Assigned to all tax payers in India, a Permanent Account Number or PAN Card is a unique 10-character code. This card links all transactions that attract taxes under a single source. This makes it extremely convenient for the government to keep track of these transactions.
In order to file Income Tax Returns in India, a PAN card is absolutely necessary. All individuals and entities that pay tax, including foreigners are expected to have a PAN card.
All residents of India can apply for an Aadhar card as well. The Aadhar card is a 12-digit number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India that acts as proof of identity as well as address proof for an individual. Under an initiative to have a single identification document for every citizen in the country by the government, this card acts as a personal identification card that contains the individual’s biometric and demographic information.
According to a notification by the Income Tax Department, income tax returns could be e-filed without linking Aadhaar and PAN till 5 August, 2017. The deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar was initially extended from 31st August, 2017 to 31st December, 2017.
Subsequently, this deadline was extended to 31st March, 2018 followed by 30th June, 2018. The current deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN Card has been pushed to 31st March, 2019. It is important to note that while it is possible to file your income tax returns without linking, the tax department will not process the returns until PAN and Aadhaar are linked. As a tax payer, you can visit the official e-filing website of the department to link the two identities, in both the cases– identical names in the two databases or in case where there is a minor mismatch.
You can link Aadhaar with pan by following these simple steps-
Type a message in the following format- UIDPAN<12 Digit Aadhaar> <10 Digit PAN>
Then, send the message to either 567678 or 56161 from your registered mobile number
For example, if your Aadhaar number is 987654321012 and your PAN is ABCDE1234F, you have to type UIDPAN 987654321012 ABCDE1234F and send the message to either 567678 or 56161
It has now become compulsory to link PAN cards with your Aadhaar before the deadline ends. On failing to do so, there are chances that these cards might get deactivated by the Income Tax Department. The only criteria is that the name of the applicant should be the same on both PAN card and the Aadhaar card. If there is any spelling mismatch, you will not be able to link your PAN Card with the Aadhaar card. Hence, you will first have to get your name corrected and after correction, you will seamlessly be able to link your PAN with Aadhaar.
Following is the online process to link your PAN card with Aadhaar in case your name is wrongly spelt:
Following is the offline process to link your PAN card with Aadhaar, in case your name is wrongly spelt:
Linking your PAN card with Aadhaar is very important for the following reasons:
It is important to note that PAN and Aadhaar linking is successful only if all your details in both the documents match. In case there are errors such as spelling mistakes in your name, your PAN will not be linked with Aadhaar. You can make changes through UIDAI’s website or on the portal of NSDL PAN. If there are any notable errors, you can get it corrected by following these simple steps:
I don’t have Aadhaar. Can I still e-file my tax return?
Yes, you can still e-file tax returns. However, it will not be processed until your Aadhaar is linked with PAN. If you have enrolment number, you can link it with PAN and your e-return would be processed this year. However, you will need to have to link your PAN with Aadhaar at a later stage.
Do NRIs residing in India have to link their PAN as well?
No. The requirement to quote Aadhaar for filing income tax returns and for making an application for allotment of PAN with effect from July 1, 2017 does not apply to NRIs or non- resident Indians.
Do NRIs need Aadhaar card to e-file?
No. NRIs are exempt from quoting their Aadhaar when they file their income tax e-returns.
Who will be required to link PAN and Aadhaar numbers?
An individual has to link his PAN with Aadhaar, even if the taxable income of an individual is below the taxable limits. Else, his PAN card will be deactivated.
Why do I get failed authentication message when I try to link Aadhaar with PAN?
This may be possible because of entering the wrong OTP. You have to enter the correct OTP sent to your registered mobile number. In case you enter wrong OTP, you will get the failed authentication message. It is therefore, suggested to enter the OTP diligently on the website to authenticate your request.
What are the benefits that I am entitled to receive when I link my PAN and Aadhaar number?
The benefit is that your PAN card will not be deactivated after the dadline. You will also be able to receive a summarised details of tax levied on you in the financial year and also it will become easier for you to file income tax returns.
Is there any other process to link the two?
As of now, there are only two processes. The user has to get his documents linked by any one of the processes.
Is it mandatory to create an account with the department website?
No, it is not mandatory to have an account with the department website. There is a direct link that is available which you can use to link your PAN and Aadhaar Card.
Can I de-link my Aadhaar number?
No. Once it has been updated on the e-filing page, there is no option that is available to de-link your Aadhaar number.
Do I have to submit any documentary proof to link my PAN and Aadhaar card?
No, you do not have to submit any document proof.Linking PAN with Aadhaar is a very simple process. You can do it online or via SMS.
I used to live in India but settled abroad. I plan on returning to India. Do I need to apply for an Aadhaar Card or am I exempted from this rule?
If you plan on staying in the country for more than 182 days or 6 months, you will have to apply for an Aadhaar card when you reach India.
If I don’t fall into the taxable bracket, do I still have to get an Aadhaar card or have it linked to my PAN?
Yes, it is always advisable that you apply for an Aadhaar card and have it linked with your PAN. Aadhaar is now necessary to avail most government benefits and hence, it is bestto apply for it and also get it linked with PAN to ensure that your PAN is valid.
When is the Aadhaar-PAN linking not compulsory?
You are eligible for exemption from linking your Pan with Aadhaar if:
What are the details I have to check when linking my PAN with my Aadhaar card?
You have to check your name, gender and date of birth when linking your Aadhaar with PAN. If you notice any errors, you can get them rectified before linking both documents.
What should I do if my details as per my PAN card do not match with the ones mentioned on my Aadhaar card?
In case the details on your PAN card such as date of birth, spelling of name, do not match the ones on your Aadhaar card, you will have to submit an application with a valid proof and get the details corrected. Post this, you may apply to link your Aadhaar with your PAN card.
How long is the OTP sent by the Aadhaar database valid for?
From the time it was generated, the Aadhaar OTP is valid for a total of 15 minutes.
How do I make changes to an Aadhaar Number that I have filed?
You can get in touch with the UIDAI helpdesk by their toll-free number which is 1800-300-1947 or email at authsupport@uidai.gov.in
Is it mandatory to create an account with the department website?
Yes. It is necessary for all taxpayers have to create an account with the Income Tax Department to file their e-returns.
How can I change the mobile number that is registered with Aadhaar?
In order to get your mobile number updated, you have to visit a nearby Aadhaar Enrolment Centre and get your mobile number updated.
