In India, linking your Aadhaar card with your PAN card is no longer optional — it’s mandatory. In addition to preventing fraud and making it easier to file taxes or make investments, this step helps you maintain accurate financial and tax records. However, many people are still unaware of the significance of this or the process. Let us put it in very basic terms:
Why is it necessary to connect Aadhaar and PAN?
The Income Tax Department mandates that all taxpayers link their Aadhaar and PAN. This makes it easier:
•Prevent people from holding several PAN cards under various names.
•Fight against illicit and black money.
•Ensure that each taxpayer has a unique and verified identity.
•The deadline for linking is December 31, 2025, for those who obtained PAN cards using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024.
•If you do not link by the deadline, your PAN will be blocked on January 1, 2026, which will impact your financial transactions and income tax filing.
Your PAN will become inactive if your Aadhaar is not linked to it. This implies:
•It will be impossible for you to file your income tax returns.
•You will not receive any of your due tax refunds.
•It might become difficult or impossible to buy and sell stocks, invest in mutual funds, or conduct banking transactions.
Over 610 million PAN cards are now linked to Aadhaar, but many people have yet to do so. As a result, they may face tax and financial issues.
Simple Ways to Connect Aadhaar and PAN:
Linking your Aadhaar with PAN can be done in three different ways: online, through SMS, or in offline mode at PAN centers.
1. Online (The Most Popular & Easy Method)
You can link your mobile number to Aadhaar online if you have both Aadhaar and PAN:
•Go to the official website for e-filing income taxes.
•Select "Link Aadhaar."
•Enter your name, PAN, and Aadhaar number exactly as they appear on your Aadhaar card.
•Verify by receiving an OTP on your phone.
•You might first have to pay a small fine (₹1,000) if you are linking late.
•Your PAN will be linked and active again in approximately 30 days.
2. Through SMS (For Fast Linking)
You can send an SMS using this format if your mobile number is connected to Aadhaar:
UIDPAN <Your Aadhaar Number> <Your PAN Number>
Forward it to 56161 or 567678.
Keep in mind that if you use this method after the deadline, you will also be charged a penalty.
3. Offline at PAN Service Centers
If you are having trouble online or do not have internet access, you can bring your Aadhaar and PAN documents to the closest PAN service center. You can fill out a form there, pay any penalties, and get help linking your cards.
Who Is Excluded?
Some individuals are exempt from linking their PAN and Aadhaar:
•Indians living abroad temporarily (NRIs)
•Elderly people who are older than 80
•People who live in Jammu & Kashmir and some northeastern states without Aadhaar
•Foreign citizens with PAN but no Aadhaar
•Individuals who are not eligible for Aadhaar under the current laws
It is preferable to link your Aadhaar even if you are exempt in order to prevent issues in the future.
How to Check If Your Aadhaar and PAN Are Linked?
The process is simple! Simply go to the website for income tax e-filing, select "Link Aadhaar Status," and input your Aadhaar and PAN numbers. The current status will be displayed immediately.
Linking your Aadhaar to your PAN is a government requirement that helps prevent fraud and simplifies tax and financial transactions. Link them as soon as possible via SMS, the internet, or a PAN center to avoid missing the deadline. If done late, there may be a small fine. Your PAN may become inactive without linking, which could make it difficult to file taxes or conduct financial transactions.
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