Nine-step guide to link PAN and Aadhaar

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You have less than two weeks to link PAN and Aadhaar. If you fail to do it by June 30 you might face serious problem in future.

Here is a nine-step guide to save your PAN from cancellation.

9 steps

Link your Aadhaar number with PAN online on the income tax department’s website.

Step 1: Log on to Income Tax e-filing website – https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/bl-link-aadhaar

Step 2: Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ button on the homepage menu bar

Step 3: Fill in details like PAN (permanent account number), Aadhaar number, and holder’s name

Step 4: Verify details and fill captcha code

Step 5: Click on link Aadhaar

Step 6: The IT department will validate your details, following which the linking of PAN and Aadhaar will be completed.

Step 7: To check the linking status and verify the information that you put, log into- https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/verifyYourPAN.

Step 8: Enter PAN, date of birth, and phone number and you will receive an OTP instantly.

Step 9: Key in the OTP to validate your identity and click “Proceed” to check the detailed information and the status.

One can link PAN and Aadhaar offline also via SMS or visiting the UIDAI registered centres. The details are stated below.

Via SMS

If your mobile number is registered with UIDAI, you can link PAN and Aadhaar vis SMS.

Type UIDPAN, Aadhaar number, PAN and send it to 567678 or 56161.

For example, Type UIDPAN (12-digit Aadhaar number), SPACE (10-digit PAN), and send it to 567678 or 56161.

Manually

To link the documents manually, you need to visit PAN card issuing service centre and fill out ‘Annexure-I’ form and attach it with a copy of the PAN and Aadhaar card.

Offline method will require you to pay a prescribed fee, unlike the online linking which is free.

Consequences

PAN card holders must take note that if their PAN card is not linked with Aadhaar card by June 30, then the PAN card becomes inoperative.

Besides that terrible inconvenience, you have to pay a penalty up to Rs 1,000.

Without PAN card it is almost impossible to make any transaction from filing IT returns to buying real estate or any type of transaction.

Deadline extension

The previous deadline for linking PAN card with Aadhaar was March 31, 2021. CBDT extended the deadline for linking of PAN card with Aadhaar card deadline by three months till June 30, 2021.

Another extension might not happen.