Aadhaar PAN Card Linking Status Check – Complete Guide to How to Link Aadhaar and PAN Card, Deadlines, Fees & Consequences

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Linking your Aadhaar and PAN is mandatory for most Indian taxpayers.
• The critical aadhaar PAN linking deadline is December 31, 2025.
• Failure to link by the deadline will make your PAN card inoperative from January 1, 2026.
• Consequences include higher TDS/TCS, inability to file ITR, and no tax refunds.
• A ₹1,000 aadhaar PAN linking fee applies if you link after the deadline.
• You can easily check your aadhaar PAN card linking status check online via the Income Tax e-filing portal.
• Learn how to link Aadhaar and PAN card using simple online and offline methods.

Get Ready: Your Essential Aadhaar-PAN Card Linking Guide (Including Aadhaar PAN Card Linking Status Check)

Hello there! Let’s talk about two very important documents in India: your Aadhaar card and your PAN card. Your Aadhaar is like a special 12-digit ID number given by the government (UIDAI) that helps prove who you are with your fingerprints and photos. Your PAN is a 10-character number specifically for taxes and money matters.

It’s really important that these two documents are connected, or “linked,” especially if you pay taxes. In fact, linking your Aadhaar and PAN is a must-do for almost everyone who deals with money in India.

This helpful guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll show you how to link Aadhaar and PAN card easily, tell you about the aadhaar PAN linking deadline, explain the different ways to link Aadhaar and PAN, cover any aadhaar PAN linking fee you might need to pay, and, very importantly, teach you how to do an aadhaar PAN card linking status check to make sure everything is good to go.

There’s a really important date coming up: December 31, 2025. That’s the aadhaar PAN linking last date for many people. As of today, December 26, 2025, that means you only have 5 days left to link your cards if you haven’t already! Don’t wait – it’s super important to get this done.

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Understanding the Aadhaar-PAN Linking Deadline

It’s really important to know about the official dates for linking your Aadhaar and PAN. Missing these dates can cause problems, so let’s make sure you’re clear on the current deadline and what it means for you.

The Current Critical Deadline: December 31, 2025

The government has set a crucial date: December 31, 2025. This is the aadhaar PAN linking deadline for many people. Specifically, this date applies to individuals who received their PAN card using their Aadhaar Enrolment ID on or before October 1, 2024. If you fall into this group and haven’t linked your Aadhaar to your PAN by this date, there’s a big change coming.

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What happens if you miss this important date? From January 1, 2026, your PAN card will become inoperative. This means it won’t work for important financial tasks anymore. Think of it like a key that suddenly stops opening the door – you won’t be able to use it for many essential services.

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So, mark your calendar! The aadhaar PAN linking last date is fast approaching, and it’s vital to act now to avoid future issues.

Why This Deadline Matters So Much

You might be wondering why there’s such a fuss about this deadline. Well, connecting your Aadhaar and PAN is a big step towards making sure all financial dealings are clear and proper. It helps the government keep track of taxes and prevent fraud.

Here’s why you really need to link your documents before the deadline:

• Loss of PAN Functionality: If your PAN becomes inoperative, it means you can’t use it for any financial transactions. This includes things like opening a bank account, investing money, or even getting a loan. Your Permanent Account Number will be useless for these crucial activities.
• Higher Tax Deductions: If your PAN is not linked, you might have to pay more tax than you usually would. When banks or other companies pay you money (like interest or payments for services), they usually deduct a small part for tax (called TDS or TCS). If your PAN is not active, they will deduct tax at a much higher rate. This means you get less money in hand.
• Inability to File Your Income Tax Return (ITR): You won’t be able to file your yearly Income Tax Return if your PAN isn’t working. Filing your ITR is mandatory for many people and is how you tell the government about your earnings and taxes paid. Not being able to file can lead to additional penalties and legal troubles.
• ₹1,000 Aadhaar PAN Linking Fee (Penalty): If you miss the December 31, 2025 deadline and try to link your Aadhaar and PAN later, you will have to pay a penalty fee of ₹1,000. This is an extra cost that you can easily avoid by linking on time. This fee is specifically called the aadhaar PAN linking fee when paid after the due date.
• New Rule for PAN Applications: From July 1, 2025, there’s another important change. If you’re applying for a brand new PAN card, it will be mandatory to use your Aadhaar for verification. This means your Aadhaar will be used to confirm your identity when you apply for a new PAN. This change makes the connection between Aadhaar and PAN even stronger for new applicants.
  
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All these reasons show just how important it is to meet the deadline. Linking your Aadhaar and PAN now saves you from a lot of hassle, extra costs, and problems with your money matters later on.

