PAN-Aadhaar Link: The deadline for connecting your PAN with Aadhaar is just around the corner. If you don’t link your PAN to your Aadhaar by January 1, 2026, your PAN will be rendered inactive. Those who received their Aadhaar on or before October 1, 2024, need to link their PAN and Aadhaar by December 31, 2025. Missing this deadline could hinder several crucial tax and banking activities.

Why is it important to link PAN and Aadhaar?

Not linking your PAN and Aadhaar can lead to issues for regular taxpayers with their daily financial activities. You won’t be able to submit your Income Tax Return (ITR). Many banking functions and significant transactions might be restricted. Investments like mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and insurance could also be impacted. Getting personal loans, home loans, or low-interest loans might become challenging. Additionally, if your PAN is inactive, you could face higher TDS rates.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

If you don’t link your PAN and Aadhaar by the deadline, you’ll have to pay a penalty of Rs 1,000 to reactivate your PAN. This fee needs to be paid through the Income Tax e-Pay Tax service, after which the linking can be finalized. If there was a delay in the linking process, a late fee of Rs 1,000 might also apply.

What to do if your PAN and Aadhaar details don’t match?

Sometimes, linking your PAN and Aadhaar fails due to discrepancies in your name, date of birth, or mobile number. In such situations, it’s crucial to fix the details first. To update your PAN details, you can do so via the Protean or UTIITSL website. For Aadhaar details, you can make updates on the UIDAI website or contact the UIDAI Helpdesk via email. If linking still doesn’t work, you can go for biometric verification at an authorized PAN Service Provider center. Just remember to bring your PAN, Aadhaar, and a Rs 1,000 fee.

Easy way to link PAN-Aadhaar online

Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal and select the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option.
Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number.
Verify the details with the OTP received on the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
If linking after the deadline, first pay Rs 1,000 through e-Pay Tax, then resubmit the details.