Linking PAN with Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar card is a verifiable 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It acts as proof of identity and proof of residence. PAN or Permanent Identification Number is a ten-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department under the supervision of the Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT). It is necessary for income tax filings and also acts as an identity proof.

Supreme Court in its verdict, stated that quoting Aadhar card is mandatory for applying Income Tax returns and for applying new PAN. Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act states that every person having PAN as on 1 July 2017 and is eligible to obtain Aadhaar must intimate his Aadhaar number to tax authorities.

PAN and Aadhar both are considered as an identity proof for Indian residents. The benefits of linking a PAN card with a Aadhaar card are as following:

Benefits of Linking PAN and Aadhaar for Individuals

1. The linking of the Aadhaar with the PAN will make the income tax filing process quicker and convenient. It will help an individual to do away with the process of physical signature and digital signature while filing the income tax.
2. It also helps an individual to open a bank account electronically without providing any further documents.
3. The individual is given an option to authenticate their tax filings through their Aadhaar card itself.
4. It will allow the individuals to glance through all the transactions through Income Tax login.

Benefits of Linking PAN and Aadhaar for Government

• The problem of multiple PAN cards for tax evasion will be resolved as Aadhar is linked to unique biometric identification. It will further help the government in tracking all the transactions thus, will reduce tax evasion and increase the direct tax for the government.
• The problem of black money will be curbed.
• Tax evasion will become a thing of a past. The wide base of taxpayers will allow the government to lower the tax rate as it will be compensated by higher revenue.

The Finance Ministry on 31st March 2020, notified that the deadline for the Aadhaar and PAN linking is 30th June 2020. Now, the deadline to link Aadhar to PAN has been further extended to 31st March, 2021 due to Covid-19 Corona outbreak. Failing which the PAN card will become inoperative. If the PAN becomes inoperative, it will be deemed that the PAN was not furnished or intimated wherever required, and all the consequences of the non-furnishing of PAN will be applicable to the individual. However, the PAN will again become operative after the PAN-Aadhaar is linked successfully.

Further, the government is also planning to impose a fine of Rs. 10,000 in case of not meeting the deadline.

An individual can link the PAN card and Aadhaar card through two ways:

1. Online using Income Tax e-filing website
2. By sending SMS
3. By filling up the form

Individuals can get their PAN, and Aadhaar linked through the IncomeTax E- Filing Website. Steps are as follow:

Step 1. Visit the Income Tax E-Filing Website https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home.

Step 2. Click on the sub-option Link 'Aadhaar' below the option 'Quick Links.'

Step 3. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar Number and Name as per Aadhaar.

Step 4. If your Birth Year is only mentioned on your Aadhaar, then you have to tick the square.

Step 5. Enter the CAPTCHA code.

Step 6. Click on the Link Aadhaar option.

Step 7. A pop-up message will appear that 'Your Aadhaar will be successfully linked with your PAN.'

An individual can also link Aadhaar with PAN by sending SMS. The steps are as follow:

Step 1. Type a message in a format UIDPAN <12 Digit Aadhaar> <10 Digit PAN>.

Step 2. Send the message to either 567678 or 56161 from your registered mobile number.

Step 3. If the information provided is correct, the Aadhar will be linked to PAN successfully.

Individuals are also provided with an option to link the Aadhaar with the PAN manually. The individual will have to visit the PAN Service provider NSDL, fill up the required form, and provide the relevant documents to link Aadhaar with the PAN card.

An individual can check whether his Aadhaar is linked with PAN or not. Steps to check are mentioned below:

Step 1. Visit the official website  https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home.

Step 2. Click on the sub-option Link 'Aadhaar' below the option Quick links.

Step 3. A new screen will pop-up, click on ‘click here to view the status if you have already submitted link Aadhaar request’.

Step 4. Enter the details and click on ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’.

The website will show the status of whether the Aadhar is linked or not.

✅How can I link Aadhaar with PAN?

You can link Aadhaar with PAN by visiting the official website, sending SMS by registered number or by filling the required form.

✅What is the last date for linking Aadhaar with PAN?

The deadline for linking the Aadhaar with PAN is 31st March, 2021.

✅Am I required to provide any documents for linking Aadhaar with PAN online?

No, you are not required to provide any documents for linking Aadhar with PAN online. You only have to check if the PAN information mentioned on the website matches your Aadhaar card and then apply for them to be linked.

✅What if PAN Aadhaar not linked?

Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act states that every person having PAN as on July 1, 2017, is eligible to obtain Aadhaar, must intimate his Aadhaar number to tax authorities. If an individual does not link Aadhar with PAN, the PAN will become inoperative.

✅Can I de-link my Aadhaar number?

No, there is no such option to de-link the Aadhaar with the PAN card.