Linking your Aadhaar card with your Permanent Account Number (PAN) has become mandatory for Indian taxpayers. The government has made it compulsory to establish a one-to-one relationship between Aadhaar and PAN to curb tax evasion, prevent duplicate PANs, and streamline income tax filing. If you fail to link them, your PAN may become inoperative, leading to restrictions in financial transactions.
This article explains how to link Aadhaar with PAN card online and offline, the deadlines, fees, consequences of non-linking, and step-by-step instructions.
Why is Linking Aadhaar with PAN Mandatory?
- Prevents Duplicate PANs – Helps avoid multiple PAN cards under one person’s name.
- Streamlines Tax Filing – Aadhaar authentication ensures smooth e-verification of income tax returns.
- Mandatory for Financial Services – PAN-Aadhaar linking is essential for opening bank accounts, investments, and high-value transactions.
- Legal Requirement – The Income Tax Act makes linking compulsory to keep PAN active.
Deadline for Linking Aadhaar with PAN
The Income Tax Department has set strict deadlines for Aadhaar-PAN linking. After the due date, PANs not linked with Aadhaar will become inoperative until linked. Taxpayers may also have to pay penalties for delayed linking.
Fees for Aadhaar-PAN Linking
As per government notification, the fee for linking Aadhaar with PAN is:
- ₹1,000 penalty – payable before requesting the link.
- Payment can be made via Challan No. ITNS 280 under the head “Minor Head 500 – Other Receipts”.
Methods to Link Aadhaar with PAN
You can link your Aadhaar with PAN both online and offline.
1. Online Method via Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Steps to link Aadhaar with PAN online:
- Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in.
- Click on “Link Aadhaar” option under Quick Links.
- Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, name, and mobile number.
- If fees are applicable, first make payment of ₹1,000 via e-pay tax service.
- Enter OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Submit and you will receive a confirmation message.
2. Linking Aadhaar with PAN via SMS
- Send SMS in this format: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>
- Send it to 567678 or 56161 from your registered mobile number.
- Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
3. Offline Method through PAN Service Providers
You can also link Aadhaar with PAN by visiting:
- NSDL or UTIITSL service centers
- Submit a request form along with PAN and Aadhaar photocopies.
- Biometric authentication may be required for certain cases.
- A service fee may be charged at the center.
Consequences of Not Linking Aadhaar with PAN
If Aadhaar is not linked with PAN within the deadline:
- PAN becomes inoperative.
- You cannot file income tax returns.
- Higher TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) may be applied.
- Bank transactions, investments, and financial services may be restricted.
- Penalties and interest charges may apply.
How to Check if Aadhaar is Linked with PAN
- Visit the Income Tax e-filing website.
- Click on “Link Aadhaar Status” under Quick Links.
- Enter PAN and Aadhaar number.
- The system will show if your Aadhaar is already linked.
Important Points to Remember
- Ensure that name, DOB, and gender match in both PAN and Aadhaar.
- If there is any mismatch, update details in Aadhaar or PAN before linking.
- Use the same mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification.
- Pay applicable fees before submitting the linking request.
Overview Table
| Method | How to Link | Cost Involved | Verification Mode | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online (e-Filing) | Income Tax website | ₹1,000 fee | OTP on mobile | Instant–few days |
| SMS | Send UIDPAN to 567678/56161 | ₹1,000 fee | SMS confirmation | Few days |
| Offline (NSDL/UTIITSL) | Submit form at service centers | ₹1,000 fee + service charge | Biometric/Signed Form | Few days |
| Status Check Online | e-Filing website → Link Aadhaar Status | Free | PAN & Aadhaar | Instant |
| Payment of Fee | Through ITNS 280 (e-pay tax) | ₹1,000 | Netbanking/UPI | Before linking |
Key Benefits of Linking Aadhaar with PAN
- Simplifies filing and verification of Income Tax Returns (ITR).
- Reduces fraudulent practices by eliminating duplicate PANs.
- Provides a smooth process for high-value financial transactions.
- Ensures compliance with government regulations.
FAQs
Q1: Is it mandatory to link Aadhaar with PAN card?
Yes, it is compulsory; otherwise, your PAN will become inoperative.
Q2: What is the fee for Aadhaar-PAN linking?
A fee of ₹1,000 must be paid before linking.
Q3: How can I check if my Aadhaar is linked with PAN?
You can check the status on the Income Tax e-filing portal under “Link Aadhaar Status”.