The Indian government has made it mandatory to link your PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar to maintain financial transparency and curb tax evasion. Failing to do so can lead to your PAN becoming inoperative, affecting banking transactions Debit card transaction, ITR filing, and investments. Whether you’re a salaried individual, self-employed professional, or business owner, it’s crucial to complete the process before the deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Link pan to adhar is mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act.
- The deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar without penalties has already passed; late linking requires a fine.
- PAN becomes inoperative if not linked, impacting your ability to file taxes or access financial services.
- You can link PAN and Aadhaar online via the e-Filing portal or through SMS.
- It’s essential to verify your linking status once the process is complete to avoid compliance issues.
Why Is link pan to adhar Necessary?
The government’s initiative to link PAN and Aadhaar was introduced to eliminate duplicate PANs and bring more transparency to financial transactions. Linking these two key documents enables authorities to track financial activities, identify tax evaders, and ensure accurate ITR filing.
Moreover, Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act makes it legally mandatory. If your PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, you won’t be able to:
- File income tax returns
- Open bank accounts
- Conduct high-value transactions
- Claim income tax refunds
- Invest in securities or mutual funds
Who Needs to Link PAN with Aadhaar?
Everyone who holds a valid PAN and is eligible for an Aadhaar number is required to link them. This includes:
- Indian citizens
- NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) who file taxes in India
- Senior citizens (not exempt unless specifically excluded)
- Business owners and self-employed professionals
Exemptions may apply to individuals residing in Assam, Meghalaya, or Jammu & Kashmir, as well as non-residents as defined under the Income Tax Act.
What Happens If You Don’t link PAN to Adhar?
If you fail to link PAN and Aadhaar before the prescribed deadline, your PAN becomes inoperative. Here’s what it means:
- You cannot use your PAN for financial transactions.
- Banks may freeze accounts or reject KYC verification.
- Tax refunds will be withheld or delayed.
- Filing income tax returns won’t be possible.
- A penalty of up to ₹10,000 may be imposed under Section 272B.
However, once linked even after the deadline, your PAN can be reactivated after a verification process.
Step-by-Step Guide to link PAN to Adhar Online (2025)
Here is how you can link your PAN and Aadhaar online using the Income Tax e-Filing portal:
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website.
Step 2: Click on “Link Aadhaar”
On the home page, under the “Quick Links” section, click on Link Aadhaar.
Step 3: Fill in Required Details
You’ll be prompted to enter:
- PAN number
- Aadhaar number
- Name as per Aadhaar
- Mobile number
- Captcha code
Tick the checkbox if only the year of birth is mentioned in Aadhaar.
Step 4: Pay the Penalty (if applicable)
As of 2025, you need to pay a late fee of ₹1,000 via the e-Pay Tax option on the portal before proceeding with Aadhaar linking.
Step 5: Submit Request
Click the “Link Aadhaar” button after entering all the details. You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
Step 6: Verification
Once OTP verification is completed, the system will validate the details with UIDAI. If all is correct, the Aadhaar will be linked with PAN.
Link PAN to Adhar via SMS
If you prefer not to use the online portal, linking can also be done via SMS:
Format:
UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>
Send to: 567678 or 56161
Example:UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
Charges as per your mobile operator will apply. Make sure both documents are registered with the same mobile number.
How to Check PAN-Aadhaar Linking Status
To check whether your PAN is linked to Aadhaar:
- Visit: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
- Click on “Link Aadhaar Status” under Quick Links.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.
- The status will be displayed on the screen.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting of link PAN to Adhar
1. Mismatch in Name or DOB
Your linking request may be rejected if your name, date of birth, or gender doesn’t match between Aadhaar and PAN records. Use the UIDAI portal or PAN correction form to update details.
2. Inactive Mobile Number
If your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar, OTP verification will fail. Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile number.
3. Penalty Not Paid
If you haven’t paid the ₹1,000 fee before attempting linking, the request will be denied. Always make the payment first.
Deadline to link PAN to Adhar in 2025
As of April 2025, the last extended deadline was June 30, 2023. If you haven’t linked your PAN and Aadhaar yet, you’ll have to:
- Pay a penalty of ₹1,000
- Submit the linking request again
There is no provision for further extension. Delays beyond this may result in permanent inactivation of PAN.
Offline PAN-Aadhaar Linking Process
If you’re not comfortable with online procedures, you can visit your nearest NSDL or UTIITSL center to complete the linking.
Requirements:
- PAN card copy
- Aadhaar card copy
- Filled Annexure-I form
- ₹1,000 penalty fee (can be paid in cash or digitally)
Once submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment slip, and the linking process will be completed within 15 days.
How to Correct Aadhaar or PAN Details for Successful Linking
If your PAN or Aadhaar has incorrect details, follow these steps:
To Update PAN:
Visit https://www.tin-nsdl.com or https://www.pan.utiitsl.com and submit a correction request.
To Update Aadhaar:
Visit https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in to request changes in name, date of birth, or gender.
Ensure that details match exactly across both documents for successful linking.
Importance of PAN-Aadhaar Linking for NRIs
Even though NRIs are generally exempt, if they have a taxable income in India or perform financial transactions that require a PAN, they should link PAN and Aadhaar if they possess both documents.
It’s advisable for NRIs to verify their status on the income tax portal and update their residential status to avoid penalties or account freezes.
Benefits of Linking PAN and Aadhaar
- Streamlined ITR filing without needing to submit physical documents
- Reduced fraud and duplication in PAN issuance
- Helps in tracking black money and financial crimes
- Unified KYC process for investments and banking
- Makes it easier to avail government subsidies or DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
Final Thoughts
Linking PAN with Aadhaar is not just a legal requirement, but a smart step towards seamless access to financial services. The process is straightforward and can be completed within minutes online. Avoid last-minute hassles by ensuring both documents are linked correctly and your details match perfectly.
FAQs
Can I link PAN with Aadhaar without a mobile number?
No, an active mobile number registered with Aadhaar is required to receive the OTP for verification.
What happens if I don’t pay the ₹1,000 penalty before linking?
Your request will be rejected. The fee must be paid before initiating the linking process.
Is there an offline way to link PAN and Aadhaar?
Yes, you can visit NSDL or UTIITSL centers and submit the required documents along with a filled form and penalty payment.
Do NRIs have to link PAN and Aadhaar?
Only if they hold both documents and have taxable income or perform financial transactions in India. Otherwise, they’re exempt.
How long does it take to link PAN and Aadhaar?
Usually, it takes 3–10 working days after OTP verification and fee payment, depending on the processing time.
