How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Card ā Step-by-Step Guide
Link your Aadhaar with PAN card online via income tax portal. Step-by-step process, fees, deadline, and status check.
Official Links
Why Link Aadhaar with PAN?
Aadhaar-PAN linking is mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act. If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar:
- Your PAN becomes inoperative
- You cannot file income tax returns
- Higher TDS is deducted on your income
- You cannot open new bank accounts or demat accounts using PAN
- Mutual fund and stock transactions are affected
Step-by-Step Process ā Online
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Portal
Go to incometax.gov.in
Step 2: Go to Link Aadhaar Section
On the homepage, click "Link Aadhaar" (available without login)
Or directly visit: eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/link-aadhaar-status
Step 3: Enter Details
- PAN Number
- Aadhaar Number
- Name as per Aadhaar
- Mobile Number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP)
Step 4: Pay Fee (if applicable)
If you missed previous deadlines, a fee of ā¹1,000 is required before linking.
- Pay via e-Pay Tax on the portal
- Select Challan ā AY ā Other Receipts (500) ā Fee ā ā¹1,000
- Wait 4-5 working days for payment to reflect before attempting linking
Step 5: Validate with OTP
Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Step 6: Linking Request Submitted
You'll see a confirmation. The linking is processed within a few days.
How to Check Link Status
Method 1: Online Portal
- Visit incometax.gov.in
- Click "Link Aadhaar Status"
- Enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers
- View status
Method 2: SMS
Send SMS: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161
Via SMS (Alternative Method)
If you can't access the portal: Send SMS: UIDPAN to 567678 or 56161
Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
This method works for basic linking. For cases with name mismatch, use the online portal.
Fees
| Scenario | Fee |
|---|---|
| Linking before original deadline | Free |
| Linking after deadline (current) | ā¹1,000 |
What If Names Don't Match?
If your name in Aadhaar and PAN don't match:
- Minor differences (spelling variations) ā The portal usually handles these
- Major differences ā Update your name in either:
- Aadhaar: Visit uidai.gov.in or nearest Aadhaar center
- PAN: Apply for PAN correction at onlineservices.nsdl.com
- Then retry linking
What If PAN Is Already Inoperative?
If your PAN became inoperative due to non-linking:
- Pay the ā¹1,000 fee via e-Pay Tax
- Complete the Aadhaar-PAN linking
- PAN will become operative again within 30 days of successful linking
Important Tips
- Don't delay ā An inoperative PAN causes problems across all financial transactions
- Pay fee first, wait, then link ā The ā¹1,000 fee takes 4-5 days to reflect
- Keep Aadhaar mobile number active ā You'll need OTP
- Check status after a few days ā Linking isn't always instant
FAQs
Q: Is Aadhaar-PAN linking mandatory? A: Yes. Under Section 139AA, all PAN holders must link with Aadhaar. Non-linked PANs become inoperative.
Q: What is the fee for linking Aadhaar with PAN? A: ā¹1,000 (for linking after the deadline). Pay via e-Pay Tax on the income tax portal.
Q: How long does it take for Aadhaar-PAN linking? A: Usually processed within 2-7 working days after submitting the request.
Q: What happens if PAN becomes inoperative? A: You cannot file ITR, higher TDS is deducted, and PAN cannot be used for financial transactions. Link Aadhaar + pay fee to reactivate.
Q: Can I link Aadhaar-PAN via SMS? A: Yes. Send UIDPAN to 567678 or 56161.