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Aadhaar-PAN Linking Process Explained (How to Link Aadhaar and PAN Card)

Linking your Aadhaar and PAN is a straightforward process, and there are a few ways to get it done. The easiest and most recommended method is online, but you also have offline options. Let’s look at the full aadhaar PAN linking process explained.

4.1 Online Method – Recommended (Income Tax e-Filing Portal)

The online method through the Income Tax e-filing portal is usually the quickest and most convenient way to connect your Aadhaar with your PAN. This is the primary method for how to link Aadhaar and PAN card for most people.

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What You Need to Have Ready:

Before you start, make sure you have these details handy:

• Your 10-digit PAN (Permanent Account Number)
• Your 12-digit Aadhaar number
• Your full name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card
• A mobile phone number that is linked to your Aadhaar card (you’ll get a One-Time Password or OTP on this number)
• An email address (this is optional but good to have)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Link Aadhaar and PAN Online:

Follow these simple steps carefully to link your Aadhaar and PAN using the official Income Tax website:

1. Visit the Official Income Tax e-Filing Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Income Tax e-filing website. You can usually find this by searching “Income Tax India e-filing” or by directly typing the URL.
2. Log In or Register:
   • If you already have an account, log in using your PAN as your user ID and your password.
   • If you’re a new user, you’ll need to register first by providing your PAN and other details. Once registered, you can log in.
3. Navigate to “Link Aadhaar”:
   • After logging in, look for the “My Profile” section or a quick links menu on the dashboard.
   • Within “My Profile” or the quick links, you should find an option clearly labeled “Link Aadhaar”. Click on this. This is a crucial step in your aadhaar PAN card linking guide.
4. Enter Your Aadhaar Details:
   • The system will show your PAN and ask you to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
   • Make sure you type your Aadhaar number correctly without any mistakes.
   • Click on the “Validate” or “Link Aadhaar” button after entering your details.
5. Confirm Your Name and Mobile Number:
   • The system will then show you your name (as per PAN records) and ask you to confirm your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card. This is very important for a successful link.
   • You’ll also need to enter the mobile number that is linked to your Aadhaar for verification.
6. Receive and Enter OTP:
   • An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the mobile number you provided (the one linked to your Aadhaar).
   • Enter this OTP into the required field on the website. This confirms that it’s really you.
7. Submit Your Request:
   • After entering the OTP, click on “Submit” or “Link Aadhaar” again.
   • If your details match, you will see a confirmation message, usually something like: “Aadhaar-PAN link is successful” or “Your Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent for validation.”
8. Pay the Aadhaar-PAN Linking Fee (if applicable):
   • If you are doing this after the aadhaar PAN linking deadline (December 31, 2025), you will be prompted to pay the ₹1,000 aadhaar PAN linking fee (penalty) at this stage. You must complete this payment on the e-filing portal before your linking request can be processed. This penalty is a key part of the aadhaar PAN linking process explained for late linkages.

This online method is part of your comprehensive aadhaar PAN card linking guide and helps you connect your important identity documents efficiently.

4.2 Offline / SMS-Based Method (Link PAN Card to Aadhaar Card Offline)

While the online method is most popular, there are other ways to link Aadhaar and PAN, especially for those who prefer not to use the internet or need assistance. This allows you to link PAN card to Aadhaar card offline or through a simple text message.

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SMS-Based Linking:

You can use a simple SMS message to send your linking request. This is a very convenient way for many people.

• How to send the SMS:
  • Open your messaging app on your mobile phone.
  • Type your message in a specific format: UIDPAN .
  • For example, if your PAN is ABCDE1234F and your Aadhaar is 123456789012, your message would be: UIDPAN ABCDE1234F 123456789012
  • Send this message to 567678 or 56161.
• What happens next: You should receive an acknowledgment SMS confirming that your request has been received. This simple text message option is another way to start the aadhaar PAN linking process explained.

Physical Assistance (Offline Linking):

If you need in-person help, you can visit designated centers.

• Where to go: You can visit any authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or PAN Service Centre. These centers are set up by the government to help people with their Aadhaar and PAN-related tasks. You might also find help at some Income Tax offices.
• What to bring: When you go, make sure you carry the original copies of your PAN card and your Aadhaar card. You might also need to fill out a simple self-declaration form. It’s always a good idea to bring photocopies as well.
• What they do: The staff at these centers are trained to assist you. They can help you fill out any necessary forms and submit your linking request on your behalf. They will ensure all your details are entered correctly and guide you through the process, making it easy to link PAN card to Aadhaar card offline. This is particularly helpful if you encounter issues with name mismatches or other complications during the online process.

