Here’s a step-wise guide to link PAN with Aadhaar

Government has been advocating linking PAN with Aadhaar for a while now, but there are many who haven’t done it despite various extensions provided by the tax department. As of now, the deadline for mandatory linking of PAN and Aadhaar is 31 March and those who don’t do it will be slapped with a Rs 1,000 penalty. Besides, your PAN will also become inoperative and according to tax experts, non-compliance may attract higher TDS or TCS.

It may be recalled, in the Finance Bill 2021, the government introduced a new section which mandates linking PAN and Aadhaar. Failing to do so would attract a penalty of Rs 1,000, which will be over and above the penalties for holding an inoperative PAN.

If you still haven’t complied, here’s a 6-step guide to link your Aadhaar number with PAN online on the income tax department’s website:

Step 1: Log on to Income Tax e-filing website – incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in

Step 2: Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ button on the homepage menu bar

Step 3: Fill in details like PAN number, Aadhaar number, and holder’s name

Step 4: Verify details and fill captcha code

Step 5: Click on link Aadhaar

Step 6: The I-T department will validate your details, thereafter your PAN- Aadhaar linking process will get completed.

Link your Aadhaar card to PAN card via SMS: If your mobile number is registered with UIDAI, you can link PAN and Aadhaar vis SMS. Type UIDPAN, Aadhaar number, PAN and send it to 567678 or 56161. For example, Type UIDPAN (12-digit Aadhaar number), SPACE (10-digit PAN), and send it to 567678 or 56161.

Linking Aadhaar Card with PAN manually: To link the documents manually, you need to visit PAN card issuing service centre and fill out ‘Annexure-I’ form and attach it with a copy of the PAN and Aadhaar card. Offline method will require you to pay a prescribed fee, unlike the online linking which is free.

PAN Aadhaar Link status check online: If you have already linked the PAN and Aadhaar but not sure about the status go to the direct link of the Income Tax Department website — incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/aadhaarstatus. Enter PAN and Aadhaar number and go to the ‘View Link Aadhaar Status.’ The PAN-Aadhaar linking status be displayed on your screen.