PAN-Aadhaar Linking: As the country entered the new year 2026, uncertainty and anxiety surrounding PAN and Aadhaar linking have increased among people. Messages and forwards circulating on social media have further deepened the confusion, suggesting that the PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline might have been extended. However, knowing the truth is crucial, as it directly impacts your tax filing, banking transactions, and government-related work.

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Has the PAN-Aadhaar Linking Deadline Been Extended?

So far, no official announcement has been made by the central government or the Income Tax Department regarding an extension of the deadline for linking PAN and Aadhaar. This clearly means that those who have not completed the process within the stipulated time may find their PAN considered inoperative from January 1, 2026. Relying on rumors can lead to significant losses.

What Does an Inoperative PAN Mean?

An inoperative PAN does not mean the card is canceled, but rather that it is temporarily deactivated. It becomes impossible to file income tax returns with such a PAN, and several important bank transactions may be blocked. Where PAN is mandatory, work may come to a standstill, and in some cases, the rule of higher TDS deduction may also apply.

How to Check Your PAN Status from Home

If you suspect that your PAN is no longer active, checking its status is very easy. You need to visit the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal and enter your PAN number and date of birth. Verification is then completed using the OTP received on your mobile number. Once the process is complete, the current status of your PAN will be displayed on the screen.

How to Reactivate an Inoperative PAN

If the check reveals that your PAN has become inoperative, there is no need to panic. You can still link your PAN and Aadhaar, but you will have to pay a prescribed late fee. After paying the fee, you need to complete the linking process. If the process is completed correctly, your PAN can be reactivated.

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Time taken for PAN to be reactivated

After paying the late fee and completing the linking process, it may take a few days to a few weeks for your PAN to be reactivated. During this period, additional tax rules may apply to transactions linked to your PAN. Therefore, it is advisable to complete this process as soon as possible.