How to Ensure Your Aadhaar is Linked to Your PAN Card?

The requirement to link Aadhaar with PAN was set for June 30, 2023, resulting in inoperative PAN cards from July 1, 2023. Verify your PAN's linkage to Aadhaar to avoid issues. The Income Tax Department recommends linking by May 31, 2024, to avoid higher tax rates according to Sections 206AA and 206CC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

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With the deadline near, PAN holders should link Aadhaar to keep PAN cards active. Amidst link status uncertainties, this guide helps verify the connection. If necessary, the link requires a Rs. 1,000 fee.

Why Link Aadhaar with PAN?

Government-mandated, linking simplifies tax compliance and curbs evasion by verifying taxpayer identity and preventing multiple PANs for an individual, easing income tax filing.

Importance of Checking Aadhaar-PAN Link Status

Linking is key to avoiding numerous complications:

• Avoiding Penalties: A non-linked PAN is inoperative, leading to penalties.
• Financial Transactions: Inoperative PAN can hinder financial dealings.
• Filing Tax Returns: Unlinked PAN halts income tax return filing, incurring further penalties.

How to Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status Online?

1. Without Logging Into the Income Tax Portal
   Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal, click ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ under ‘Quick Links’, enter PAN and Aadhaar Number, and click ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’. The status message will confirm if linked; pending status requires UIDAI validation, and if unlinked, prompting appears.
2. By Logging Into the Income Tax Portal
   Login to the Income Tax portal, click ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ from ‘Dashboard’ or ‘My Profile’. If linked, the Aadhaar number appears; if pending, check status later.

Direct Link to Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status

Utilize a direct link:

• Visit the specified link, enter PAN and Aadhaar, and click ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’.

How to Check Aadhaar-PAN Link Status via SMS?

• Compose: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>. Send to ‘567678’ or ‘56161’. The response reflects Aadhaar-PAN linkage status in the ITD database.

How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Card Online?

If not linked, adhere to these steps:

• Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal, click ‘Link Aadhaar’ under ‘Quick Links’, enter PAN and Aadhaar Number, validate it, proceed to ‘e-Pay Tax’, enter PAN, mobile number, and pay Rs. 1,000. Re-enter details, validate with OTP for UIDAI submission. PAN becomes operative in 7-30 days.

Fees for Aadhaar-PAN Linking

Initially free till March 31, 2022, a Rs. 500 fee from April 1 to June 30, 2022, was levied. Post-June 30, 2022, Rs. 1,000 applies.

Who Should Link Aadhaar with a PAN Card?

Section 139AA obliges all taxpayers with PAN to link with Aadhaar, except:

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
• Senior Citizens (80+ years)
• Residents of Assam, Meghalaya, Jammu & Kashmir

Steps to Link Aadhaar with PAN Offline

• Visit a PAN Service Center, fill and submit the Aadhaar-PAN form with documents, pay Rs. 1,000 fee, and receive acknowledgment.

Conclusion

Linking Aadhaar with PAN ensures smooth transactions and tax compliance. Regular checks avert hassles, and online and offline options are available. Follow these steps for compliance and ease in financial and tax matters.

*[TDS]: Tax Deductor at Source
*[RBI]: Reserve Bank of India
*[MSMEs]: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
*[NSE]: National Stock Exchange
*[BSE]: Bombay Stock Exchange
*[UX]: User Experience
*[NPAs]: Non-Performing Assets
*[NRI]: Non-Resident Indian
*[RTGS]: Real Time Gross Settlement
*[TDS]: Tax Deductor at Source
*[IMPS]: Immediate Payment Service
*[NEFT]: National Electronic Funds Transfer
*[EMIs]: Equated Monthly Instalments
*[IVR]: Interactive Voice Response
*[HUF]: Hindu Undivided Family
*[NRIs]: Non-Resident Indian