How to Link PAN with Aadhaar in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid Penalty

Updated on: Apr 5th, 2025| 3 min read

Introduction

If you’re a taxpayer in India, you’ve probably come across multiple reminders to link your PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar. While the government has extended deadlines in the past, as of 2025, linking your PAN with Aadhaar is no longer optional — it’s mandatory.

Failure to do so may lead to the invalidation of your PAN and a host of other problems, including difficulty in filing ITR, opening bank accounts, or conducting high-value transactions. In this article, we’ll break down the process, the deadline, penalties, and how you can get it done — online or offline.

What Is PAN-Aadhaar Linking and Why Is It Mandatory?

What is PAN?

PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric identification number issued by the Income Tax Department to track financial transactions.

What is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI, based on your biometric and demographic data.

Why link them?

The government mandates this linkage to:

Eliminate duplicate PANs
Track tax evasion
Create a unified database for better tax compliance

Who Needs to Link PAN with Aadhaar?

All Indian citizens who have been issued both a PAN and an Aadhaar number are required to link them, except:

Non-resident Indians (NRIs)
Residents of Assam, Meghalaya, and Jammu & Kashmir
Senior citizens aged 80 years and above
Foreign nationals

PAN-Aadhaar Link Deadline 2025

As per the latest notification, the last date to link PAN with Aadhaar is June 30, 2025.

Failing to link PAN and Aadhaar before this deadline will result in deactivation of your PAN card, which can create issues in:

Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
TDS credit
Mutual fund investments
Banking transactions
KYC processes

Penalty for Not Linking PAN with Aadhaar

If you miss the deadline, your PAN becomes inoperative, and to reactivate it, you may have to:

Pay a fine of ₹1,000
Complete the Aadhaar linking process through the Income Tax portal

There may also be additional consequences, such as late fees or penalties on your ITR filings.

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online (Through the Income Tax Portal)

Step-by-Step Process:

Visit the Income Tax e-filing website:
Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in
Locate the PAN-Aadhaar Link Section:
On the homepage, click on “Link Aadhaar” under the Quick Links section.
Enter Details:
- PAN number
- Aadhaar number
- Name as per Aadhaar
- Mobile number (linked with Aadhaar)
Pay the Linking Fee:
- A penalty of ₹1,000 must be paid first.
- Payment is done through the e-Pay Tax section on the portal.
- Choose “AY 2024-25” and “Minor Head 500” for payment.
Validate Using OTP: Once the payment is verified, you will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for authentication.
Submit the Link Request: After OTP verification, submit the request. You will get a confirmation message that your request is received.
Check Status: You can check the status of PAN-Aadhaar linking by visiting the same portal and selecting “Link Aadhaar Status.”

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar via SMS

If you don’t have access to the internet, you can also link your PAN and Aadhaar via SMS.

SMS Format:

Send the following SMS to 567678 or 56161 from your registered mobile number.

Example:
UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F

Note: Linking via SMS is only possible for PANs not yet deactivated. You must pay the fine first if your PAN has already become inoperative.

How to Link PAN with Aadhaar Offline

For those who prefer offline methods:

Visit a PAN service center (NSDL or UTIITSL).
Fill out the PAN-Aadhaar linking form.
Submit a copy of your PAN and Aadhaar.
Pay a nominal fee and penalty, if required.
Biometric authentication may be required.

Common Errors While Linking PAN with Aadhaar (and How to Fix Them)

1. Mismatch in name or date of birth

Solution: Update details in PAN or Aadhaar before trying to link.

2. Inactive PAN

Solution: Reactivate your PAN by contacting the IT department and paying the required fine.

3. Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar

Solution: Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile number.

How to Check PAN-Aadhaar Link Status

Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in
Click on “Link Aadhaar Status”
Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number
You will see the current status of your link request

How Long Does It Take to Link PAN with Aadhaar?

Once submitted, the linking process typically takes 2–7 working days. However, it may take longer in case of:

Technical issues
Verification delays
Data mismatches

It’s advisable to check the status after a few days to confirm the linkage.

What Happens If PAN Becomes Inoperative?

If your PAN becomes inoperative:

Your TDS will be deducted at a higher rate
You won’t be able to file ITR
Your ITRs will not be processed
Refunds may get delayed
You may be penalized under the Income Tax Act

You will need to link your Aadhaar and pay the ₹1,000 fine to reactivate your PAN.

FAQs on PAN-Aadhaar Linking

Is Aadhaar-PAN linking required for NRIs?

No, NRIs are currently exempt.

Can I link PAN and Aadhaar without a mobile number?

No, mobile number linked with Aadhaar is required for OTP verification.

Can I link PAN with Aadhaar after the deadline?

Yes, but only after paying the ₹1,000 penalty and completing the process as per IT rules.

Is there any free method to link PAN with Aadhaar now?

No, as of 2025, a ₹1,000 fine is applicable for all PAN-Aadhaar linking (except for exempt categories).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Delay the PAN-Aadhaar Link

In a country rapidly moving towards digital compliance, linking your PAN with Aadhaar is no longer a mere formality — it’s a legal obligation with financial implications. Delaying it may seem trivial, but the consequences can be significant.

Whether you’re filing taxes, applying for loans, or just maintaining your financial health, this simple step ensures your identity is clear and your transactions go uninterrupted.

Don’t wait for the last date. Take five minutes today and get your PAN-Aadhaar linking done.