PAN-Aadhaar Linking: Final Deadline 31st December 2025
The last date to link PAN with Aadhaar without major disruptions is 31st December 2025, particularly for those who obtained PAN using Aadhaar Enrolment ID before 1st October 2024. Missing this deadline renders the PAN inoperative from 1st January 2026, affecting financial transactions.
How to Check if you PAN and Aadhaar Are Already Linked or not
Check PAN-Aadhaar link status online via the official Income Tax e-filing portal without login using just your PAN and Aadhaar numbers. This instant verification shows if linked, pending UIDAI validation, or not linked at all.
Steps Without Login
- Visit incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal, click “Quick Links” > “Link Aadhaar Status”.
- Enter 10-digit PAN and 12-digit Aadhaar, then click “View Link Aadhaar Status”.
- Results: “Your PAN is already linked to given Aadhaar” (linked); “PAN not linked with Aadhaar” (action needed); or “Linking request sent to UIDAI” (wait 7-30 days).
Steps After Login (Dashboard)
- Log in to e-filing portal with PAN, go to Dashboard > “Link Aadhaar Status”.
- Status displays Aadhaar number if linked, or prompts linking if not.
Alternatives
- SMS “UIDPAN <PAN> <Aadhaar> ” to 567678 or 56161 (e.g., UIDPAN ABCDE1234F 123456789012).
- NSDL/UIDAI portals offer similar checks but Income Tax site is primary.
Consequences After 31st December
Yes, consequences of an unlinked PAN turning inoperative from January 1, 2026, extend widely beyond ITR filing to impact demat accounts, banking operations, investments, and high-value transactions.
Blocked Transactions
- Cannot open new bank accounts (except basic savings or time deposits).
- Unable to open demat accounts or update KYC for existing securities/custodian accounts.
- No new credit/debit card applications or high-value cash payments over ₹50,000 to hotels/restaurants.
Tax and Refund Issues
- ITR filing blocked; pending returns unprocessed and no tax refunds issued (no interest on delays).
- Higher TDS/TCS deductions (up to double rates) on interest, salary, rent, professional fees.
Investment and Financial Restrictions
- Salary credits, SIPs/mutual funds, insurance renewals, and stock trading halted or delayed.
- Property/vehicle sales/purchases over ₹10 lakh trigger higher taxes; accounts may freeze.
- Credit assessments disrupted, loan applications rejected, potential NPAs for lenders.
Penalties and Legal Risks
- ₹1,000 late fee under Section 234H for linking post-deadline.
- Up to ₹10,000 fine per transaction under Section 272B for using inoperative PAN.
An unlinked PAN becomes inoperative, blocking Income Tax Return (ITR) filing and preventing tax refunds, with no interest paid on delayed refunds. Financial transactions like banking, investments, and higher TDS/TCS deductions at source (up to double rates) get restricted. Taxpayers face a ₹1,000 penalty under Section 234H for late linking, payable before submission on the e-filing portal.
Step-by-Step Linking Process
Link PAN with Aadhaar online through the official Income Tax e-filing portal, a free process taking under 5 minutes if details match exactly. Completion requires UIDAI validation, typically within 4-5 working days.
Linking Steps (No Login Needed)
- Go to incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal > “e-File” > “Link Aadhaar” or Quick Links.
- Enter 10-digit PAN, 12-digit Aadhaar, full name (as in Aadhaar), and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Submit; OTP arrives on mobile—enter to confirm. Success message appears if validated instantly.
Post-Submission Actions
- Check status after 24 hours via “Link Aadhaar Status” (no login: PAN + Aadhaar).
- If “Request sent to UIDAI,” wait 7-30 days for full linking; mismatches reject automatically.
Common Fixes
No OTP? Link mobile to Aadhaar via myAadhaar portal or SSC
Name mismatch? Update Aadhaar details first at UIDAI portal.
Penalty Payment for Late Linking
If linking post-deadline, pay ₹1,000 penalty first via e-Pay Tax on the portal: Log in, go to “Link Aadhaar,” enter details, and select “Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax” using PAN and OTP. Confirm payment, then proceed with linking; PAN reactivates within 7-30 days post-validation. Those with PAN after 1st October 2024 using Enrolment ID link free until 31st December.
Quick Tips
- Check Status Now: Use incometax.gov.in “Link Aadhaar Status” with PAN/Aadhaar—no login needed.
- Mobile Linked?: Ensure Aadhaar-registered mobile receives OTP; update via UIDAI if not.
- Exemptions Apply: No linking for Assam/J&K/Meghalaya residents, NRIs, or seniors 80+.
- Avoid Peak Rush: Link today—servers overload near deadlines; process takes minutes.
FCA, CWM (AAFM-US), CBV, CIFRS, R-ID, B.COM (H), RV* (IBBI)
Practising Chartered Accountant in Delhi NCR Since 2011. He can be contacted at ankitgulgulia@gmail.com or +91-9811653975.