PAN-Aadhaar Link Status: How to Check, What to Do If Not Linked, and What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
PAN-Aadhaar Link Status Check: Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory by December 31, 2025. Missing the deadline will render your PAN inoperative, halting tax filing, refunds, and financial transactions. Learn how to check your PAN-Aadhaar link status, along with the complete process and penalty details.
PAN-Aadhaar Link Status Check Online: For taxpayers in India, the biggest concern now is the PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline. The Income Tax Department has made it clear that linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory by December 31, 2025. If you do not complete the linking by this date, your PAN will become inoperative from January 1, 2026. This means you will not be able to file income tax returns, receive refunds, or conduct major financial transactions. Therefore, check your PAN-Aadhaar link status now, and if it's not linked, complete the process immediately; otherwise, missing the deadline could result in significant consequences.
What does an inoperative PAN mean from January 1, 2026?
- You will not be able to file income tax returns.
- Refunds will be withheld.
- Opening bank accounts, making investments, and conducting large transactions will be difficult.
- Higher TDS and TCS rates will apply.
What is the process for linking PAN with Aadhaar?
- Log in to the Income Tax Department's e-filing website.
- Select the Link Aadhaar option in the profile section.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number, then make the payment through e-Pay Tax.
- After OTP verification, the process will be complete.
- The linking status is updated after verification by UIDAI.
How to check your PAN-Aadhaar link status?
- Select the Check Aadhaar Link Status option on the e-filing portal.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number and submit.
- The status will be displayed on the screen. You can also check via SMS: Send UIDPAN to 567678 or 56161.
What to do if PAN and Aadhaar details don't match?
- Update your Aadhaar on the UIDAI portal.
- Correct your PAN through NSDL or UTIITSL.
- If the problem persists, get biometric verification done at a PAN service center.
- Also know about late fees and exemptions:
- A penalty of ₹1000 will be charged before linking.
- However, PAN cardholders whose PAN was issued after October 1, 2024, using Aadhaar will be exempt.
- Such cardholders can link their PAN and Aadhaar free of charge until December 31, 2025.