Deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN: What you need to know
Taxpayers must link their Aadhaar with their PAN by 31 December 2025 to keep their PAN valid. The government has made the process simple and primarily online, but it’s important to act before the deadline to avoid complications with tax filings and other financial transactions that require a valid PAN.
Who needs to link Aadhaar and PAN?
Every individual who holds a PAN and an Aadhaar number should complete the linking. This applies to salaried individuals, self-employed taxpayers, and anyone who uses PAN for financial activities like filing returns, investments, or banking transactions.
What you need before you start
- Valid PAN (as printed on your PAN card)
- Aadhaar number (12 digits)
- Mobile number registered with Aadhaar
- Access to a computer or smartphone with internet
How to link Aadhaar with PAN online (step-by-step)
The online process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes if your details match.
- Visit the official income tax e-filing portal and find the option to link Aadhaar with PAN (usually under quick links or services).
- Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number and your name exactly as it appears on Aadhaar.
- Submit the details. You will receive an OTP on the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
- Enter the OTP to verify and complete the linking. You should receive an acknowledgment on screen once the process is successful.
Tips for a smooth process
- Make sure the mobile number registered with Aadhaar is active and accessible — the OTP is sent there.
- Double-check name spellings and date of birth. Minor mismatches can sometimes be resolved online, but significant differences may need correction in Aadhaar or PAN records.
- If your Aadhaar mobile number is not current, update it with the Aadhaar authority before attempting to link.
How to check linking status
You can check the status on the same e-filing portal where you linked the two documents. After submission, the portal usually shows whether the linking is confirmed, pending, or failed. Keep the acknowledgment or reference number until the status shows completed.
Consequences of missing the deadline
Failing to link Aadhaar with PAN by the deadline may lead to your PAN becoming invalid or inoperative for tax and financial purposes. This can cause delays or issues when filing income tax returns, claiming refunds, or completing transactions that require PAN verification. It’s therefore advisable to complete the linking well before 31 December 2025.
Common issues and quick fixes
- Name mismatch: If the names on Aadhaar and PAN differ slightly, check if the portal accepts minor variations. If not, get the name corrected in the relevant document.
- OTP not received: Confirm the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, check network coverage, and try again after a few minutes.
- Technical errors: Try a different browser or clear cache, and attempt the process during off-peak hours.
Final takeaway
Linking your Aadhaar with PAN is a quick online task that protects the validity of your PAN and keeps your tax-related matters in order. Gather your PAN, Aadhaar number, and the mobile registered with Aadhaar, and complete the process well before 31 December 2025 to avoid any disruption.