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Aadhaar Card PAN Card Link: Complete Guide (2025)
Linking your Aadhaar card with PAN card is a mandatory requirement issued by the Government of India. If you have not linked them yet, your PAN may become inoperative, which can affect banking, taxation, investments, and other financial activities.
In this detailed guide, you will learn what Aadhaar–PAN linking is, why it is mandatory, how to link online/offline, fees involved, last dates, and common issues with solutions.
What Is Aadhaar Card PAN Card Linking?
Aadhaar–PAN linking is the process of connecting your 12-digit Aadhaar number with your Permanent Account Number (PAN) in the Income Tax database. This helps the government eliminate duplicate PANs and improve transparency in financial transactions.
Why Is Aadhaar Card PAN Card Link Mandatory?
Linking Aadhaar with PAN is compulsory for the following reasons:
- To file Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- To avoid PAN becoming inoperative
- To ensure accurate identity verification
- To prevent tax evasion and duplicate PAN cards
- Required for banking, investments, mutual funds, and high-value transactions
Last Date to Link Aadhaar with PAN
The government has extended deadlines multiple times. As per current rules:
- PAN not linked with Aadhaar becomes inoperative
- A penalty fee is applicable for late linking
- PAN can be reactivated after linking Aadhaar and paying the fee
⚠️ It is strongly advised to complete Aadhaar–PAN linking as soon as possible.
Aadhaar PAN Link Fee (Penalty)
If you are linking Aadhaar with PAN after the due date:
- ₹1,000 fee is applicable
- Fee must be paid before submitting the linking request
- PAN becomes active only after successful verification
How to Link Aadhaar Card with PAN Online (Step-by-Step)
You can easily link Aadhaar with PAN through the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Website
Go to the official e-Filing portal.
Step 2: Click on “Link Aadhaar”
Choose the Link Aadhaar option on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter Required Details
- PAN number
- Aadhaar number
- Name as per Aadhaar
Step 4: Validate Details
Verify details using OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 5: Pay Fee (If Applicable)
If required, pay the ₹1,000 penalty and proceed.
Step 6: Confirmation
After submission, you will see a confirmation message that Aadhaar–PAN linking is successful.
How to Link Aadhaar with PAN via SMS
You can also link Aadhaar with PAN using SMS:
Send SMS to 567678 or 56161
Format:
UIDPAN <Aadhaar Number> <PAN Number>
Example:
UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
✔️ This method works only if Aadhaar and PAN details match exactly.
How to Check Aadhaar PAN Link Status
Follow these steps to check your Aadhaar–PAN linking status:
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal
- Click on Link Aadhaar Status
- Enter PAN and Aadhaar number
- Click View Status
You will see whether your Aadhaar is linked with PAN or not.
What Happens If Aadhaar Is Not Linked with PAN?
If Aadhaar–PAN linking is not completed:
- PAN becomes inoperative
- Cannot file Income Tax Returns
- Higher TDS/TCS may be deducted
- Issues in opening bank accounts
- Mutual fund and stock market investments may fail
- Difficulty in government services and subsidies
Common Issues While Linking Aadhaar with PAN
- Name Mismatch
If names differ in Aadhaar and PAN, linking may fail. Update either Aadhaar or PAN to match exactly.
- Date of Birth Mismatch
Ensure DOB is the same in both records.
- Mobile Number Not Linked
OTP will fail if your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is inactive.
- Technical Errors
Try again after some time or use a different browser.
How to Correct Aadhaar or PAN Details
- For Aadhaar corrections: Visit Aadhaar enrollment/update centers or online portal
- For PAN corrections: Apply for PAN correction through authorized PAN service providers
After corrections, try linking again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Aadhaar–PAN linking compulsory for everyone?
Yes, for all PAN holders except certain exempt categories such as NRIs, senior citizens above a specific age, and foreign nationals.
Can I link Aadhaar with PAN without logging in?
Yes, linking can be done without logging in through the “Link Aadhaar” option.
How long does Aadhaar–PAN linking take?
Usually instant, but in some cases it may take a few days for verification.
Can an inoperative PAN be reactivated?
Yes, after linking Aadhaar and paying the penalty, PAN will be reactivated.
Final Thoughts
The Aadhaar card PAN card link is no longer optional—it is essential for smooth financial and tax-related activities in India. Delaying the process can lead to penalties and disruptions in important services.
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