The linking of Aadhaar with PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a mandatory requirement for all Indian taxpayers. This initiative, introduced under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, aims to streamline tax compliance, eliminate duplicate PANs, and curb tax evasion. If not linked, the PAN card becomes inoperative, restricting financial transactions and income tax filing. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check the Aadhaar-PAN link status and link them online.
Aadhaar and PAN are two essential identification documents for Indian residents. While the Aadhaar card serves as proof of identity and address, the PAN card is crucial for financial transactions and income tax filings. Linking these two documents ensures transparency in financial dealings and prevents misuse.
The government has made it mandatory to link Aadhaar with PAN to simplify tax administration and reduce fraud. Failure to link these documents by the stipulated deadline results in penalties, higher TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), and other inconveniences. This article explains the process of checking the Aadhaar-PAN link status and how to complete the linking process online.
Article Contents
Aadhaar-PAN link 2025
| Purpose | To streamline tax compliance and prevent duplication of PAN cards |
| Mandatory Requirement | Yes, as per Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act |
| Deadline for Linking | Initially set for June 30, 2023; penalties apply for late linking |
| Penalty for Late Linking | ₹1,000 as per Section 234H of the Income Tax Act |
| Methods to Check Status | Online via e-Filing portal, SMS, or offline methods |
| Consequences of Non-Linking | PAN becomes inoperative; restrictions on financial transactions |
How To Check Aadhaar-PAN Card Link Status?
1. Online via Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Under “Quick Links,” click on “Link Aadhaar Status.”
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.
- Click “View Link Aadhaar Status.”
- The system will display one of the following messages:
- “Your PAN is already linked to given Aadhaar.”
- “PAN not linked with Aadhaar.”
- “Your Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent to UIDAI for validation.”
2. Via SMS
- Send an SMS in the format:
UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>to either 567678 or 56161. - You will receive a reply indicating whether your Aadhaar is linked with your PAN.
3. Offline Methods
- Visit an authorized PAN service center or your bank branch.
- Provide your Aadhaar and PAN details to check the linkage status.
How To Link Aadhaar with PAN Online?
Method 1: Without Logging In
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Under “Quick Links,” click on “Link Aadhaar.”
- Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, name as per Aadhaar, and mobile number.
- Tick the box confirming that your details match those on your Aadhaar card.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Click “Validate” to complete the process.
Method 2: By Logging In
- Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your credentials.
- Go to “Profile Settings” > “Link Aadhaar.”
- Enter your Aadhaar details and click “Validate.”
- Confirm by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Method 3: After Deadline (with Penalty)
- Pay a penalty of ₹1,000 using the “e-Pay Tax” feature on the Income Tax portal.
- After payment confirmation (usually within an hour), proceed with linking using either of the above methods.
Key Points to Remember
- Penalty for Late Linking: A late fee of ₹1,000 must be paid if linking is done after June 30, 2023.
- Consequences of Non-Linking: An inoperative PAN restricts financial transactions like bank deposits above ₹50,000 or mutual fund investments.
- Exemptions: NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) are not required to link their PAN with Aadhaar.
Benefits of Linking Aadhaar with PAN
- Prevention of Fraud: Eliminates duplicate or fake PAN cards.
- Streamlined Tax Compliance: Simplifies income tax filing by pre-filling details from linked accounts.
- Transparency: Ensures accurate tracking of taxable transactions.
- Mandatory for Financial Transactions: Required for opening bank accounts, mutual fund investments, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar?
Yes, it is mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act.
What happens if I don’t link my PAN with Aadhaar?
Your PAN will become inoperative, restricting financial transactions and tax filing.
Can I link my PAN with Aadhaar offline?
Yes, you can visit an authorized service center or bank branch for assistance.
How long does it take for linking confirmation?
It usually takes a few minutes but may extend up to seven days if validation by UIDAI is required.
