The deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN was 30th June 2023, making unlinked PAN cards inoperative from 1st July 2023. To avoid issues, verify if your PAN is connected to your Aadhaar. The Income Tax Department advised linking by 31st May 2024 to prevent higher tax rates under Sections 206AA and 206CC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Latest Update

As the deadline approaches, PAN holders must link with Aadhaar to keep their PAN cards active. Uncertainty remains over completed links, and this guide details how to confirm the link. If needed, linking requires a Rs. 1,000 penalty.

Why Link Aadhaar with PAN?

Mandated by the government, linking helps simplify tax compliance and combat evasion. It verifies taxpayer identity and prevents multiple PANs for one person, aiming to smooth income tax filing.

Importance of Checking Aadhaar-PAN Link Status

Linking is crucial to avoid several issues:

• Avoiding Penalties: An unlinked PAN is inoperative, risking penalties.
• Financial Transactions: An inoperative PAN can impede financial activities.
• Filing Tax Returns: An unlinked PAN prevents income tax return filing, causing further penalties.

How To Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status Online?

1. Without Logging Into the Income Tax Portal
   • Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
   • Click ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ under ‘Quick Links’.
   • Enter PAN and Aadhaar Number.
   • Click ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’.

   The message will confirm the status. If linked, it affirms so; if pending, it notes UIDAI validation is needed; if unlinked, a prompt to link appears.

2. By Logging Into the Income Tax Portal
   • Login to the Income Tax portal.
   • Click ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ from the ‘Dashboard’ or ‘My Profile’.

   Aadhaar number will be shown if linked. If validation is pending, check status later.

Direct Link to Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status

Use a direct link:

• Visit the provided link.
• Enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers.
• Click ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’.

How To Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status via SMS?

• Write: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>.
• Send to ‘567678’ or ‘56161’.

A response indicates Aadhaar-PAN linkage status in the ITD database.

How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Card Online?

If unlinked, follow these steps:

• Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
• Click ‘Link Aadhaar’ under ‘Quick Links’.
• Enter PAN and Aadhaar Number, validate, and proceed to ‘e-Pay Tax’.
• Enter PAN, mobile number, and pay Rs. 1,000.
• Re-enter details and validate with OTP for UIDAI submission.

The PAN becomes operative within 7-30 days.

Fees for Aadhaar-PAN Linking

Free till 31st March 2022, a Rs. 500 penalty from 1st April to 30th June 2022 was imposed. Post 30th June 2022, a Rs. 1,000 penalty is relevant.

Who Should Link Aadhaar with a PAN Card?

Under Section 139AA, all taxpayers with a PAN must link with Aadhaar, excluding:

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
• Senior Citizens (80+ years)
• Residents of Assam, Meghalaya, Jammu & Kashmir

Steps to Link Aadhaar with PAN Offline

• Visit a PAN Service Center.
• Complete and submit the Aadhaar-PAN form with documents.
• Pay Rs. 1,000 link fee.
• Receive acknowledgment.

Conclusion

Linking Aadhaar with PAN ensures smooth transactions and tax compliance. Regular checks prevent hassles, and both online and offline methods are accessible. Follow these steps to maintain compliance and ease financial and tax endeavors.

*[TDS]: Tax Deductor at Source