Aadhaar-PAN linkage: Do it before this deadline to avoid penalty; here's a complete guide

The government has declared an extension of the deadline for linking the PAN to the Aadhaar card. The deadline for linking the PAN and Aadhaar without any penalty is approaching soon. Those who have not linked PAN with Aadhaar should complete it before June 30 to avoid penalty.

Earlier the deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar was set for March 31, but it was later extended to June 30. Eventually, the PAN not linked to Aadhaar number will become inoperative from July 1.

Penalty for not linking PAN-Aadhaar before June 30

However, for those who link the PAN with their Aadhaar card after the deadline, a penalty of Rs 1000 will be levied by the Income Tax Department. The penalty has to be paid via a single challan, and various banks have been authorised to collect the e-Pay Tax.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has also released a detailed process to link PAN-Aadhaar. Both the online and offline processes for PAN-Aadhaar linking are available on the UIDAI website.  

How to link PAN to an Aadhaar Card online

• Visit the Income Tax website (https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/LinkAadhaarHome.html)
• Click on the icon to link PAN and Aadhaar
• Create or log in to the account
• When you enter the details like ID, password, and date of birth, a pop-up notifying you of the Aadhaar-PAN link will appear.
• Enter all the required details.
• Confirm the details and enter the captcha.
• Once this is done, you will receive a notification that your PAN has been successfully linked to your Aadhaar Card.

Linking PAN to an Aadhaar Card offline

• Visit the service centres of PAN service providers, such as NSDL or UTITTSL, to get the linking process done offline.
• Ask for the Annexure-I form at the centre.
• Fill in the form. Make sure your personal details are correct.
• Submit the form along with the required documents, such as hard copies of your PAN card and Aadhar card.
• You will need to pay a nominal fee at the service centre, as offline linking of the two documents is not free of charge in offline mode.
• Once the fees are paid, your service request will be processed, and your PAN and Aadhaar will be linked.

Linking PAN with Aadhar through SMS

• One can also opt for an SMS to link their Aadhaar card to their PAN card. To do so, send an SMS to 567678 or 56161 with the registered mobile number. Send a message as,
• UIDPAN <SPACE><12-digit Aadhaar number><SPACE><10-digit PAN>
• Once the SMS has been sent, wait for a response from the authorities.

In conclusion, linking your Aadhaar with your PAN Card is a mandatory process. However, people over the age of 80 or residents of Assam, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir do not need to link their two documents as they fall under an exempt category.