If you haven’t completed your pan aadhaar linking yet, this is your final wake-up call. The Income Tax Department has set a strict deadline of December 31, 2025, for a specific category of taxpayers to link their documents. For others, an unlinked PAN is already a ticking time bomb for financial transactions.
Whether you need to check your aadhaar pan link status or pay the penalty to reactivate your card, this guide covers everything you need to know before stepping into 2026.
Why is “PAN Aadhaar Link” Trending Now?
As we approach the end of 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has flagged that PAN cards not linked with Aadhaar will become “inoperative.” This means:
- No Tax Refunds: Your ITR refunds will be stuck.
- Higher TDS/TCS: You will face higher tax deductions on your income.
- Failed Transactions: Mutual fund investments and bank account openings may be blocked.
Who Needs to Link by December 31, 2025?
While the general deadline passed earlier, the government issued a specific extension until December 31, 2025, for individuals who were allotted a PAN based on an Aadhaar Enrolment ID before October 1, 2024.
For everyone else, if your pan card aadhar card link is not done, your PAN is likely already inoperative, and you must link it immediately by paying a penalty.
How to Check Aadhar PAN Card Link Status
Before you panic, verify if you are already compliant. Follow these steps to check your aadhaar pan link status:
- Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Look for the “Link Aadhaar Status” option on the homepage.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.
- Click “View Link Aadhaar Status.”
- Result A: “Your PAN is already linked to given Aadhaar.” (You are safe!)
- Result B: “PAN not linked with Aadhaar.” (Follow the steps below immediately.)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Link PAN and Aadhaar Online
If your status shows unlinked, follow this process for pan aadhaar link instantly:
Step 1: Payment of Penalty
- Go to the e-Filing portal and select “e-Pay Tax”.
- Enter your PAN and confirm it with a mobile OTP.
- Select the Assessment Year 2025-26 (or current relevant AY) and the payment head “Other Receipts (500)”.
- Pay the mandatory late fee of ₹1,000.
Step 2: Submit the Link Request
- After payment (wait 4-5 days if paying via bank challan, though online is instant), go back to the “Link Aadhaar” section.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar details.
- Validate using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- A message will confirm that your aadhar pan link request has been sent to UIDAI for validation.
Common Issues with Aadhar PAN Link
Many users face rejection due to a “Demographic Mismatch.” This happens when your name, date of birth, or gender differs between the two documents.
- Solution: Update your details on the Aadhaar card (via UIDAI) or PAN card (via NSDL/UTIITSL) so they match exactly before attempting the pan aadhaar link.
Conclusion: Do It Before 2026!
Ignoring this mandate is no longer an option. An inoperative PAN is as good as having no PAN. Take 10 minutes today to check your aadhaar pan link status and complete the process. Don’t let a small negligence impact your financial freedom in the New Year.