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

If you have both a PAN card and an Aadhaar card, linking them is no longer optional. It is something every taxpayer needs to complete to keep financial services running smoothly. Many people ignore it until a bank transaction fails or an income tax return gets rejected. And then it becomes urgent. The good part is that linking them online is simple and takes only a few minutes if your details match.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the latest rules say, what happens if your PAN is not linked and why this small step matters for your everyday financial life. So it’s better to fix this now rather than deal with trouble later.
 

Latest Update (2026): PAN-Aadhaar Linking Deadline, Fee & PAN Inoperative Rule

Before many people could figure out how to link PAN with Aadhaar, the original last date to link it had crossed on 30 June 2023. If you did not complete the linking by that date:

• Your PAN became inoperative from 1 July 2023
• Many financial services stopped working
• You could not file income tax returns
• Higher TDS was deducted in some cases
• Opening new bank accounts or investing became difficult

So yes, the deadline has already passed.

Current Status in 2026 - Linking is Still Allowed

Now here’s the relief. Even after the deadline, the government still allows you to link your PAN with Aadhaar. But there is a penalty!

Current Linking Fee:

Rs. 1,000 penalty (mandatory)

Once you pay Rs. 1,000 and complete the linking process, your PAN becomes active again. And your financial activities return to normal. So if your PAN is inoperative, don’t panic. Just pay the fee and complete the linking online.
 

Why Linking PAN with Aadhaar is Mandatory?

The government made this rule to reduce duplicate PAN cards and improve tax tracking. But for you, it’s more practical than technical. Here’s why it matters:

• It keeps your PAN active
• It allows smooth income tax return filing
• It prevents higher TDS deduction
• It ensures banking and investment transactions work without interruption
• It avoids delays while buying insurance policies
• It supports faster KYC verification

And in today’s financial system, almost everything depends on PAN. From investing to buying insurance to filing taxes, it is linked to your identity. So, linking PAN with Aadhaar is not just a rule. It keeps your financial life running without sudden roadblocks.
 

How to Link PAN Card with Aadhaar Card Online in 2026?

So now you know the rule. The next question is simple: How Link PAN Card with Aadhaar Card Online?

Thankfully, the process is not complicated. You don’t need to visit any office. Everything can be done from your phone or laptop in a few minutes. There are two main ways to link your PAN with Aadhaar in 2026:

➔ Through The Income Tax E-Filing Website
By sending an SMS (only if your details already match perfectly) And if your PAN is inactive, you’ll first need to pay the Rs. 1,000 penalty before completing the linking. We’ll cover that too.

Linking PAN with Aadhaar Online (Through the e-Filing Website)
This is the most reliable and commonly used method. If there is any mismatch or payment involved, this is the route you should take. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal
  Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website.
  

 
• Step 2: Click on ‘Link Aadhaar’
  On the homepage, you’ll find the “Link Aadhaar” option under Quick Links. Click on it.
   
• Step 3: Enter your details
  Fill in:
• • Your PAN number
  • Your Aadhaar number
  • Your name exactly as printed on Aadhaar
  • Your mobile number

Make sure the name and date of birth match in both documents. Even a small spelling difference can cause rejection.
 

• Step 4: Validate and submit
  You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and submit.
   
• Step 5: Check status
  Once submitted, you’ll see a confirmation message. You can also check the linking status later through the same portal.

And that’s it. If the Rs. 1,000 fee is already paid and details match, your PAN will be activated again in a few days.

➔ Linking PAN with Aadhaar by Sending an SMS
Now, this method works only if your PAN and Aadhaar details are already perfectly matched. If there’s any difference in name, date of birth, or gender, it won’t work. Here’s what you need to do:

• Step 1: Open your SMS app
• Step 2: Type the message in this format

UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar number> <10-digit PAN number>

Example format:

UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F

• Step 3: Send it to 567678 or 56161
  After sending, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

If everything matches in the database, the linking will be processed. If not, you’ll need to use the online portal and possibly correct your details first. Honestly, most people prefer the website method because you can instantly see errors and fix them.
 

How to Pay Rs. 1,000 Fee for PAN-Aadhaar Linking?

If your PAN became inoperative after 30 June 2023, you must pay a Rs. 1,000 penalty before linking. Without this payment, the request will not go through. Here’s how you can pay the fee:

• Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal
• Step 2: Go to ‘e-Pay Tax’ option


 
• Step 3: Enter your PAN number and mobile number
  You’ll receive an OTP for verification.
   
• Step 4: Select the relevant challan
  Choose “Other Receipts (500)” and then select the option for PAN-Aadhaar linking fee under Section 234H.
   
• Step 5: Make the payment
  You can pay through:
• • Net banking
  • Debit card
  • NEFT/RTGS
     
• Step 6: Wait for confirmation
  After successful payment, wait a few hours. Then go back and complete the linking process through the “Link Aadhaar” option.

