It helps eliminate duplicate PANs, ensures accurate tax filing, and is crucial for availing financial services. If your Aadhaar is not linked with your PAN, your PAN may become inoperative, affecting banking, investments, and tax return filing.
Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Who needs to link? | All PAN holders except NRIs and residents of Assam, J&K, and Meghalaya |
| Last date to link | Announced by CBDT (check latest updates on Income Tax portal) |
| Fee applicable | ₹1,000 (if linked after due date) |
| Methods to link | Online via Income Tax portal, SMS method |
| Time taken | Usually 24–48 hours |
Why Link Aadhaar with PAN
- Mandatory for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Prevents multiple PAN cards issued to the same person
- Simplifies financial transactions and KYC compliance
- Ensures eligibility for government subsidies and schemes
Step-by-Step Guide to Link Aadhaar with PAN
1. Online Method (Income Tax Portal)
- Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website (incometax.gov.in)
- On the homepage, click on “Link Aadhaar” under Quick Links
- Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and name as per Aadhaar
- If Aadhaar only has year of birth, tick the checkbox provided
- Verify details and enter the Captcha code
- Click “Link Aadhaar”
- A confirmation message will appear after successful submission
2. Through SMS
- Type an SMS in this format: UIDPAN<12-digit Aadhaar><10-digit PAN>
- Send it to 567678 or 56161
- You will receive a confirmation message after successful linking
3. Through Income Tax Login (if registered)
- Login to the Income Tax e-filing portal using PAN and password
- Go to Profile Settings → Link Aadhaar
- Details such as name, date of birth, and gender will already be pre-filled
- Enter your Aadhaar number and click “Link Now”
- Confirmation will be displayed on successful linking
Important Points to Remember
- Ensure that your name, date of birth, and gender match in both Aadhaar and PAN.
- If details do not match, update them in either Aadhaar or PAN before linking.
- Linking is not required for NRIs, residents of Assam, J&K, and Meghalaya (as per earlier notifications).
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Name mismatch between Aadhaar and PAN | Update name in Aadhaar or PAN before linking |
| Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar | Visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update mobile number |
| Technical error on portal | Try after some time or use SMS method |
Final Takeaway
Linking Aadhaar with PAN is no longer optional—it is compulsory for every Indian taxpayer. The process is simple and can be done online, via SMS, or through the income tax login portal. Linking ensures your PAN remains active and tax compliance is smooth.
FAQs
Q1. What happens if I don’t link Aadhaar with PAN?
Your PAN will become inoperative, and you cannot file ITR or use it for financial transactions.
Q2. Is there a fee for linking Aadhaar with PAN?
Yes, a fee of ₹1,000 may apply if linking is done after the prescribed deadline.
Q3. Can I link multiple PAN cards with one Aadhaar?
No, one Aadhaar can only be linked with one valid PAN card.