PAN-Aadhaar link: How to check, link and avoid inoperative PAN after Dec 31, 2025

As the December 31, 2025 deadline approaches, the Income Tax Department has urged PAN holders to link their PAN cards with Aadhaar. Failure to do so will render PAN cards “inoperative” from January 1, 2026, disrupting tax filings, refunds, and other financial transactions.

How to link PAN with Aadhaar:

• Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
• Navigate to your profile and select “Link Aadhaar.”
• Enter PAN, Aadhaar details, and name exactly as per Aadhaar.
• Verify details via OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• Submit the request; UIDAI will validate the details.

Check PAN-Aadhaar link status:

• Online: Visit the e-Filing portal and submit PAN and Aadhaar to confirm linkage.
• SMS: Send UID PAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161.

If details don’t match:

Update Aadhaar via UIDAI.

Update PAN via Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL.

Biometric verification can be done at authorised PAN centres if discrepancies persist.

Penalty and exemptions:

A Rs 1,000 penalty applies for late linkage, except for PANs issued after October 1, 2024, using Aadhaar enrolment IDs.

Impact of inoperative PAN:

Unable to file income tax returns or process refunds.

Higher TDS/TCS rates apply.

Mandatory financial transactions like bank account opening or securities investments may be affected.

Timely PAN-Aadhaar linking is crucial to avoid disruption in financial and tax activities. Ensure your details match and complete the process before the December 31, 2025 deadline.