Income Tax Season: Want to file ITR but your PAN card is inoperative? Here's how you can do it

Income Tax Season: As the last date for filing income tax is approaching, all the taxpayers are in a hurry to file taxes. However, many taxpayers find themselves in trouble due to an inactive PAN card. A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is required for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) in India, and an inoperative PAN can lead to significant delays and penalties. If you're in a similar situation, here's what you can do:

Why is your PAN inoperative?

A PAN card becomes inoperative if it is not linked to your Aadhaar card. The Indian government mandates this linkage to streamline the tax system and eliminate duplicate or fraudulent PANs. If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar by the specified deadline, it will be rendered inoperative.

Filing ITR with an inoperative PAN: What to do?

When your PAN is inactive, you cannot file an ITR. But in this case, you can contact the Income Tax Contact Centre (0124-2438000 or 95124-2438000 from NCR) or www.incometaxindia.gov.in,or send an email at pan@incometaxindia.gov.in (as per the official website).

Linking PAN with Aadhaar Mandatory

Linking your PAN and Aadhaar promptly is crucial. If you face difficulties, contact the Income Tax Department helpline for assistance. If you want to link your PAN with Aadhaar, follow the given steps:

Income Tax Filing: Steps to Reactivate Your PAN

1. Link PAN with Aadhaar (Online)

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-filing website - https://www.incometax.gov.in/.
Step 2: Find the option of 'Quick Links', available on the left side of the homepage page.
Step 3: Click on the 'Link Aadhaar' option.
Step 4: Enter the required details - PAN card number, Aadhar number, and name.
Step 5: After giving this information, an OTP will be sent to you.
Step 6: Entering the OTP,
Step 7: Your Aadhaar and PAN will be linked.

2. Check PAN Status

After linking, check the status of your PAN on the same e-filing website. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number under the 'Link Aadhaar Status' option.

3. Update PAN Details

If there are discrepancies between your PAN and Aadhaar details (e.g., name or date of birth), update the information on the NSDL or UTIITSL portals. This might involve submitting supporting documents and could take a few days for verification.