My name is different on Aadhaar and PAN. What do I do?

The names must match for linking to work. Option 1: Update your name in Aadhaar to match PAN (₹50, 10-30 days). Option 2: Update your PAN name to match Aadhaar (₹107, 7-15 days via NSDL). Make them consistent before attempting to link.

I'm an NRI. Do I need to link?

No. NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and persons of Indian origin who don't have Aadhaar are exempt from this requirement. However, if you're an NRI with both Aadhaar and PAN, linking is recommended for smoother tax compliance when you return.

I paid ₹1,000 but linking still fails. What now?

Wait 4-5 working days after payment for the amount to reflect in the system. Then try linking again. If it still fails, check: (1) name mismatch between Aadhaar and PAN, (2) date of birth mismatch, (3) gender mismatch. Fix discrepancies in either Aadhaar or PAN first.

What if my PAN is already inoperative?

Pay the ₹1,000 fee and link Aadhaar with PAN. Within 30 days of successful linking, your PAN becomes operative again. All blocked functionalities (ITR filing, bank transactions) are restored.

Updated: March 2026

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How to Link Aadhaar with PAN — Online in 2 Minutes

Link your Aadhaar with PAN in 2 minutes online — mandatory under Section 139AA, unlinked PANs become inoperative and attract ₹1,000 penalty

Penalty

₹1,000

Time

2 minutes

Portal

incometax.gov.in

Status

Mandatory

⚠️Why Linking is Mandatory

Under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, linking Aadhaar with PAN is mandatory for all PAN holders (except NRIs, persons above 80 years, and non-residents). If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it becomes 'inoperative' — meaning you cannot file ITR, complete high-value transactions, or get tax refunds.

Consequences of unlinked PAN: (1) Cannot file income tax returns, (2) Cannot open new bank/demat accounts, (3) TDS/TCS deducted at higher rates (double the normal rate), (4) Cannot receive pending tax refunds, (5) Existing investments/transactions may face issues.

The deadline has been extended multiple times. A late linking fee of ₹1,000 applies. Check your status immediately and link if not done.

💻How to Link — Step by Step

Go to incometax.gov.in

Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal. On the homepage, look for 'Link Aadhaar' under Quick Links (left sidebar or top menu).

Enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers

Enter your 10-digit PAN number and 12-digit Aadhaar number. Enter your name as it appears on Aadhaar. If your name doesn't match exactly, the linking will fail — update your Aadhaar or PAN first.

Pay ₹1,000 fee (if applicable)

If the deadline has passed, you need to pay ₹1,000 late fee before linking. Pay via e-Pay Tax on the portal → select 'Other Receipts (500)' → pay via net banking/debit card/UPI. Wait 4-5 days after payment for it to reflect.

Validate with Aadhaar OTP

OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile. Enter it. If successful, you'll see 'Your Aadhaar has been successfully linked with PAN'. The process is complete.

🔍How to Check If Already Linked

Method 1: Visit incometax.gov.in → Quick Links → 'Link Aadhaar Status'. Enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers. It will show whether they're linked or not.

Method 2: Send SMS — UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161 from your registered mobile.

Method 3: Login to incometax.gov.in → Profile → check if Aadhaar is shown as linked.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

How to Update Aadhaar Card →How to Apply for PAN Card →How to File ITR →

Based on Income Tax Department guidelines as of March 2026. Deadlines and fees may change. Verify at incometax.gov.in.