PAN-Aadhaar Linking Last Date Alert: Know Rules Before It’s Too Late

Linking PAN with Aadhaar has now become compulsory for taxpayers in India. If this linking is not completed by December 31, 2025, your PAN may stop working from January 1, 2026.

Who is required to link PAN and Aadhaar?

If a person had received their PAN using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024, they are required to update their records with the Income Tax Department before December 31, 2025, as per the Ministry of Finance notification dated April 3, 2025. If this is not done within the specified time, the PAN may become inoperative, which can cause problems in filing income tax returns and carrying out financial transactions.

Even if you got your PAN using your Aadhaar enrollment ID, you still need to link your PAN with your Aadhaar number once your Aadhaar is issued. This type of case is clearly included in the December 31, 2025 deadline. Anyone can easily link PAN and Aadhaar online through the Income Tax e-filing website.

Consequences of not linking PAN with Aadhaar before the deadline

If you don’t link your PAN with Aadhaar on time, your PAN becomes inactive. Even if tax is deducted from your income (TDS/TCS), it may not show correctly in your tax records and could be deducted at a higher rate. While your existing bank account will continue to work, you may face problems in making new investments, opening trading accounts, or completing KYC updates.

Steps to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online

The following are the steps to link PAN with Aadhaar Online:

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Department’s official website.

Step 2: Choose the “Link Aadhaar” option.

Step 3: Fill in your PAN, Aadhaar number, and registered mobile number.

Step 4: Verify using OTP and check linking status.

If your PAN card isn’t working or is inactive, you need to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000 before you can link it.

Major points to consider

The Following are some important points which everyone must know:

• Make sure your name, date of birth, and gender on PAN and Aadhaar are exactly the same.
• Your mobile number should be active to receive OTP for verification.
• Some people such as NRIs, senior citizens above 80, and residents of certain states are not required to link PAN immediately.
• Deadline rush may cause website traffic and technical issues.
• Link your PAN to Aadhaar early to avoid last-minute stress or penalties.