If You Don’t Link Aadhaar–PAN, Your ITR Filing Can Be Rejected: How to Link Them Online?

Starting July 1, 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) will make it mandatory to use Aadhaar for applying for a new PAN card. This rule aims to strengthen the digital verification process, ensure better tax compliance, and stop the creation of fake PAN cards.

People who apply for a new PAN card after July 1, 2025, must provide their Aadhaar number for verification. This move is part of the government’s efforts to encourage digital processes and accountability in tax matters.

Earlier this year, the CBDT announced that anyone who got their PAN using Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024, will have until December 31, 2025, to link their PAN with Aadhaar. If this deadline is missed, the PAN card will become inactive.

Why Linking Aadhaar and PAN is Important

According to the Income Tax Act, if you were given a PAN card as of July 1, 2017, you must link it to your Aadhaar number. This linkage is essential because:

• It is compulsory to file Income Tax Returns (ITR).
• If you don’t link, your ITR may be rejected by the Income Tax Department.
• An unlinked PAN cannot be used for various transactions, including investments and bank account openings.

What You Need to Link Aadhaar and PAN

Before starting the process, make sure you have:

• A valid PAN card
• A valid Aadhaar card issued by UIDAI
• A mobile number linked to Aadhaar to receive OTP verification codes

How to Link Aadhaar with PAN Online: Step-by-Step Guide

You can link your Aadhaar with PAN online by visiting the official Income Tax e-filing portal. Here is a detailed guide:

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-filing website. Under the Quick Links section, click on Link Aadhaar.

Step 2: On the next screen, enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number. Click the Validate button.

Step 3: Type in your name as it appears on your Aadhaar card and enter your mobile phone number. Click Link Aadhaar.

Step 4: You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click the Validate button.

Step 5: Your request to link Aadhaar and PAN will be sent to UIDAI (the Aadhaar issuing authority) for verification.

Step 6: After verification, if you see a message that says “Payment details not found,” it means you need to pay a penalty or fee to proceed.

Step 7: Click Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax to pay the required amount.

Step 8: Make the payment through the e-Pay Tax system. This payment is mandatory to submit your Aadhaar–PAN linking request.

Step 9: After paying, it may take 4–5 days for the payment to be processed. However, in most cases, payment is reflected within 30 minutes to an hour. Once payment shows up, you can submit your final request to link Aadhaar and PAN.

Read More: Government Mandates Aadhaar for eNAM Scheme Subsidies and Benefits!

What Happens if You Don’t Link Aadhaar and PAN

If you fail to link your Aadhaar and PAN by December 31, 2025, your PAN will become inoperative. This means:

• You will not be able to file your income tax returns.
• Your tax refunds will be delayed or denied.
• Any transactions requiring a valid PAN will be rejected.
• You could face penalties and additional compliance issues later.

Important Tips

• Double-check that your name, date of birth, and gender match on both Aadhaar and PAN. Mismatches can lead to rejection.
• Keep your registered mobile phone handy for OTP.
• If you have any pending penalties, make sure you clear them to avoid delays in linking.
• Only link through the official Income Tax portal—avoid third-party websites to protect your personal data.

Conclusion

The government has made Aadhaar–PAN linking a necessary step to file ITR and to apply for new PAN cards. These measures will increase transparency, improve tax collection, and prevent fraud. To avoid any inconvenience or penalties, complete the linking process well before the deadline. Following this guide step by step will ensure that your Aadhaar and PAN are successfully connected, so you can file your taxes smoothly and keep your financial records in good standing.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.