And yes, keep a copy of the payment receipt for your records. Once the payment is done and linking is successful, your PAN becomes active again. That means smoother banking, tax filing, investments and insurance transactions.
 

What Happens If PAN Is Not Linked with Aadhaar

Let’s say you ignore it. Nothing happens immediately. But slowly, things start getting blocked. An unlinked PAN is treated as inoperative. And once that happens, regular financial tasks become harder than they should be. Here’s what you may face:

• You cannot file your income tax return
• Pending refunds may not be processed
• Higher TDS may be deducted on salary, interest, or other payments
• You may not be able to open a new bank account
• Mutual fund and stock investments can get restricted
• Insurance policy issuance may get delayed

And it usually shows up at the worst time. During tax season. Or when you’re trying to complete KYC for a policy.
 

Latest Government Rule (Still Valid in 2026)

The rule remains clear in 2026. Linking PAN with Aadhaar is compulsory. Here’s what still applies:

• PAN had to be linked by 30 June 2023
• PAN became inoperative from 1 July 2023 if not linked
• Linking is still allowed after the deadline
• A Rs. 1,000 penalty is mandatory for late linking
• PAN becomes active again after successful linking

So even now, you can correct it. But you must pay the fee first.
 

PAN Aadhaar Link Online Late Fees and Charges

Right now, the late fee for linking PAN with Aadhaar is Rs. 1,000. There is no sliding scale. No discount based on delay. It’s a flat penalty under Section 234H of the Income Tax Act.

And this amount must be paid before submitting your linking request. If you try to link without paying, the system will not process it. Also remember, until you complete both steps, payment and linking, your PAN remains inactive.
 

How to Check PAN Aadhaar Link Online Status

Not sure if your PAN is already linked? It takes less than a minute to check. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing website.
• Step 2: Click on “Link Aadhaar Status” or the “Link Aadhaar” section under Quick Links.
• Step 3: Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number.
• Step 4: Click on “View Link Aadhaar Status.”
  You’ll instantly see one of these messages:
• • PAN is already linked
  • PAN is not linked
  • Payment pending

If it’s not linked, you can start the process right there.
 

What Are the Benefits of Linking Aadhaar and PAN?

At first, it sounds like just another compliance step. But it actually keeps your financial life smoother. Here’s what you gain:

• No interruption in tax filing
• No extra TDS deductions
• Faster income tax refunds
• Smooth bank account opening
• Seamless investment transactions
• Hassle-free insurance purchases
• And most importantly, no last-minute panic.

Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is a one-time task. Once done, you don’t have to think about it again. And if you’re planning to invest, file taxes, or buy insurance anytime soon, this small step saves you from unnecessary roadblocks.
 

Common Errors While Linking PAN and Aadhaar

Linking is simple. But small data mismatches can stop the process. These are the usual trouble spots:

Most issues are small. But they need correction before the system accepts your request.
 

How to Fix PAN Aadhaar Linking Errors

If your linking attempt fails, don’t keep retrying the same details. Fix the root issue first. Here’s what you can do:

• Step 1: Identify the exact error message
  The portal usually tells you the reason. Name mismatch, DOB issue, or payment pending.
   
• Step 2: Correct details in the right document
  • For PAN corrections, apply through the NSDL or UTIITSL portal.
  • For Aadhaar corrections, update details through the UIDAI portal or visit an enrolment center.
     
• Step 3: Wait for update confirmation
  Once your correction request is processed, wait until the updated details reflect in the system.
   
• Step 4: Pay the Rs. 1,000 fee (if applicable)
  If not already paid, complete the penalty payment first.
   
• Step 5: Try linking again through the Income Tax e-Filing portal
  In most cases, once details match perfectly, the linking goes through smoothly.

And if you’re planning any financial move like investing or buying insurance through SMC, it’s better to clear this first. It avoids last-minute friction.
 

Who is Exempt from PAN-Aadhaar Linking?

Not everyone is required to link PAN with Aadhaar. The government has given specific exemptions. You are exempt if you fall under these categories:

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
• Individuals who are not citizens of India
• Residents of Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir
• Individuals aged 80 years or above

If you belong to any of these groups, the linking rule does not apply to you. But for most Indian residents who hold both PAN and Aadhaar, linking is mandatory. And completing it once keeps your financial records clean and active for years ahead.
 

 

Wrapping Up,

Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is not a complicated task. But ignoring it can create very real problems. An inactive PAN can block tax filing, increase TDS and delay financial services. And these issues usually show up when you least expect them. The good news is simple: even in 2026, you can still link them. You just need to pay the Rs. 1,000 fee and complete the process online. It takes only a few minutes if your details match.

Think of it as basic financial housekeeping. Once done, you don’t have to worry again. Your banking, investments and insurance transactions continue without interruption.

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