Your PAN Card will become inoperative from January 1, 2026, if it is not linked to Aadhaar by December 31, 2025. Check now!
By Anshika Jain, ET Online |
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PAN–Aadhaar linking deadline explained
Linking PAN with Aadhaar is now mandatory for taxpayers. If PAN–Aadhaar linkage is not over by December 31, 2025, the PAN may become inoperative from January 1, 2026. An inoperative PAN can disrupt tax filings, refunds, and several financial transactions.
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Who must link PAN with Aadhaar?
As per a Ministry of Finance notification dated April 3, 2025, individuals who were allotted PAN using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024, must intimate their Aadhaar number to the Income Tax Department on or before December 31, 2025, or by any later date notified by the CBDT.
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PAN issued using Aadhaar enrolment ID, what to do
Even if your PAN was generated using an Aadhaar enrolment ID, you still have to link your PAN with your Aadhaar once the Aadhaar number is issued. This category is specifically covered under the December 31, 2025, deadline. The Income Tax e-filing portal allows such users to complete the linking process online easily.
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What happens if PAN is not linked with Aadhaar before deadline?
If PAN–Aadhaar linking isn’t done on time, PAN turns inoperative. You can’t file or verify ITRs, refunds get stuck, and pending returns aren’t processed. TDS/TCS may not reflect in Form 26AS and could be deducted at higher rates, and won’t reflect properly. Existing bank accounts stay safe, but new investments, trading, and KYC updates can be blocked until PAN is reactivated.
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Who can use PAN–Aadhaar linking facility?
The PAN–Aadhaar linking service is available to individual taxpayers, whether or not they are registered on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
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Steps to link PAN with Aadhaar online
To link PAN with Aadhaar, visit the Income Tax Department’s official website and select the “Link Aadhaar” option. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and registered mobile number, then verify using the OTP received. If your PAN is already inoperative, a penalty of Rs 1,000 must be paid before linking. You can later check the linking status online.
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Important points to keep in mind
Ensure that details such as name, date of birth, and gender match exactly on both PAN and Aadhaar. Your mobile number must be active for OTP verification. NRIs, senior citizens (80+), and some states are exempt, but verify. With heavy traffic expected near the deadline, technical issues may arise. Completing PAN–Aadhaar linking early can help avoid last-minute stress and penalties.