🆕 Government Extends Last Date for PAN-Aadhaar Linking

📌 Introduction

The Indian government has once again extended the last date for linking the Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar, offering relief to millions of taxpayers who were unable to complete the process by the earlier deadline. This move aims to facilitate smoother tax compliance and ensure that the PAN database is free of duplicates and inaccuracies.

🗓️ New Deadline

📢 New Deadline: 30th September 2025
(Earlier Deadline: 30th June 2025)

The extension comes in response to public demand and operational challenges in linking PAN with Aadhaar.

🧾 What is PAN-Aadhaar Linking?

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department for financial transactions.
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI, based on biometric and demographic data.

Linking PAN with Aadhaar ensures:

• De-duplication of PAN cards

• Better tax compliance

• Curbing tax evasion

🧠 Why is PAN-Aadhaar Linking Mandatory?

Purpose	Benefit
Prevent Duplicate PANs	Eliminates multiple PANs held by the same person
Reduce Tax Evasion	Helps track high-value transactions
Simplify Tax Filing	Pre-fills ITR forms using Aadhaar data
Enhance Government Schemes	Aligns financial data with biometric verification

🔒 According to the Income Tax Act, 1961, non-linking of PAN with Aadhaar may render PAN inoperative.

📊 Current Statistics on PAN-Aadhaar Linking

Here's a breakdown of the current status:

🥧 Pie Chart: PAN-Aadhaar Linking Status (As of July 2025)

graph TD;
    A[Visit Income Tax e-Filing Portal] --> B[Login with PAN and Password]
    B --> C[Click on 'Link Aadhaar']
    C --> D[Enter Aadhaar Number and Name]
    D --> E[Validate with OTP]
    E --> F[Linking Successful]

📑 How to Link PAN with Aadhaar – Step-by-Step

1. Visit Income Tax e-Filing Portal

2. Login using your PAN and password

3. Click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ option

4. Enter Aadhaar Number and Name as per Aadhaar

5. Verify with OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number

6. A confirmation message will appear once linking is successful

✅ Alternate Methods:

• SMS Method: Send SMS to 567678 or 56161 in format:
  UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>

• Offline: Visit PAN service centres with form and ID proofs

💸 Penalty for Late Linking

From 1st July 2023, the government had imposed a fine of ₹1,000 for late PAN-Aadhaar linking.

📂 Consequences of Not Linking PAN with Aadhaar

🔴 PAN Becomes Inoperative
🔴 Unable to File ITR
🔴 No TDS Refunds
🔴 Restricted Financial Transactions
🔴 Difficulty in Opening Bank Accounts

🛡️ Who is Exempted from PAN-Aadhaar Linking?

The following individuals are exempt from linking:

🧩 Common Issues and How to Fix Them

🛠️ Helpline and Support

If you're facing issues during linking:

• 📧 Email: aadhaar@uidai.gov.in

• ☎️ Income Tax Helpline: 1800-103-0025

• 💬 Live Chat: Available on the e-Filing portal

📆 Timeline of PAN-Aadhaar Linking Extensions

📸 Relevant Images

1. PAN Card Sample

2. Aadhaar Card Sample

3. Linking Interface on Income Tax Portal

🔎 FAQs on PAN-Aadhaar Linking

Q1. Is linking PAN and Aadhaar mandatory for all?
Yes, except exempted categories like NRIs, senior citizens above 80, etc.

Q2. What happens if my PAN becomes inoperative?
You cannot file ITR, claim refunds, or conduct major financial transactions.

Q3. Can I link without paying the ₹1,000 fee now?
No, late linking now requires payment of the penalty.

Q4. How do I know if my PAN is already linked?
Visit the e-Filing portal and use the ‘Check Status’ option.

✅ Conclusion

The extension of the PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline is a welcome step for taxpayers who missed the earlier cut-off. However, this should not be seen as an indefinite relief. The consequences of not linking your PAN with Aadhaar can be severe, affecting your financial and tax-related operations. Therefore, it is highly advised to complete the linking process well before the new deadline.