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Verifying the Linkage Status Between Aadhaar and PAN Cards Online

This article details how individuals can check the linkage status between their Aadhaar and PAN cards through various online methods and via SMS. It covers procedures on the Income Tax e-filing portal, both with and without logging in, and outlines the steps for linking them, including associated fees. Additionally, it clarifies who is required to link these documents and what actions to take if a PAN card becomes inoperative due to non-linking.

📖 3 min read read🏷️ Pan Card

Linking your Permanent Account Number (PAN) card with your Aadhaar card is a mandatory requirement to maintain your PAN card's active status. Individuals can easily verify if their Aadhaar and PAN are already linked by following a few straightforward steps. This guide outlines various methods to check your PAN-Aadhaar linkage status, including online procedures and SMS options.

Latest Update The final deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN is December 31, 2025, for individuals who obtained their PAN card using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024. Failure to comply will result in their PAN becoming inoperative from January 1, 2026.

How to Verify Aadhaar-PAN Card Linkage Online

There are two primary methods to check the linkage status of your Aadhaar and PAN cards online:

1. Checking Aadhaar-PAN Status Without Income Tax Portal Login

To check your linkage status without logging into the Income Tax portal, follow these steps:

Upon successful validation, a message will appear indicating your Aadhaar-PAN link status. If they are linked, the message will state: "Your PAN is already linked to given Aadhaar." If the linking process is underway, you will see: "Your Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent to UIDAI for validation. Please check the status later by clicking on ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ link on Home Page." If your Aadhaar is not yet linked, the message will be: "PAN not linked with Aadhaar. Please click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ to link your Aadhaar with PAN."

2. Checking PAN-Aadhaar Status After Logging into the Income Tax Portal

If you prefer to check the status after logging in, use these steps:

  • Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the 'Dashboard' on the homepage and select the 'Link Aadhaar Status' option.
  • Step 3: Alternatively, you can go to 'My Profile' and click on 'Link Aadhaar Status'.

If your Aadhaar is successfully linked to your PAN, the Aadhaar number will be displayed. If it's not linked, 'Link Aadhaar Status' will be shown. If your linking request is pending with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for validation, you will need to check again later.

Direct Access to Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status

Utilize this direct link to ascertain your PAN Aadhaar linkage status: Check PAN Aadhaar Link.

How to Check Aadhaar-PAN Card Link Status via SMS

To check your Aadhaar-PAN linkage status using SMS, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Compose an SMS in the format: UIDPAN <12 digit Aadhaar number> <10 digit PAN number>.
  • Step 2: Send this SMS to either 567678 or 56161.
  • Step 3: Await the response from the government service. If linked, the message will be: "Aadhaar is already associated with PAN (number) in ITD database. Thank you for using our services." If not linked, it will state: "Aadhaar is not associated with PAN (number) in ITD database. Thank you for using our services."

How to Link Aadhaar with a PAN Card Online

If your PAN card was issued prior to October 1, 2024, based on an Aadhaar enrolment ID, you have until December 31, 2025, to link your PAN and Aadhaar without any charge. For all other scenarios, a penalty of Rs.1,000 must be paid to link your PAN with Aadhaar and activate it.

The brief steps to link your Aadhaar with PAN are as follows:

  • Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
  • Step 2: Input your PAN Number and Aadhaar Number, then click 'Validate'.
  • Step 3: Proceed by clicking 'Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax'.
  • Step 4: Enter your PAN and mobile number, then click 'Continue'.
  • Step 5: Under the 'Income Tax' tab, click 'Proceed'.
  • Step 6: Make the challan payment and click 'Continue'.
  • Step 7: Under 'Quick Links', select 'Link Aadhaar'.
  • Step 8: Provide your PAN and Aadhaar, then click 'Validate'.
  • Step 9: Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, OTP, and click 'Validate'.

The request for Aadhaar-PAN linking will then be forwarded to the UIDAI for verification. Alternatively, you can visit a PAN card centre and submit the Aadhaar-PAN card linking request form manually. After the PAN-Aadhaar linking request is submitted, your PAN should become operative within 7-30 days.

Fees for Aadhaar-PAN Card Linking

The fees associated with linking your PAN and Aadhaar have evolved:

  • Until March 31, 2022: Linking was free of charge.
  • After March 31, 2022, but before June 30, 2022: A fee of Rs.500 was applicable.
  • After June 30, 2023: The fee for Aadhaar-PAN linking is Rs.1,000.
  • For individuals who obtained their PAN card using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024: Linking remains free until December 31, 2025.

Who Is Required to Link Aadhaar with a PAN Card?

As per Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, all taxpayers holding a PAN card are mandated to link it with their Aadhaar. This requires all taxpayers to pay the Rs.1,000 penalty to link their PAN with Aadhaar, otherwise, their PAN cards will become inoperative. However, certain categories of individuals are exempt from this requirement:

  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
  • Citizens aged above 80 years
  • Residents of Assam, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir

Actions to Take If Your PAN Becomes Inoperative

If your PAN has become inactive due to not being linked with Aadhaar, detailed steps to reactivate it can be found here. In brief, the process involves:

  • Accessing the Income Tax e-filing portal.
  • Paying the Rs.1,000 fine via the 'e-Pay Tax' option.
  • After payment, selecting the 'Link Aadhaar' option on the portal.
  • Entering your PAN Number and Aadhaar Number, then clicking 'Validate'.
  • Supplying your Aadhaar number, mobile number, OTP, and clicking 'Validate'.

The PAN-Aadhaar linking request will be sent to the UIDAI. The reactivation process typically takes around 30 days from the date of submitting the request to link Aadhaar-PAN for the PAN card to become operational again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary reason for linking Aadhaar with PAN?
Linking Aadhaar with PAN is mandated by Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act to ensure the PAN card remains active and to prevent it from becoming inoperative.
Is there a penalty for delayed Aadhaar-PAN linking?
Yes, currently, a penalty of Rs. 1,000 is applicable for linking Aadhaar with PAN after the specified deadlines, except for certain exempted categories.
How long does it take for an inoperative PAN to become active after linking with Aadhaar?
After submitting the Aadhaar-PAN linking request, it typically takes approximately 30 days for an inoperative PAN card to become operational again.
Can I check my Aadhaar-PAN link status without logging into the e-filing portal?
Yes, you can check the status on the Income Tax e-filing portal's dedicated 'Link Aadhaar Status' page by providing your PAN and Aadhaar numbers without needing to log in.
Which individuals are exempt from linking their Aadhaar with PAN?
Certain categories are exempt, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), citizens aged 80 years and above, and residents of Assam, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir.