PAN-Aadhaar Linking: If you haven’t linked your PAN card with Aadhaar yet, this is your last chance to do so. According to the Income Tax Department, the last date for PAN-Aadhaar linking is December 31, 2025. You now have less than 10 days left. If you miss this deadline, your PAN card will become inoperative from January 1, 2026. This will directly impact your bank transactions, stock market investments, and income tax returns. You will also have to pay a penalty of ₹1,000 to complete this process.

PAN-Aadhaar Linking Deadline

According to the Income Tax Department’s notification, it is mandatory for those who were issued a PAN card based on Aadhaar before October 1, 2024, to link it by the end of this year. If this is not done on time, the PAN card will become inoperative from January 1, 2026. A penalty of ₹1,000 will also be applicable for not linking on time.

Impact of an Inoperative PAN on Transactions

An inoperative PAN card will have several consequences on your financial transactions. You will not be able to open a new bank account or obtain a credit or debit card. You will face difficulties in depositing cash exceeding ₹50,000 or conducting banking transactions exceeding ₹10,000. Mutual funds and stockbrokers may suspend your services, potentially freezing your investments.

Furthermore, you will not be able to file your Income Tax Return (ITR). Even if you file it, the department may reject it. TDS/TCS payments will be applicable at a higher rate, and the tax credit for the taxes paid will not reflect in Form 26AS. Overall, an inactive PAN will affect tax refunds and other benefits.

How to Link PAN and Aadhaar

To link your PAN and Aadhaar, visit the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. First, go to ‘Quick Links’ and select the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option, then pay the ₹1,000 penalty. After that, go back to the portal and enter your Aadhaar and PAN card numbers. After OTP verification, your linking request will be submitted. Please ensure that the name and date of birth on your Aadhaar and PAN cards match to avoid any verification issues.