PAN–Aadhaar Linking Deadline Nears: Delay Can Make Your PAN Inoperative, Here’s the Complete Process
The deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar is fast approaching, and taxpayers who fail to complete the process on time may face serious financial and tax-related consequences. The government has made it clear that if PAN is not linked with Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, the PAN will become inoperative from January 1, 2026. Once inoperative, PAN cannot be used for income tax filing, banking, or high-value financial transactions unless it is reactivated.
This requirement applies to individuals whose Aadhaar was issued on or before October 1, 2024. With only limited time left, taxpayers are advised not to delay, as late linking will involve penalties and procedural hurdles.
Why PAN–Aadhaar Linking Is Mandatory
Linking PAN with Aadhaar is essential to maintain transparency in the tax system and to prevent misuse of multiple PAN cards. The Income Tax Department uses Aadhaar-based authentication to verify a taxpayer’s identity, ensuring that financial transactions and tax filings are properly linked to one individual.
If PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, everyday financial activities can become difficult. Taxpayers will be unable to file their Income Tax Return (ITR), open or operate certain bank accounts smoothly, or carry out high-value transactions. Investments in mutual funds, shares, bonds, and insurance policies may also get blocked or delayed.
In addition, applying for personal loans, home loans, or loans at concessional interest rates can become challenging. An inoperative PAN may also attract higher TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) rates, increasing the overall tax burden.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If PAN is not linked with Aadhaar by the prescribed deadline, it will be marked inoperative. To reactivate it, the taxpayer will have to pay a penalty of ₹1,000. This payment must be made through the Income Tax Department’s e-Pay Tax facility, after which the PAN–Aadhaar linking process can be completed.
Even if you attempt to link PAN and Aadhaar after the deadline, the process will not be successful unless the penalty amount is paid first. In earlier cases of delayed linking, taxpayers have already been required to pay this ₹1,000 late fee.
What to Do If PAN and Aadhaar Details Do Not Match
One of the most common reasons for failed PAN–Aadhaar linking is a mismatch in personal details such as name, date of birth, or gender. Even minor spelling differences can cause the linking request to be rejected.
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To correct PAN details, taxpayers can visit the official websites of Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL and submit a correction request.
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To update Aadhaar details, changes can be made through the UIDAI website or by contacting the UIDAI Helpdesk via email.
If online correction does not resolve the issue, taxpayers can visit an authorised PAN Service Provider Centre and opt for biometric authentication. For this, PAN, Aadhaar, and the ₹1,000 penalty fee must be carried along.
Step-by-Step Process to Link PAN and Aadhaar Online
The PAN–Aadhaar linking process is simple and can be completed online in a few minutes:
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Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
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Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option.
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Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number.
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Verify details using the OTP sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
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If linking after the deadline, first pay the ₹1,000 penalty via the e-Pay Tax option and then submit the linking request again.
Once verified successfully, PAN will be linked with Aadhaar.
How to Check PAN–Aadhaar Linking Status
Checking the linking status is equally easy. On the Income Tax Portal, select the PAN–Aadhaar linking status option and enter the required details. The system will instantly show whether your Aadhaar is already linked, the request is pending, or linking has not been done yet.
This helps taxpayers clearly understand their current status and take corrective action if required.
Bottom Line
With the PAN–Aadhaar linking deadline just around the corner, delaying the process can prove costly and inconvenient. An inoperative PAN can disrupt tax filing, banking, investments, and loan approvals. Completing the linking on time not only helps avoid penalties but also ensures uninterrupted access to essential financial services.
Taxpayers are strongly advised to check their PAN–Aadhaar status immediately and complete the process well before the deadline to stay compliant and stress-free.
