How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Card — Step-by-Step Guide

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 — it's as good as not having a PAN
• You cannot file income tax returns
• Higher TDS is deducted on your income (at 20% instead of normal rates under Section 206AA)
• You cannot open new bank accounts or demat accounts using PAN
• Mutual fund and stock transactions are affected
• You cannot make high-value transactions (above ₹50,000) that require PAN
• Existing SIPs and investments may face issues

Who is exempt? NRIs, residents of Assam/Meghalaya/J&K (as per old notification), persons above 80 years (super senior citizens), and foreign citizens with PAN are exempt from mandatory linking.

Step-by-Step Process — Online (Income Tax Portal)

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 ₹1,000 is required before linking.

• Pay via e-Pay Tax on the portal
• Select Challan → AY → Other Receipts (500) → Fee → ₹1,000
• Wait 4-5 working days for payment to reflect before attempting linking
• You can check payment status under "e-Pay Tax" → "Payment History"

Step 5: Validate with OTP

Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. The OTP is valid for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Linking Request Submitted

You'll see a confirmation message with a request number. The linking is processed within 2-7 working days.

Link Aadhaar with PAN via SMS

If you can't access the portal, you can link via SMS:

1. Open the SMS app on your phone
2. Type: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>
3. Send to 567678 or 56161
4. Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
5. You'll receive a confirmation SMS

Limitations of SMS method: This works only for basic linking where the name in Aadhaar and PAN matches. If there is any name mismatch, you must use the online portal. Also, the ₹1,000 fee (if applicable) must be paid online before SMS linking will work.

Link Aadhaar with PAN — Offline Method

If you cannot use the online portal or SMS:

1. Visit any NSDL TIN Facilitation Center or UTIITSL PAN Center
2. Fill Form for Aadhaar-PAN Linking (available at the center)
3. Submit along with copies of PAN card and Aadhaar card
4. Pay the fee of ₹1,000 (if applicable) at the center
5. The center will process your linking request

Find NSDL centers at tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/index.html

How to Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status

Method 1: Online Portal

1. Visit incometax.gov.in
2. Click "Link Aadhaar Status"
3. Enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers
4. View status — it will show "already linked" or "linking request submitted" or "not linked"

Method 2: SMS

Send SMS: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161. You'll receive a reply with the current linking status.

Deadline and Penalty Information

Current status: If your PAN is not yet linked with Aadhaar, you must pay ₹1,000 fee and complete the linking. Your PAN will remain inoperative until linking is done.

Fees

What If Names Don't Match?

If your name in Aadhaar and PAN don't match:

1. Minor differences (spelling variations like Rajesh vs Rajeshkumar) — The portal usually handles these with fuzzy matching
2. Major differences (completely different names) — Update your name in either:
   • Aadhaar: Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or nearest Aadhaar center (₹75 fee)
   • PAN: Apply for PAN correction at onlineservices.nsdl.com (₹107 fee for Indian address)
3. Then retry linking after the correction is processed

Tip: It's easier to correct the name in whichever document has the error. Make sure both documents have the same name before retrying.

What If PAN Is Already Inoperative?

If your PAN became inoperative due to non-linking:

1. Pay the ₹1,000 fee via e-Pay Tax on the income tax portal
2. Wait 4-5 working days for the payment to reflect
3. Complete the Aadhaar-PAN linking online
4. PAN will become operative again within 30 days of successful linking
5. During this 30-day period, TDS will still be deducted at higher rates

Common Errors and Solutions

Important Tips

1. Don't delay — An inoperative PAN causes problems across all financial transactions
2. Pay fee first, wait, then link — The ₹1,000 fee takes 4-5 working days to reflect in the system
3. Keep Aadhaar mobile number active — You'll need OTP for verification
4. Check status after a few days — Linking isn't always instant, it can take up to 7 working days
5. Save the confirmation — Take a screenshot of the linking confirmation for your records
6. File ITR on time — Even after linking, file your pending ITR before the deadline to avoid penalties
7. Inform your employer — If PAN was inoperative, inform HR/accounts team once it's reactivated so they adjust TDS

Related Guides

• How to Link Aadhaar with PAN, Bank Account, Mobile & Other Services
• PAN Aadhaar Link Failed — How to Fix Every Error
• PAN-Aadhaar Link Failed: Common Errors and How to Fix
• How to Link Aadhaar with Voter ID (EPIC) Online — Step-by-Step Guide
• Bank Account Aadhaar Link Not Working — How to Fix

FAQs

Q: Is Aadhaar-PAN linking mandatory? A: Yes. Under Section 139AA, all PAN holders (except exempt categories) must link with Aadhaar. Non-linked PANs become inoperative.

Q: What is the fee for linking Aadhaar with PAN? A: ₹1,000 (for linking after the deadline). Pay via e-Pay Tax on the income tax portal before attempting to link.

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 (20%), and PAN cannot be used for financial transactions above ₹50,000. Link Aadhaar and pay fee to reactivate within 30 days.

Q: Can I link Aadhaar-PAN via SMS? A: Yes. Send UIDPAN to 567678 or 56161. Works only when names match and fee is already paid.

Q: Who is exempt from Aadhaar-PAN linking? A: NRIs, super senior citizens (80+ years), residents of certain states (as per notification), and foreign citizens with PAN are exempt.

Q: Can I link Aadhaar-PAN without login on the portal? A: Yes. The Link Aadhaar option is available on the homepage without requiring login.

Q: What if I have two PANs? A: Having two PANs is illegal. Surrender the duplicate PAN using Form 49A on the NSDL website, then link the remaining PAN with Aadhaar.

You May Also Need

• Download e-PAN Card Online
• Apply for Aadhaar Card Online
• PAN Card Correction Online

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• How to Link Aadhaar with PAN, Bank Account, Mobile & Other Services
• PAN Aadhaar Link Failed — How to Fix Every Error
• PAN-Aadhaar Link Failed: Common Errors and How to Fix
• Aadhaar vs PAN Card — Key Differences, Uses, and When You Need Which
• How to Link Aadhaar with Voter ID (EPIC) Online — Step-by-Step Guide