PAN–Aadhaar Linking Deadline Set for 31 December: PAN to Become Inoperative if Not Updated
The government has officially fixed 31 December 2025 as the final deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar. Anyone who fails to complete the linking process by this date will face a major financial setback — their PAN card will become inoperative, meaning it will no longer be valid for tax-related activities. This deadline is crucial for all individuals who were issued an Aadhaar number on or before 1 October 2025.
What Happens if PAN Becomes Inoperative?
A PAN card is a ten-digit alphanumeric identification number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is essential for filing income tax returns, tracking financial transactions, maintaining compliance, and completing various banking processes. If a PAN becomes inoperative, the individual will not be able to file income tax returns, process any pending returns, or receive refunds. Even ongoing assessments such as defective return processing will come to a halt.
Additionally, if PAN is not valid, TDS and TCS will be deducted at higher rates, which may lead to unnecessary financial loss. These disruptions highlight why the government has been repeatedly urging citizens to complete the linking process before the deadline.
Why PAN–Aadhaar Linking Is Mandatory
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clearly stated that every individual who received their Aadhaar before 1 October 2025 must link it with their PAN by 31 December 2025. This step is part of the compliance framework aimed at ensuring accurate identification, transparent financial records, and smoother tax administration.
Failure to link the two documents not only impacts the taxpayer but also interrupts essential services offered by the Income Tax Department. As a result, the government has tightened its stance, even increasing penalties for missing the due date.
Step-by-Step Guide to Link PAN with Aadhaar
The process is simple and does not require login to the e-filing portal. Even individuals who do not have an account can complete it easily.
1. Visit the official website
Go to the Income Tax Department’s official portal:
www.incometax.gov.in
2. Select the “Link Aadhaar” option
On the homepage, under the Quick Links section, click on Link Aadhaar.
3. Enter your details
Provide the following:
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PAN number
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Aadhaar number
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Name as per Aadhaar
Tick the I agree to validate my Aadhaar details checkbox and click Validate.
4. Pay the penalty, if applicable
If you are linking after the due date, a fee of ₹1,000 will apply. To pay this:
Go to e-Pay Tax → AY 2025–26 → Other Receipts (500) → Fee for delay in linking PAN with Aadhaar, and complete the payment.
You will receive a challan once the payment is successful.
5. Submit the linking request
Return to the Link Aadhaar page and re-enter your PAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Enter the OTP to complete the process.
How to Check if Your PAN–Aadhaar is Linked
You can verify the linking status by following these steps:
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Go to www.incometax.gov.in
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Select Link Aadhaar Status under Quick Links
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Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number
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Click on View Link Aadhaar Status
You will see one of the following results:
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Linked: PAN and Aadhaar are successfully linked.
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Not Linked: You must complete the linking process.
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Pending: Verification with UIDAI is still in progress.
Link Before Deadline to Avoid Issues
The government’s repeated reminders and stricter penalties make it clear that PAN–Aadhaar linking is now mandatory. Failing to do so will disrupt essential tax-related tasks and may lead to financial losses due to higher deductions. To avoid complications, individuals are advised to complete the process well before the 31 December deadline.
