The income tax department had, in a public advisory issued in February 2019, mentioned that all taxpayers should link their PAN with their bank accounts for direct processing of refunds into their bank accounts. Taxpayers can link any type of account for this purpose – savings or current account.

The income tax department would process all refunds online with effect from 1 March 2019. The earlier procedure of sending refund cheques to the postal address will no longer be followed. Taxpayers can link their bank accounts or pre-validate their bank accounts by logging into the e-filing website https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/.

Similarly, taxpayers can also check the status of their bank accounts linked with their PAN through their login on the e-filing website.

1. Linking of PAN with bank account online

a. Visit the netbanking website of the bank you hold an account with. Log in to your account using your customer ID or username and password.

b. In your netbanking login, find ‘Service requests’ on your home page.

c. Enter the details from your PAN card such as your PAN (number), date of birth, and also your registered e-mail id and submit.

d. The bank will verify your details and will link your PAN with your bank account number. The time taken for the linking and the process may vary from bank to bank.

2. Link through a visit to your bank branch

a. You visit the bank branch in which you have an account.

b. Obtain a KYC (know your customer) application form and fill in your PAN details for updating with your bank account. You are required to submit a copy of your PAN card.

c. The bank will verify your details and will link your PAN with your bank account number. The time taken for the linking and the process may vary from bank to bank.

3. Calling bank on their toll-free number

a. Find the toll free number of your bank. You may find it on your bank’s website, cheque book, or passbook.

b. Call on the toll-free number of your bank and wait until you are able to connect to a customer care executive.

c. Convey to the customer care executive that you want to link PAN with your bank account.

d. You have to provide your bank account number to the customer care executive to verify your identity.

e. Provide your PAN to the customer care executive for updating in your profile.

f. The bank will verify your details and will link your PAN with your bank account number. The time taken for the linking and the process may vary from bank to bank.

Once you have linked your PAN with your bank account number, you can log into the e-filing website and pre-validate your bank account with your PAN.