How Do I Check If My PAN is Linked to My Aadhaar?
The Government of India has made it mandatory for individuals to link their PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
Let’s explore how you can check the PAN-Aadhaar linking status using different methods.
Checking PAN-Aadhaar Link Status Online
The Income Tax Department provides an online facility to check whether a PAN is linked with Aadhaar.
- Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal (www.incometax.gov.in).
- Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ option under the Quick Links section.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number, then click ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’.
- The system will display a message indicating whether the PAN and Aadhaar are linked or not.
Checking PAN-Aadhaar Linking Status via SMS
You can also check the PAN-Aadhaar status by sending an SMS to the designated number.
- Send an SMS in the format UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161.
- If the linking is successful, you will receive a confirmation message stating that your PAN is linked to Aadhaar.
- If not linked, the message will indicate that the linking has not been completed, prompting you to take action.
What to Do If Your PAN Is Not Linked to Aadhaar?
If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, you must complete the linking process to avoid penalties and financial restrictions.
- Visit the Income Tax e-filing website and go to the ‘Link Aadhaar’ section.
- Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number and click on ‘Validate’.
- You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number, which must be entered to proceed.
- If any discrepancy arises, ensure that the name, date of birth, and gender on both documents match.
Why Is PAN-Aadhaar Linking Important?
The government has made PAN-Aadhaar linking compulsory for financial security and taxation purposes.
- If your PAN is not linked, it may become inoperative, restricting you from performing banking and financial transactions.
- Linking helps prevent tax evasion by ensuring a single identity for individuals in financial records.
- It simplifies the ITR filing process, as taxpayers can verify returns easily using Aadhaar OTP.
FAQs
How can I check my PAN-Aadhaar link status online?
You can check your PAN-Aadhaar status on the Income Tax e-filing website by entering your PAN and Aadhaar number under the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ section.
Can I check my PAN-Aadhaar linking status via SMS?
Yes, you can send an SMS in the format UIDPAN to 567678 or 56161 to receive the status update.
What happens if my PAN is not linked with Aadhaar?
If your PAN is not linked, it may become inactive, preventing you from making bank transactions, filing taxes, or carrying out financial activities.
Is there a deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar?
Yes, the government sets deadlines for PAN-Aadhaar linking, and failing to comply may result in a penalty or PAN deactivation.
Can I link my PAN with Aadhaar after the deadline?
Yes, but you may have to pay a penalty before completing the linking process through the Income Tax portal.
