With the December 31, 2025 deadline approaching, taxpayers are being urged to verify whether their PAN is linked with Aadhaar to avoid their PAN becoming inoperative. The Income Tax Department has reiterated that Aadhaar–PAN linking is mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for all eligible individuals.

For new PAN applicants, the process is already taken care of, as Aadhaar–PAN linking is done automatically at the time of application. However, several existing PAN holders—especially those who applied using an Aadhaar enrolment ID instead of the Aadhaar number—must still complete the linking process within the stipulated timeline.

Why PAN–Aadhaar linking matters

Failure to link PAN with Aadhaar will result in the PAN becoming inoperative, which can lead to issues such as:

  • Inability to file income tax returns
  • Higher TDS and TCS rates
  • Problems in financial transactions that require PAN

To restore or maintain PAN validity, linking Aadhaar is essential—even though it now involves a non-refundable penalty of ₹1,000 in certain cases.

Who needs to act before December 31, 2025?

The latest directive from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) applies specifically to individuals:

  • Whose PAN was issued using an Aadhaar enrolment ID
  • And where the PAN was issued before October 1, 2024
  • Other PAN holders remain subject to earlier deadlines and compliance rules.

How to check PAN–Aadhaar linking status online

Before initiating the process, taxpayers are advised to first confirm whether their PAN is already linked.

Online method:

Visit the Income Tax portal’s PAN–Aadhaar status page

Click on ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’

Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number

The system will display the current status instantly

Offline method:

To check PAN–Aadhaar Status via SMS

Send: UID PAN <space> Aadhaar Number <space> PAN

To: 567678 or 56161

How to link PAN with Aadhaar online

If your PAN is not linked, you can complete the process online without logging in:

  • Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal
  • Click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ under Quick Links
  • Enter PAN, Aadhaar number, and name exactly as per Aadhaar
  • Validate details and enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
  • Pay the ₹1,000 penalty (if applicable) via e-Pay Tax
  • Submit the request

A confirmation message will be shown, and the linking status is usually updated within 3–5 working days.

Important points to keep in mind

Ensure your name, date of birth, and gender match in both PAN and Aadhaar records

Correct any discrepancies through Protean eGov (PAN) or UIDAI (Aadhaar) before linking

Aadhaar must be linked to an active mobile number for OTP verification

Offline linking option

Those unable to link online can visit NSDL or UTIITSL centres with:

PAN and Aadhaar copies

Proof of penalty payment (if applicable)

Biometric verification may be required