Starting January 1, 2026, if you haven’t linked your PAN with Aadhaar, your PAN will become inoperative. This rule primarily affects those who received their PAN using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID prior to October 1, 2024. According to the latest CBDT Notification dated April 3, 2025, the last date to complete the linking process is December 31, 2025. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Why is Linking Mandatory?
Failing to link your PAN can lead to significant consequences, including:
- You won’t be able to file Income Tax Returns (ITR).
- No tax refunds will be processed.
- High-value financial transactions, such as banking and investments, may be blocked.
- Higher TDS/TCS rates will apply.
For those affected, completing the linking by December 31 is often free (with no ₹1,000 late fee if done on time). However, previous deadline missers may incur fees.
How to Link (Step-by-Step Process):
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
- Under “Quick Links”, click on Link Aadhaar.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.
- If your details (name, DOB, etc.) match, an OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile.
- Enter the OTP and submit your request.
- Check your status via “Link Aadhaar Status”.
- If your PAN is already inoperative, pay the ₹1,000 fee first (this option is available on the portal).
- If details do not match, update either Aadhaar or PAN prior to linking.
How to Check Status?
- On the e-Filing portal, navigate to “Link Aadhaar Status” and enter both your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.
- Via SMS: Send UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161.
This information is corroborated by reliable sources like Times of India, Economic Times, Mint, and Hindustan Times. Act promptly as the servers may experience high traffic near the deadline! For the latest official information, visit the Income Tax portal.
Conclusion
Linking your PAN with Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, is crucial to maintain the validity of your PAN. Delaying this linking can lead to severe consequences affecting your financial transactions and income tax filings. Ensure you follow the outlined steps to complete your linking and check your status promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t link my PAN to Aadhaar by the deadline?
If you miss the December 31, 2025, deadline, your PAN will become inoperative, affecting your ability to file taxes and conduct high-value transactions.
Is there a fee to link my PAN with Aadhaar?
If done by the deadline, the linking process is usually free. However, a ₹1,000 late fee applies if you missed previous deadlines.
How can I confirm that my PAN is linked to Aadhaar?
You can confirm the linking status through the Income Tax e-Filing Portal or by sending an SMS in the specified format.
What should I do if my PAN and Aadhaar details don’t match?
If there is a mismatch, you need to update either your Aadhaar or PAN details before attempting to link them.
Where can I find more information regarding PAN-Aadhaar linking?
Official information is available on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal, where detailed guidelines and support can be found.