4.3 Processing Time & Confirmation

After you submit your linking request, either online or through SMS/offline, it doesn’t get linked instantly. There’s a processing period where the government systems verify your details.

• Typical Waiting Period: It usually takes between 7 to 30 days for your Aadhaar and PAN to be officially linked and for the systems to update. Sometimes it can be quicker, but it’s good to allow for this timeframe.
• Monitoring Your Progress: Because there’s a waiting period, it’s very important that you regularly check the status of your linking request. The next section will show you exactly how to perform an aadhaar PAN card linking status check online to see if your documents have been successfully connected. This helps you stay informed and address any problems if your request isn’t processed correctly or gets rejected.

Aadhaar-PAN Card Linking Status Check – Verify Your Linkage

Once you’ve submitted your request to link your Aadhaar and PAN, the next logical step is to confirm that the linking has been successful. This is where the aadhaar PAN card linking status check comes in. Knowing how to check if Aadhaar is linked with PAN is crucial to ensure your documents are compliant and your PAN remains operative.

5.1 Checking Your Aadhaar-PAN Linking Status Online

The most reliable and easiest way to perform an aadhaar PAN linking status online verification is through the official Income Tax e-filing portal. This allows you to quickly see the current state of your linking request.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Status:

1. Log In to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Go to the official Income Tax e-filing website in your browser. Use your PAN as your user ID and enter your password to log in to your account.
2. Navigate to the “Link Aadhaar” Section: Once you are logged in, look for the “My Profile” section on your dashboard. Within “My Profile,” you will find the “Link Aadhaar” option. This is the same section where you initially initiated the linking process.
3. View Your Linking Status: On the “Link Aadhaar” page, you will usually find a status box or a clear message indicating the current status of your Aadhaar-PAN linkage. The message displayed will tell you whether your documents are linked, are in progress, or if there’s an issue.

How to Interpret Each Status Message:

It’s important to understand what each message means so you know what action, if any, you need to take.

• “Aadhaar-PAN link is successful”:
  • What it means: This is the message you want to see! It means that your 12-digit Aadhaar number has been successfully connected to your 10-character Permanent Account Number. All verifications have passed, and your PAN is active and fully functional. You have successfully completed the process, and there is no further action required from your side. You can relax knowing your documents are compliant.
  • (Screenshot Placeholder Note: Imagine a green tick mark next to this message on the screen, indicating success.)
• “Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent for validation”:
  • What it means: This message indicates that your request has been received by the system and is currently being processed. The UIDAI (Aadhaar authority) and Income Tax Department are validating the details you provided. This is a normal status to see during the 7-30 day processing window. You just need to wait for a while longer and check if Aadhaar is linked with PAN again after a few days.
  • (Screenshot Placeholder Note: Picture a message with a spinning wheel or an hourglass icon, suggesting ongoing processing.)
• “Aadhaar is not linked to PAN”:
  • What it means: This means that your Aadhaar and PAN are currently not connected, or your previous linking request may have been rejected due to some mismatch or error. It could also mean you haven’t initiated the linking process at all. If you see this message, you need to take action. This is a clear indicator that you must re-initiate the linking process or investigate why your previous attempt failed.
  • (Screenshot Placeholder Note: Visualize a red cross or an alert symbol next to this message, prompting immediate action.)

Regularly checking your status provides peace of mind and allows you to quickly address any issues that might arise, ensuring your financial compliance.

5.2 What to Do If Status Shows “Not Linked” or “Pending”

Seeing a status message like “Aadhaar is not linked to PAN” or “Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent for validation” for too long (e.g., more than 30 days) can be concerning. Here’s what you should do:

• Check for Mismatches: The most common reason for a linking failure is a mismatch in your details.
  • Name Mismatch: Ensure your name on your Aadhaar card is an exact match with your name on your PAN card. Even small differences like initials, spelling errors, or the order of names can cause rejection. If there’s a mismatch, you might need to update your details on either your Aadhaar or PAN before attempting to link again.
  • Date of Birth/Gender Mismatch: Similarly, check that your date of birth and gender are identical on both documents.
• Re-enter Details Carefully: If your details seem correct, try submitting the linking request again. Double-check every digit of your Aadhaar and PAN numbers as you enter them online.
• Contact UIDAI Helpline: If you suspect an issue with your Aadhaar details, you can contact the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) helpline for assistance.
• Visit a Service Centre (for persistent issues): If your status remains “pending” for more than 30 days, or if repeated online attempts result in “not linked,” it’s best to visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or PAN Service Centre. Bring your original Aadhaar and PAN cards. The staff there can help you understand the specific reason for the delay or rejection and assist you in submitting a correct linking request. They might be able to spot issues you missed online.

