Linking your PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar has become mandatory for taxpayers in India. This process, initiated by the government, ensures that tax filings are seamless and prevents the misuse of PAN cards. In this blog, we’ll walk you through why this linkage is essential, the deadlines, and the step-by-step process.

Why Linking PAN with Aadhaar is Important

1. Eliminates Duplicate PANs: It helps identify and eliminate duplicate or fake PAN cards, promoting transparency.
2. Mandatory for Tax Filings: Without linking, your PAN could become inoperative, making it impossible to file income tax returns.
3. Compliance with Legal Requirements: Linking PAN with Aadhaar is now a legal requirement under the Income Tax Act.

PAN-Aadhaar Linkage Deadline

The government has set clear deadlines for linking PAN with Aadhaar. Missing the deadline may result in a penalty and inactivation of your PAN card. As of now:

• The current deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar is [Insert updated deadline here, as per the latest notification].
• A penalty of ₹1,000 is applicable if the deadline is missed, as per Section 234H of the Income Tax Act.

Step-by-Step Process to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online

Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is straightforward and can be done via the Income Tax Department’s official portal.

1. Check if Your PAN is Already Linked

• Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
• Navigate to the “Quick Links” section and click on “Link Aadhaar Status.”
• Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number to verify the status.

2. Linking PAN with Aadhaar Online

If your PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Step 2: Click on the “Link Aadhaar” option under the “Quick Links” section.
Step 3: Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, name (as per Aadhaar), and mobile number.
Step 4: If there’s a mismatch in the date of birth or name, tick the checkbox to declare your consent.
Step 5: Click on “Link Aadhaar” and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation of the linkage.

Linking PAN with Aadhaar via SMS

For those who prefer a non-digital option, you can link PAN with Aadhaar through SMS by following these steps:

1. Type the SMS in this format: UIDPAN<SPACE><12-digit Aadhaar><SPACE><10-digit PAN>.
2. Send it to 567678 or 56161.
3. You’ll receive a confirmation once the linking is successful.

What Happens if PAN is Not Linked with Aadhaar?

1. PAN Inoperative: Your PAN will be declared inoperative and cannot be used for financial transactions or filing taxes.
2. Higher TDS Rates: If PAN is inactive, higher TDS rates may be applicable under Section 206AA.
3. Legal Consequences: Failure to comply may lead to penalties.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

• Mismatch in Name or DOB: Ensure your details match across both PAN and Aadhaar records. If discrepancies exist, update them before linking.
• Failure of Online Linking: Visit the nearest PAN or Aadhaar Seva Kendra for assistance.
• Technical Errors: Retry after clearing browser cookies or use a different browser.

Conclusion

Linking PAN with Aadhaar is a vital step for every taxpayer. It ensures compliance with government regulations, seamless tax filing, and uninterrupted financial transactions. Don’t wait until the last moment—complete the linkage today and avoid unnecessary penalties.