How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Card

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character ID used to track taxable financial transactions in India. Aadhaar, issued by UIDAI, serves as a universal identity and address proof for residents. To streamline identification and prevent misuse, the government made Aadhaar–PAN linking mandatory from July 2017. This linkage helps ensure transparency and smooth filing of income tax returns.

The linking of Aadhaar with PAN was mandated by the Income Tax Department to curb tax evasion, eliminate duplicate PANs, and ensure better tracking of financial transactions. This move aimed to create a unified identification system and improve transparency in tax filings. While taxpayers were allowed to file returns without linking initially, processing of returns was restricted until the linkage was completed.

Timeline of Aadhaar–PAN Linking Deadlines

• 31 August 2017: Initial deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar

• 31 December 2017: Deadline extended by the government

• 31 March 2018: Further extension granted

• 30 June 2018: Another extension announced

• 31 March 2019: Extended deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN

• 31st December 2025: Last extension; non-linked cards will be disfunctional here after.

Even though filing returns was permitted without linking for a period, the Income Tax Department made it clear that returns would not be processed unless Aadhaar and PAN were linked. Taxpayers could complete the process through the official income tax e-filing portal, whether their details matched perfectly or had minor discrepancies.

Who Can Use the Aadhaar–PAN Linking Service

The Link Aadhaar service is available to:

• Individual taxpayers (registered or unregistered on the e-Filing portal)

• Indian residents with a valid PAN and Aadhaar

• Taxpayers who need to activate their PAN after non-linking

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

To link Aadhaar with PAN, a prescribed fee must be paid through the e-Filing portal.

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal and click on Link Aadhaar under Quick Links.
2. Enter PAN and Aadhaar number.
3. Click Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax.
4. Enter PAN and mobile number for OTP verification.
5. After OTP validation, proceed to the e-Pay Tax page.
6. Select the following options:
   • Assessment Year
   • Type of Payment: Other Receipts (500)
7. Confirm the amount and complete payment via net banking, debit card, or UPI.

Once payment is successful, you can proceed with Aadhaar–PAN linking.

Here’s how you can link your Aadhaar with PAN after making the payment

Method 1: Post-Login Process

• Log in to the e-Filing portal

• Go to Profile → Link Aadhaar

• Enter Aadhaar number and click Validate

• Submit the request

Method 2: Pre-Login Process

• Visit the e-Filing portal homepage

• Click Link Aadhaar under Quick Links

• Enter PAN and Aadhaar details

• Submit OTP received on registered mobile number

• Aadhaar–PAN linking request is submitted successfully

Special Scenarios During Linking

If payment is not verified:

• A message will appear stating “Payment details not found”

• You must complete payment or wait 4–5 working days if already paid

If PAN or Aadhaar is already linked incorrectly:

• You will receive an error message

• You must contact your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO) to request delinking

AO details can be checked via:

• Pre-login: Know Your AO

• Post-login: Profile → Jurisdiction Details

Follow these steps to check the current status of your Aadhaar-PAN linking.

Pre-Login Method:

• Visit the e-Filing portal

• Click Link Aadhaar Status

• Enter PAN and Aadhaar number

• View current linking status

Post-Login Method:

• Log in to the e-Filing portal

• Go to My Profile → Link Aadhaar Status

• View whether Aadhaar is linked or pending

Reference - https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/how-to-link-aadhaar

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.

In case your name in the PAN card is wrongly spelt - Online Process

Following is the online process to link your PAN card with Aadhaar in case your name is wrongly spelt:

• Step 1: Log on to the e-filing website of NSDL (goo.gl/zvt8eV)
• Step 2: Select the ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN data or Reprint of PAN Card (No changes in Existing PAN Data)’ option from the drop down menu
• Step 3: Select the individual category and enter your details
• Step 4: Make payment and submit your form online after Aadhaar e-KYC
• Step 5: The updated PAN will be sent to your address
• Step 6: Once you have received your PAN card, link it with your PAN with Aadhaar

In case your name in the PAN card is wrongly spelt - Offline Process

Following is the offline process to link your PAN card with Aadhaar, in case your name is wrongly spelt:

• Step 1: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre
• Step 2: Carry a self-attested copy of your identity proof with you
• Step 3: Fill the Aadhaar Enrolment Form
• Step 4: Submit the form along with the documents
• Step 5: You will get an acknowledgement slip that contains the update request number
• Step 6: This URN can be used to check the status of your update request
• Step 7: Once your update request is processed and the name is corrected, you can link your PAN with Aadhaar

Important Notes of Aadhaar-PAN Card Linking

• PAN becomes inoperative if not linked within the prescribed deadline

• Returns will not be processed if PAN is inactive

• If Aadhaar–PAN validation fails, the process must be repeated

• Linking may take a few days if UIDAI verification is pending

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:

• The user will be able to correct his PAN details using the NSDL website.
• The NSDL link will redirect you to the page where you can apply for the correction of your name.
• Submit signed digital documents to get your PAN details updated.
• On correcting the details in your PAN and confirming the same by NSDL over a mail, you can link your PAN with Aadhaar.
• You can also do the same by the UIDAI method, which is relatively simpler. Here’s how you can do it through UIDAI’s website:
• Visit the UIDAI webpage and enter your Aadhaar details and security code.
• An OTP will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number.
• In case you have to change the spelling of your name, only OTP is required.
• If you need to modify other details such as gender and date of birth, you have to send the supporting documents for updating.
• Once approved, the user can link their PAN card with Aadhaar.

Disclaimer

This content is intended for general informational purposes only. Taxpayers are advised to refer to the official Income Tax Department notifications, circulars, and provisions of the Income Tax Act for accurate and updated information. The department shall not be responsible for actions taken based on this guide.