By taking these steps, you can resolve linking problems and get your aadhaar PAN card linking status check to show “successful.”

What Happens if Aadhaar is Not Linked to PAN? (Consequences)

Not linking your Aadhaar with your PAN by the December 31, 2025 deadline can lead to several serious problems. These consequences start from January 1, 2026, making your life much harder when it comes to money and taxes. It’s really important to understand what happens if Aadhaar is not linked to PAN so you can avoid these troubles.

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6.1 Your PAN Becomes Inoperative

The first and most significant consequence is that your Permanent Account Number (PAN) will become inoperative from January 1, 2026. This means your PAN will no longer be valid for many financial activities. It’s like having a driver’s license that has expired – you can’t use it for its intended purpose. An inoperative PAN severely restricts your ability to perform financial transactions and engage with the tax system.

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6.2 Higher Tax Deductions

One of the biggest financial impacts of an inoperative PAN is that you will face much higher tax deductions on certain incomes.

• Higher TDS (Tax Deducted at Source): When you earn income like salary, interest from bank fixed deposits, or rent, the payer (like your employer or bank) usually deducts a small amount as tax before giving you the money. This is called Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). If your PAN is inoperative, this TDS will be deducted at a much higher rate than normal, as per Section 206AA of the Income Tax Act. This means you will receive less money in hand. For example, if the normal TDS rate is 10%, it might jump to 20% or even more with an inoperative PAN.
• Higher TCS (Tax Collected at Source): Similarly, for certain transactions where tax is collected at the source (TCS), you will face higher rates as per Section 206CC. This typically applies to things like buying certain goods or services.
  
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These increased deductions mean you end up paying more tax upfront, which can significantly affect your cash flow and financial planning.

6.3 Inability to File Income Tax Returns

If your PAN is inoperative, you will not be able to file your Income Tax Returns (ITR). Filing an ITR is how you inform the government about your annual income, expenses, and taxes paid. It’s also how you claim any tax refunds you might be owed.

• Legal Obligation: For many individuals, filing an ITR is a legal obligation. Not being able to file your ITR means you are not complying with tax laws, which can lead to additional penalties from the Income Tax Department. These penalties can include fines and other legal consequences for non-compliance.
• Loss of Benefits: You might also miss out on various tax benefits or deductions that can only be claimed when filing your ITR.
  
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6.4 No Tax Refunds

If you are eligible for any tax refunds (for example, if you paid more tax than you actually owed through TDS), you will not receive these refunds if your PAN is inoperative. The Income Tax Department will block any refunds due to you while your PAN remains inactive.

• Interest on Refunds: Furthermore, you will not receive any interest on these blocked refunds. This means not only do you not get your money back, but you also lose out on potential earnings from that money. You’ll have to wait until your PAN is reactivated to get your refunds.
  
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6.5 Penalty Fee to Reactivate

To get your PAN working again after it becomes inoperative, you will have to pay a mandatory aadhaar PAN linking fee of ₹1,000. This penalty is charged specifically to reactivate an inoperative PAN. After paying this fee, you must then complete the Aadhaar-PAN linking process. Only then will your PAN become operative again, and you can resume your financial activities normally. This additional cost and the hassle of reactivation can be completely avoided by linking your documents before the deadline.

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These consequences highlight why it is extremely important to ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your PAN well before the aadhaar PAN linking deadline. Avoiding these problems will save you time, money, and stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Box)

Conclusion: Link Your Aadhaar and PAN Timely!

We’ve covered a lot of important information today about connecting your Aadhaar and PAN cards. The key takeaway is clear: the December 31, 2025 deadline is only a few days away! If you’re a taxpayer who obtained your PAN using your Aadhaar Enrolment ID on or before October 1, 2024, acting now is not just recommended, it’s essential.

Don’t let your PAN become inoperative from January 1, 2026. An inactive PAN can cause serious financial headaches, including higher taxes, blocked refunds, and the inability to file your Income Tax Returns. You also face an extra ₹1,000 Aadhaar PAN linking fee to reactivate it if you miss this crucial date.

This aadhaar PAN card linking guide has provided you with all the necessary steps and information, from ways to link Aadhaar and PAN online or offline, to understanding the aadhaar PAN linking deadline and its consequences.

Your next step is simple and urgent:

1. Perform an aadhaar PAN card linking status check right now. Log into the Income Tax e-filing portal to see if your documents are already linked.
2. If they aren’t, follow our step-by-step instructions to link them immediately.

Don’t delay! A few minutes spent now can save you from significant financial and administrative burdens in the new year. Take action and secure your financial compliance today.

Click the link below to start the online linking process:

Link Aadhaar on Income Tax Portal