Checking Aadhaar PAN link status helps confirm whether a PAN card is compliant with Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act. An Aadhaar PAN link status check can be performed instantly through the Income Tax e-filing portal or via SMS. If PAN becomes inoperative due to non-linking, it becomes operative again after successful linking and UIDAI validation.
Key Highlights
Online Status Check: On the Income Tax e-filing portal (with or without login) or the UTIITSL portal.
SMS Linking Status Check: By sending an SMS in the prescribed UIDPAN format.
Linking Fee: ₹1,000.
Processing Timeline: PAN becomes operative within 7–30 days after validation.
How to Check Aadhaar PAN Link Status Online (Without Login)
Step 2: Go to ‘Dashboard’ on the homepage and click the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ option. Alternatively, you can also go to ‘My Profile’ and click on the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ option.
Step 2: Pay the fine of ₹1,000 through the 'e-Pay Tax' option.
Step 3: After paying the penalty, click the 'Link Aadhaar' option on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Step 4 Enter the 'PAN Number' and 'Aadhaar Number' and click the 'Validate' button.
Step 5: Enter the Aadhaar number, mobile number, OTP and click 'Validate'.
The request to link PAN with Aadhaar will be sent to UIDAI for validation. Once approved, PAN generally becomes operative again within about 30 days.
Common Errors While Checking Status (and Fixes)
Below are the common PAN-Aadhaar linking status check issues:
Common Issues
Solution
Fee payment (challan) not reflected
Wait 4–5 days for the payment to be reflected in the system, then retry after confirmation. Ensure payment was made under "Minor Head 500".
Name or Date of Birth (DOB) mismatch in PAN and Aadhaar
Update details in your PAN or Aadhaar database to reflect the exact name and DOB in both documents.
OTP not received
Ensure that your active mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar card. Check the network signal and SMS blocking settings, and retry after a few minutes.
Technical errors on the portal
Technical errors usually happen during peak traffic. Try again during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening).
Browser compatibility
Use an updated browser, such as Chrome, Edge, or Safari. Clear the cache and cookies before retrying in the browser.
NSDL payment failure
If payment failed but the amount was deducted, wait 5–7 days for the auto-refund, then retry the payment after confirmation.
Final Word
As of March 2024, 60.5 crore people have already linked their PAN with their Aadhaar card, out of the 74 crore PAN cardholders in India. As of November 2023, 11.5 crore PAN cards were deactivated for not being linked to Aadhaar as per the government data. Thus, check your Aadhaar PAN link status through multiple online and offline options and ensure your PAN remains valid for all financial transactions and tax filings.
Yes, you can link your PAN with your Aadhaar card on the Income Tax e-filing portal after paying the penalty of ₹1,000.
What should I do when there is a mismatch in the details of my PAN and Aadhaar card?
If there is a mismatch in PAN and Aadhaar details, linking or status check may fail. Update incorrect details either in Aadhaar (via UIDAI) or PAN (via PAN service centre) first, and then recheck Aadhaar PAN link status.
What is the amount of fees payable for Aadhaar-PAN linking?
The fee to pay Aadhaar-PAN linking is ₹1,000, which should be paid in a single challan.
Can I make multiple payments under minor code 500 to pay the penalty?
No, there should not be an aggregation of challans with ‘Minor head 500’ to pay the amount of ₹1,000.
What is the last date to link PAN with Aadhaar?
The deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar for individuals who obtained PAN using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before 1 October 2024 was 31 December 2025. For all others, the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking was 31 May 2024. However, if you have not yet linked your Aadhaar-PAN and your PAN is inoperative, you can still link them by paying the applicable ₹1,000 fee on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
How to link if I have multiple PAN cards?
You must surrender duplicate PAN cards before linking, since a person can have only one PAN card legally.
Can NRIs link PAN with Aadhaar?
NRIs come under the exempt category if they do not have an Aadhaar card. Thus, they need not link their PAN with Aadhaar.
Does PAN-Aadhaar linking affect credit score?
Linking your PAN and Aadhaar does not directly affect your credit score, but it is crucial to maintain a good credit score. An unlinked or inoperative PAN will result in blockage of new loans, credit cards, and financial transactions. A linked PAN card will provide an accurate profile ensuring proper credit reporting.
Is the linking fee refundable?
No, the linking fee is the penalty to be paid for linking the PAN with Aadhaar after the deadline. Thus, it is non-refundable.
Can I link without Aadhaar OTP?
Yes, you can link PAN with Aadhaar without Aadhaar OTP by visiting a PAN service centre and completing verification via biometric authentication.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for PAN?
Yes, it is mandatory to link your Aadhaar to your PAN card to prevent your PAN card from becoming inoperative. An Aadhaar card is mandatory for applying for a new PAN card. Thus, individuals applying for a PAN card from April 2026 must include their Aadhaar card number on the PAN card application Form 93. Once they submit the PAN application form with their Aadhaar number, Aadhaar will be automatically linked with the PAN card issued to them.
How long does PAN-Aadhaar link status take and for PAN to reactivate?
After your PAN-Aadhaar linking request is validated and approved, it will take 7-30 days to complete PAN-Aadhaar linking and for your PAN card to become operative.
What happens to TDS if my PAN is inoperative?
If your PAN becomes inoperative due to non-linking it with Aadhaar, the Income Tax Department will levy a higher TDS rate of 20% instead of the lower rate of 10%. For salaried individuals, TDS is deducted at the highest applicable slab rate. Tax refunds are withheld, and the interest on them is lost. Additionally, taxpayers cannot submit Form 15G/15H to prevent TDS and TDS credits will not be reflected in Form 26AS, making it difficult to claim taxes paid.
How do I know if my PAN is inoperative?
You can check the status of your PAN card (active or inoperative) from the Income Tax e-filing website by clicking on the ‘Verify PAN Status’ option on the homepage. Enter the required details, validate them with OTP, and the PAN card status will be displayed.
Can I use my PAN for banking even if it is inoperative?
No, you cannot use an inoperative PAN for most banking or financial transactions. Banks usually reject or flag transactions that require PAN validation until it is reactivated.
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