Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is a crucial step to ensure seamless financial transactions and compliance with regulatory requirements. The process is simple and can be completed online. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to link your PAN and Aadhaar efficiently.
Aadhaar Card and PAN card link importance
The linkage of PAN card and Aadhaar has become mandatory under the Income Tax Act, and it is essential for various financial transactions, including filing Income Tax Returns. The government has introduced a seamless online process to make this linkage hassle-free.
How to link Aadhaar with a PAN card online - A step-by-step guide?
Follow these steps to link your PAN and Aadhaar Card:
Step 1 - Visit the official Income Tax Department website
Begin the process by visiting the official Income Tax Department website.
Step 2 - Locate the PAN-Aadhaar linking section
Navigate to the PAN-Aadhaar linking section on the website. This section is designed to facilitate the linkage process and can usually be found under the 'Quick Links' or 'Services' tab.
Step 3 - Enter PAN, Aadhaar details, and CAPTCHA
Once in the PAN-Aadhaar linking section, provide the necessary information. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and the CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen. Double-check the accuracy of the information to avoid any errors.
Step 4 - Validate with OTP
The next step involves validating your identity through a one-time password (OTP). Ensure that the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar is active, as the OTP will be sent to this number. Enter the OTP when prompted to proceed.
Step 5 - Confirmation message
After successful validation, a confirmation message will be displayed on the screen, indicating that your PAN and Aadhaar have been linked successfully. Take note of the confirmation for your records.
Linking your PAN and Aadhaar is a straightforward yet vital task. It ensures compliance with tax regulations and facilitates smooth financial transactions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can complete the process seamlessly and avoid any potential complications. Stay informed, stay compliant, and enjoy the benefits of a linked PAN and Aadhaar.
Online verification via Income Tax e-filing portal
- Navigate to the Income Tax e-filing portal: https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/link-aadhaar-status
- Under the Quick Links section, locate and click on Link Aadhaar Status.
- Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number.
- Click the View Link Aadhaar Status button.
The system will display a message indicating your PAN-Aadhaar linking status:
- "Your PAN is already linked to given Aadhaar". This confirms a successful link.
- "Your Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent to UIDAI for validation. Please check the status later...". This indicates the linking process is ongoing.
- "PAN not linked with Aadhaar. Please click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ to link your Aadhaar with PAN." This signifies a missing link.
Direct link to check Aadhaar-PAN linking status
The Income Tax Department's e-filing portal provides a dedicated tool to verify the PAN-Aadhaar link. You can access it directly through the following link:
Verifying PAN-Aadhaar linking status via SMS
- Compose an SMS with the following format: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar number> <10-digit PAN number>.
- Send the SMS to 567678 or 56161.
- Await a response from the government service.
The response message will reflect the linking status:
- "Aadhaar is already associated with PAN (number) in ITD database...". This confirms a successful link.
- "Aadhaar is not associated with PAN (number) in ITD database...". This signifies a missing link.
PAN-Aadhaar linking fees
- Prior to March 31, 2022: Linking was free of charge.
- Between March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022: A penalty of Rs. 500 was applicable.
- After June 30, 2022: A penalty of Rs. 1,000 is imposed for linking PAN with Aadhaar.
Important note: As of July 1, 2023, unlinked PAN cards will become inoperative.
How to link your PAN to your Aadhaar after deadline?
If your PAN has become inoperative due to non-linking with Aadhaar, you can reactivate it by paying the penalty and submitting a linking request. The process involves two key steps:
- Payment of the penalty
- Submitting the Aadhaar-PAN linking request
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
Step 1: Payment of Penalty
To pay the penalty for linking PAN and Aadhaar, follow these steps:
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Click on the ‘e-Pay Tax’ option under ‘Quick Links’.
- Enter PAN Details
- Provide your PAN in the ‘PAN/TAN’ section.
- Re-enter the PAN for confirmation.
- Enter your mobile number and click ‘Continue’.
- OTP Verification
- Verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- You will be redirected to the e-Pay Tax page.
- Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
- Choose Payment Type
- Click ‘Proceed’ under the ‘Income Tax’ tab.
- Select:
- Assessment Year: 2025-26
- Type of Payment (Minor Head): ‘Other Receipts (500)’
- Sub-Type of Payment: ‘Fee for delay in linking PAN with Aadhaar’
- Click ‘Continue’.
- Make the Payment
- The penalty amount will be auto-filled.
- Click ‘Continue’ and proceed with payment.
Accepted Payment Modes
You can pay the penalty using net banking, debit cards, NEFT/RTGS, or payment gateways from authorised banks such as SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and others.
Step 2: Submitting Aadhaar-PAN Linking Request
After the payment, you can submit the linking request online using one of two methods:
Method 1: Without Logging In
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal and click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ under ‘Quick Links’.
- Enter PAN and Aadhaar number, then click ‘Validate’.
- Provide your name (as per Aadhaar) and mobile number, then click ‘Link Aadhaar’.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click ‘Validate’ to submit the request.
- The request is sent to UIDAI for verification. If payment details are missing, a “Payment details not found” message will appear. Click ‘Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax’ to complete the payment first.
Method 2: Logging In to Your Account
- Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal using your PAN as the User ID. If not registered, create an account.
- Click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ under ‘My Profile’ in ‘Personal Details’.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and click ‘Validate’.
- A pop-up message will confirm successful Aadhaar-PAN linking.
Once the linking request is submitted, UIDAI will process it. The reactivation of PAN may take between 7 to 30 days from the date of submission.
Who needs to link Aadhaar with PAN?
As per Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, taxpayers possessing a PAN card are mandated to link it with their Aadhaar card. To avoid PAN card deactivation, all taxpayers must complete the linking process by June 30, 2023, even if it incurs a penalty of Rs. 1,000.
Exemption category: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), individuals exceeding 80 years of age, and residents of Assam, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir are exempt from linking Aadhaar with PAN.
What are the benefits of Aadhaar and PAN linking?
- Prevention of Duplicate PANs: Linking helps eliminate multiple PAN cards issued to the same individual, preventing tax fraud and identity misuse.
- Seamless ITR Filing: Aadhaar-PAN linking simplifies income tax return (ITR) filing by enabling automatic authentication, reducing manual verification.
- Faster Tax Refunds: With Aadhaar-linked PAN, tax refunds are processed more efficiently, ensuring quicker credit to the taxpayer’s bank account.
- Easy Verification for Financial Transactions: Aadhaar-PAN linking is mandatory for high-value transactions, such as property purchases and large bank deposits, enhancing financial transparency.
- Access to Government Benefits: Certain subsidies and financial schemes require Aadhaar and PAN linkage to verify eligibility and prevent fraudulent claims.
- Mandatory for Investments: For mutual fund investments, stock trading, and opening a Demat account, PAN-Aadhaar linking is necessary to comply with SEBI regulations.
- Reduces Risk of PAN Deactivation: As per government regulations, PAN may become inoperative if not linked with Aadhaar, restricting financial transactions and tax compliance.