How to Link PAN Card with Aadhaar Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Linking your PAN card with your Aadhaar card is a mandatory requirement in India to comply with the Income Tax Department’s regulations. As of August 07, 2025, this process ensures seamless tax filing, prevents duplication, and avoids penalties.

With the deadline extended to December 31, 2025, for specific cases, now is the time to complete this task. This guide provides a clear, updated process to link your PAN card with Aadhaar card, including options without logging in.

Why Link PAN Card with Aadhaar Card?

The Government of India mandates linking PAN with Aadhaar under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act to:

• Verify your identity and prevent tax evasion.
• Enable e-KYC for financial transactions.
• Avoid a ₹1,000 penalty for unlinked cards post-deadline.
• Ensure smooth filing of Income Tax Returns (ITR).

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure:

• You are an Indian resident (as per Section 139AA), excluding exemptions for residents of Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Meghalaya.
• Your PAN and Aadhaar details (name, date of birth, gender) match or can be updated.
• You have your 10-digit PAN number and 12-digit Aadhaar number handy.
• A valid mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is required for OTP verification.

Note: For updating your Aadhaar card, check this post: How to Update Aadhaar Card Online (Name, Address, Mobile & More)

Step-by-Step Guide to Link PAN Card with Aadhaar Card

Option 1: Online Linking Without Login (Pre-Login)

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in.
2. Access Link Aadhaar: On the homepage, click “Link Aadhaar” under the “Quick Links” section.
3. Enter Details: Input your 10-digit PAN, 12-digit Aadhaar number, and name as per Aadhaar.
4. Validate and Link: Click “Validate” and enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Click “Link Aadhaar” to submit.
5. Confirmation: A success message will confirm the request submission. To check Pan Aadhaar Link Status, check this post: Check PAN Aadhaar Link Status

Note: If linking is post-deadline (after June 30, 2023, except for the December 31, 2025, extension), pay a ₹1,000 penalty via “e-Pay Tax” before proceeding.

Option 2: Online Linking With Login (Post-Login)

1. Log In: Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in, log in using your PAN as user ID, and register if new.
2. Navigate to Link Aadhaar: From the dashboard, select “Link Aadhaar” under “Profile Settings” or “Personal Details.”
3. Enter Details: Input your PAN, Aadhaar number, and name as per Aadhaar.
4. Verify with OTP: Click “Link Aadhaar.” Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to confirm.
5. Success Message: Receive confirmation on-screen and via email/SMS. For post-deadline linking, pay ₹1,000 via e-Pay Tax first.

Option 3: Link via SMS

1. Compose Message: Type UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> (e.g., UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCD1234E).
2. Send to 567678 or 56161: Use the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
3. Verification: Enter the OTP received to complete the process.
4. Confirmation: A success message will confirm the linking.

Option 4: Visit a PAN Service Center

• Locate a TIN-FC or PAN center via NSDL (https://nsdl.co.in/) or UTIITSL (https://www.utiitsl.com) websites.
• Submit PAN and Aadhaar copies with OTP verification. For mismatches, use biometric authentication (fee ₹50–₹1,000).
• Collect a receipt; linking is processed within 15–30 days.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Mismatch in Details: Update via https://uidai.gov.in or use biometric authentication at PAN centers.
• OTP Not Received: Ensure your mobile number is active and linked to Aadhaar. Contact UIDAI (1947) or PAN helpline (1800-419-0099).
• Technical Glitches: Clear browser cache or try during off-peak hours.

Deadline and Penalties

The deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar is December 31, 2025, for those who obtained PAN using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024, with no penalty if linked by then.

For others, the deadline was June 30, 2023, with a ₹1,000 penalty for late linking. Unlinked PANs become inoperative post-deadline, affecting refunds and higher TDS/TCS rates. Check https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in for updates.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Double-check your name and DOB on both cards.
• Use a stable internet connection for online linking.
• Keep a screenshot or PDF of the confirmation.
• Contact helplines for assistance.

Conclusion

Linking your PAN card with your Aadhaar card is essential for tax compliance and avoiding penalties. Use the pre-login option or other methods outlined above to meet the December 31, 2025, deadline if applicable. Stay informed via official government websites for any changes.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult a tax professional or visit official portals for personalized advice.