Linking your PAN card with Aadhaar card is mandatory for all Indian taxpayers. If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it may become inoperative, leading to issues with income tax filing, refunds, and financial transactions.
This guide explains why PAN–Aadhaar linking is important, how to link them step by step, fees involved, and what happens if you don’t link.
Why Is PAN–Aadhaar Linking Important?
The Government of India has made PAN–Aadhaar linking compulsory to:
Prevent tax evasion
Eliminate duplicate PAN cards
Ensure accurate tax records
If PAN Is Not Linked:
PAN becomes inoperative
You cannot file Income Tax Returns (ITR)
Higher TDS/TCS will be deducted
Refunds may get delayed
Banking and financial transactions may be restricted
Who Needs to Link PAN with Aadhaar?
PAN–Aadhaar linking is required for:
Individuals who have both PAN and Aadhaar
Salaried employees
Self-employed professionals
Business owners
Exemptions apply to:
NRIs
Individuals above 80 years
Non-resident Indians without Aadhaar
PAN–Aadhaar Linking Fee
As per current rules:
Fee payable: ₹1,000
Payment must be made before linking PAN with Aadhaar
How to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Portal
Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website.
Step 2: Pay the Linking Fee
Click on “Link Aadhaar”
Enter PAN and Aadhaar details
Pay ₹1,000 via net banking, debit card, or UPI
Step 3: Submit PAN–Aadhaar Linking Request
Enter PAN number
Enter Aadhaar number
Validate with OTP
Submit the request
Step 4: Confirmation
You will receive confirmation once linking is successful.
How to Check PAN–Aadhaar Linking Status
Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal
Click “Link Aadhaar Status”
Enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers
View the current status
Common Issues While Linking PAN with Aadhaar
1. Name Mismatch
Ensure that:
Name on PAN matches Aadhaar
Date of birth is the same
2. Incorrect Aadhaar Details
Verify Aadhaar information on UIDAI portal before linking.
3. Payment Not Reflected
Wait 24–48 hours after fee payment before retrying.
What to Do If PAN Becomes Inoperative?
If your PAN is inoperative:
Link PAN with Aadhaar immediately
PAN will be reactivated after successful linking
Tax filing and transactions can resume
Benefits of Linking PAN with Aadhaar
Smooth income tax filing
Faster tax refunds
Avoid higher TDS deductions
PAN remains active
Compliance with government rules
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