1. Deadline:

o The final date to link PAN with Aadhaar is 31 December 2025.

o After this date, PAN cards that are not linked will become inoperative starting 1 January 2026.

2. Who Is Affected:

o The requirement applies particularly to people who got PAN using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before 1 october 2024.

o Once your PAN is made inoperative, certain financial and tax-related operations will be blocked or disrupted.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

If you do not link your Aadhaar to PAN by 31 Dec 2025:

· PAN becomes inoperative: You won’t be able to use it for key tax and financial services.

· You cannot file or verify ITRs (Income Tax Returns) using that PAN.

· Tax refunds may be blocked, or processing could be halted.

· TDS / tcs credits (tax deducted or collected) may not appear properly in Form 26AS.

· Higher TDS / tcs rates may apply on your transactions.

· SIP contributions, salary credits, and certain investments could data-face disruption.

· KYC operations (for bank accounts, mutual funds, etc.) might be affected for new investments.

Can You Reactivate Your PAN After It Becomes Inoperative?

Yes — but:

· You’ll need to complete the PAN–Aadhaar linking even after the deadline.

· There may be a penalty (e.g., ₹1,000) to link after the deadline, depending on category.

· Once linked, PAN typically becomes operative within ~30 days.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Check Your PAN–Aadhaar Link Status

o Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal → “Link Aadhaar” section.

o Verify that your Aadhaar details (DOB, name) match those in PAN records.

2. Link Immediately

o Enter your PAN and Aadhaar.

o Verify via OTP (on your registered mobile).

o Submit and note down the request / acknowledgment number.

3. Correct Any Mismatch

o If details (name, date of birth) don’t match between PAN and Aadhaar, get them corrected.

o Use official channels: PAN correction on TIN‑NSDL / UTIITSL, Aadhaar demographic correction on uidai portal.

4. Keep Proof

o Capture a screenshot or save the confirmation after submitting your request.

o This helps in case there is any dispute later.

5. Act Before 31 Dec

o Don’t wait — the deadline is firm, and missing it could lead to real financial pain.

Why This Link Is Important

· Government’s Objective: The linking is part of an ongoing effort to reduce tax evasion, prevent duplicate PANs, and improve transparency in financial transactions.

· Compliance: It’s legally required under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act.

· Financial Impact: An inoperative PAN means you lose access to many financial operations, making it much more than just a bureaucratic formality.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.