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How to Link PAN with Aadhaar: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Published on September 23, 2025
Summary: In India, linking your Permanent Account Number (PAN) with your Aadhaar has become mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. If not linked, your PAN becomes inoperative, meaning you cannot use it for crucial financial transactions such as filing taxes, opening a bank account, or applying for loans.

Why Is It Important?

  1. Keeps Your PAN Operative – Without linking, your PAN is invalid for financial activities.

  2. Mandatory for Loans & Financial Services – Most banks/NBFCs require an active PAN for loan processing.

  3. Avoids Penalties – The government has fixed penalties for non-linking.

  4. Smooth ITR Filing – Aadhaar linking simplifies and authenticates income tax returns.

Step-by-Step Process to Link PAN with Aadhaar 

✅ Method 1: Linking Online via Income Tax e-Filing Portal

  1. Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.

  2. On the homepage, click “Link Aadhaar” under the Quick Links section.

  3. Enter:

    • PAN number

    • Aadhaar number

    • Name as per Aadhaar

    • Mobile number

  4. Tick the box to confirm details.

  5. Click “Link Aadhaar”.

  6. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile. Enter it to authenticate.

  7. You’ll receive confirmation once the linking is successful.

✅ Method 2: Linking via SMS

  1. Open your SMS app.

  2. Type:

    UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>

    Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F

  3. Send to 567678 or 56161.

  4. You’ll get an SMS confirmation once linked.

✅ Method 3: Linking via ITR Filing

  • While filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), the portal prompts you to link PAN with Aadhaar (if not already done).

✅ Method 4: Offline (Through PAN Service Centres)

  1. Visit a PAN Service Centre (NSDL/UTIITSL).

  2. Fill out the PAN–Aadhaar linking form.

  3. Provide biometric verification (if required).

  4. Pay applicable fees (if deadline passed).

  5. Receive acknowledgment slip for tracking.

⏳ Deadlines & Penalties

  • General deadline: 30 June 2023 (post which PANs became inoperative).

  • Extended deadline for certain Aadhaar-based PAN holders: 31 December 2025.

  • Penalty: ₹1,000 (if you missed earlier deadlines and link now).

💡 Key Things to Remember

  • Ensure your name, DOB, and gender match in both PAN and Aadhaar.

  • If there’s a mismatch, update details before linking.

  • Exemptions apply for:

    • Residents of Assam, J&K, Meghalaya

    • Non-residents (NRI)

    • Super senior citizens (80+)

🏦 Final Note

Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is no longer optional it’s mandatory. Without linking, your PAN becomes inoperative, making it impossible to apply for loans, credit cards, or conduct key financial transactions.

So, act today and link your Aadhaar with PAN to keep your finances hassle-free.

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