How to Link PAN with Aadhaar – Step by Step Guide 2025

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar – Step by Step Guide 2025

Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory for all taxpayers in India. If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it becomes inoperative, which means you cannot file returns, process refunds, or carry out financial transactions that require PAN. This guide explains how to link PAN with Aadhaar and what happens if you do not.

Why is PAN-Aadhaar Linking Mandatory?

The government mandated PAN-Aadhaar linking to:

• Prevent duplicate PANs and tax evasion
• Enable seamless identification and verification
• Facilitate e-verification of income tax returns
• Strengthen the financial surveillance infrastructure

Consequences of Not Linking PAN with Aadhaar

If PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, the PAN becomes inoperative and the following consequences apply:

• You cannot file income tax returns
• Pending returns will not be processed
• Refunds will not be issued for pending returns
• Interest will not be payable on delayed refunds during the inoperative period
• TDS and TCS will be deducted at higher rates as per Sections 206AA and 206CC
• You cannot open bank accounts, demat accounts, or make high-value transactions

Method 1: Link PAN-Aadhaar Online via Income Tax Portal

1. Visit incometax.gov.in
2. Click on "Link Aadhaar" in the Quick Links section on the home page
3. Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number
4. Enter your name as per Aadhaar card
5. If there is a date of birth mismatch, tick the consent checkbox
6. Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number
7. Click Validate

Method 2: Link via SMS

You can also link PAN with Aadhaar by sending an SMS:

Send an SMS to 567678 or 56161 in the following format:

UIDPAN [space] [12-digit Aadhaar] [space] [10-digit PAN]

Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F

Fee for Late Linking

If you are linking PAN with Aadhaar after the original deadline, a fee of Rs 1,000 is applicable. This fee must be paid before initiating the linking process:

1. Log in to the income tax portal
2. Go to e-Pay Tax
3. Select Challan No. / ITNS 280
4. Under Type of Payment, select "Fee"
5. Pay Rs 1,000 via net banking, debit card, or UPI
6. After payment, wait 4-5 working days for the payment to be reflected
7. Then proceed with the linking process

How to Check PAN-Aadhaar Link Status

1. Visit incometax.gov.in
2. Click on "Link Aadhaar Status" in Quick Links
3. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers
4. Click "View Link Aadhaar Status"

The status will show one of the following:

• Your PAN is linked with Aadhaar – No action needed
• Your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar – Proceed with linking immediately
• Linking request is pending – Wait and check again after a few days

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Name mismatch: If your name in PAN and Aadhaar are different, the linking may fail. Correct the name in either document to match.

Date of birth mismatch: The portal allows linking even with DOB mismatch if you provide consent. However, it is recommended to correct the mismatch in the source document.

Biometric-based validation: In some cases, the portal may require biometric authentication at an Aadhaar enrollment center. Visit the nearest center with your original PAN and Aadhaar cards.

How to Make PAN Operative Again

If your PAN has become inoperative due to non-linking:

1. Pay the Rs 1,000 fee (if applicable)
2. Complete the PAN-Aadhaar linking process
3. Once linked, your PAN will become operative within 30 days
4. During this period, higher TDS rates may still apply

Link Your PAN-Aadhaar with FileWithUs.ai

FileWithUs.ai checks your PAN-Aadhaar linkage status during the filing process and alerts you if linking is pending. Our platform guides you through the linking process to ensure your return is processed smoothly and refunds are credited on time.