The Income Tax Department has issued a final reminder to all PAN holders in India to link their PAN with Aadhaar before the official deadline of 31st August 2025. Failure to do so will result in a ₹1,000 penalty and possible PAN deactivation, impacting your ability to file taxes, open bank accounts, or make large financial transactions.
If your PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, it will be marked inoperative, which means it will be treated as if it does not exist for any income tax purposes. This government mandate applies to all individuals who were allotted a PAN on or before 1st July 2017 and are eligible to obtain an Aadhaar number.
Why Is Linking PAN with Aadhaar Mandatory?
The linking of PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar was introduced to eliminate duplicate or fake PANs and to simplify income tax tracking. By creating a unified identity system, the government can reduce tax evasion and enhance transparency.
Key reasons behind this move include:
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Preventing multiple PAN card misuse
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Avoiding errors during ITR filing
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Speeding up digital verification processes
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Ensuring smooth KYC compliance across financial platforms
The deadline has been extended several times in the past, but the latest update from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) confirms August 31, 2025, as the final cut-off.
Consequences of Missing the PAN-Aadhaar Deadline
Not linking PAN and Aadhaar before the due date can lead to:
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₹1,000 fine under Section 234H of the Income Tax Act
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PAN marked inoperative after the deadline
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Ineligibility to file Income Tax Return (ITR)
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Bank accounts and demat accounts may get frozen
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Trouble with high-value transactions (above ₹50,000)
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Difficulty in loan applications, mutual fund KYC, etc.
Note: Once PAN becomes inoperative, you can still reactivate it by linking Aadhaar later, but the ₹1,000 fine will still be applicable.
Who Is Exempted from PAN-Aadhaar Linking?
Some individuals are not required to link PAN with Aadhaar:
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NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
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Individuals aged 80 years or above
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Residents of Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Meghalaya
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Foreign citizens holding PAN
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Those not eligible to obtain Aadhaar
However, if you’re not in these categories and still haven’t linked your PAN and Aadhaar, it’s essential to act before the pan aadhaar deadline 2025.
How to Check PAN-Aadhaar Linking Status
You can check if your PAN is already linked with Aadhaar by:
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Visiting https://www.incometax.gov.in
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Clicking on “Link Aadhaar Status” under Quick Links
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Entering your PAN and Aadhaar number
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Viewing the status message instantly
If your PAN is not linked, you’ll be prompted to complete the process with a payment of ₹1,000 through e-pay tax.
Steps to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online
To complete the process, follow these steps:
Step 1
Go to the Income Tax Portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in
Step 2
Click on “Link Aadhaar” under Quick Links on the home page
Step 3
Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, full name (as per Aadhaar), and mobile number
Step 4
Verify details and proceed to pay ₹1,000 through “e-Pay Tax” option (post June 30, 2022, penalty is applicable)
Step 5
Once payment is done, revisit the same page and complete the linking form
Step 6
You will receive a confirmation via SMS and email. Linking will be completed in 5–7 working days.
Ensure that your Aadhaar is not under biometric lock and your PAN and Aadhaar details match exactly (name, DOB, gender).
Offline Option – Link at PAN Service Centers
You can also link Aadhaar with PAN by visiting nearby NSDL or UTIITSL PAN centers. Carry a copy of your Aadhaar card, PAN card, and a filled-up Annexure-I form. The ₹1,000 fee is payable at the counter via UPI, card, or cash.
This method is helpful for senior citizens or individuals who prefer in-person assistance.
Common Issues While Linking PAN & Aadhaar
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Name mismatch: Use Aadhaar Update Services if spelling is different
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Mobile not linked to Aadhaar: Visit Aadhaar Enrollment Center to link
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DOB mismatch: Correct PAN or Aadhaar info via online correction
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Payment not showing: Wait 1–2 hours before submitting the linking form again
Linking issues can also be resolved by calling the Income Tax Helpdesk at 1800-103-0025 or through email at aadhaar@incometax.gov.in.
FAQs
What is the PAN-Aadhaar linking last date?
The official last date is August 31, 2025. After this, non-linked PANs will become inoperative.
What happens if I don’t link my PAN and Aadhaar?
Your PAN will become invalid, and you may face problems filing ITR, opening bank accounts, applying for loans, or verifying KYC.
Is there any fee for linking PAN with Aadhaar?
Yes. As of now, a ₹1,000 fee is applicable under Section 234H for all taxpayers linking after June 30, 2022.
How long does it take for PAN-Aadhaar linking to be updated?
Usually, it takes 5 to 7 working days after submission. You can check the status online anytime.
Can I link without internet access?
Yes, you can visit your nearest NSDL or UTI PAN Service Center and link Aadhaar with PAN manually.
Click here to know more.