Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 13:36 IST

CBDT sets December 31, 2025, as the last date to link PAN with Aadhaar. From January 1, 2026, unlinked PANs become inoperative, affecting tax filing and refunds.

PAN-Aadhaar Link Deadline: Permanent Account Number (PAN) will become inoperative for those holders who are unable to link it with their Aadhaar card from January 01, 2026, affecting the ability to file income tax returns and get refunds.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has fixed December 31, 2025, as the last day to link PAN with Aadhaar card for those who receive the cards before October 01, 2025, failing which the services will be discontinued.

Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric number, issued by the Income Tax Department. PAN enables the department to link all transactions of the “person” with the department. These transactions include tax payments, TDS/TCS credits, returns of income, specified transactions, correspondence, and so on. PAN, thus, acts as an identifier for the “person” with the tax department.

The income tax department with the aim to eradicate misuse and fraud, made it mandatory for holders to link with Aadhaar card, in case they are being issued without the linking. The department had extended deadlines several times to give the enough time to holders. It has also imposed a penalty for those who fail to link PAN with Aadhaar in due time.

The services that will be affected if a person fails to link PAN with Aadhaar:

1) The person shall not be able to file return using the inoperative PAN

2) Pending returns will not be processed

3) Pending refunds cannot be issued to inoperative PANs

4) Pending proceedings as in the case of defective returns cannot be completed once the PAN is inoperative

5) Tax will be required to be deducted at a higher rate as PAN becomes inoperative

How To Link Aadhaar With Pan Card Online

Linking Aadhaar with PAN Online (Pre-Login, Without Logging In)

This method is suitable for both registered and unregistered users of the Income Tax e-Filing portal. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website: www.incometax.gov.in.

• Access the Link Aadhaar Option: On the homepage, under the Quick Links section, click on Link Aadhaar.
• Enter PAN and Aadhaar Details: Input your 10-digit PAN number and 12-digit Aadhaar number.
• Enter your name as per Aadhaar.
• Check the box “I agree to validate my Aadhaar details”.
• Click Validate.
• Pay the Penalty (if applicable): If you are linking after December 31, 2025, a pop-up may appear stating “Payment details not found”, indicating that a Rs 1,000 penalty is required.
• Click Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax.
• Enter your PAN, confirm the PAN, and provide your mobile number to receive an OTP.
• After OTP verification, you’ll be redirected to the e-Pay Tax page.
• Select Assessment Year as 2025-26, Type of Payment as Other Receipts (500), and Sub-type of Payment as Fee for delay in linking PAN with Aadhaar.
• The penalty amount (Rs 1,000) will be auto-filled under Others. Click Continue.
• Choose your payment method (net banking, debit card, NEFT/RTGS, or payment gateway) and complete the payment. A challan will be generated.
• Submit the Linking Request: Return to the Link Aadhaar section on the e-Filing portal.
• Re-enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and name as per Aadhaar.
• Enter your mobile number linked to Aadhaar to receive a 6-digit OTP.
• Enter the OTP and click Validate.

How To Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status Online

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal:
   • Go to www.incometax.gov.in.
2. Access the Link Aadhaar Status:
   • On the homepage, under the Quick Links section, click on Link Aadhaar Status.
3. Enter Details:
   • Input your 10-digit PAN number and 12-digit Aadhaar number.
   • Click View Link Aadhaar Status.
4. Check the Result:
   • Linked: You’ll see a message like, “Your PAN is already linked to the given Aadhaar.”
   • Not Linked: The message will state, “PAN not linked with Aadhaar. Please click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ to link.”
   • Pending: If the linking request is under process, it will say, “Your Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent to UIDAI for validation.”

Varun Yadav

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More

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