Step-by-Step Guide to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online & Offline

Step-by-Step Guide to Link PAN with Aadhaar

Linking your PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar is mandatory for all taxpayers in India as per the directives of the Income Tax Department. The process is simple and can be completed online or offline. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide for linking PAN with Aadhaar:

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Why is Linking PAN with Aadhaar Important?

1. Avoid PAN Deactivation: If PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it may become inoperative.
2. Mandatory for Tax Filing: Linking PAN and Aadhaar is required for filing Income Tax Returns.
3. Prevent Duplication: Ensures one unique identity per individual in the tax system.
4. Compliance with Law: It is mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

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Steps to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

• Go to the official Income Tax e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in.

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2. Locate the ‘Link Aadhaar’ Section

• On the homepage, find and click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option under the Quick Links section.

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3. Enter PAN and Aadhaar Details

• Enter your PAN and Aadhaar Number in the respective fields.
• Provide your name as it appears on your Aadhaar card.
• If only your year of birth is mentioned on your Aadhaar, tick the checkbox for the same.

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4. Verify Captcha

• Complete the captcha verification. For visually impaired users, an OTP-based verification option is also available.

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5. Submit the Request

• Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ button to submit your request.

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6. Receive Confirmation

• Once the details are verified with the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), a confirmation message will be displayed indicating the successful linking of PAN with Aadhaar.

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Steps to Link PAN with Aadhaar via SMS

The Income Tax Department also allows linking PAN with Aadhaar via SMS. Follow these steps:

1. Open your SMS application.
2. Type the message in the following format:

   UIDPAN <SPACE> 12-digit Aadhaar Number <SPACE> 10-digit PAN
   

   Example: UIDPAN 123456781234 ABCDE1234F

3. Send the SMS to 567678 or 56161.
4. You will receive a confirmation message once the linking is successful.

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Steps to Link PAN with Aadhaar Offline

If you prefer the offline method, follow these steps:

1. Visit a nearby PAN Service Center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
2. Fill out the required form for linking PAN with Aadhaar.
3. Attach self-attested copies of your PAN card and Aadhaar card.
4. Pay a nominal fee (if applicable).
5. Once processed, you will receive a confirmation message or acknowledgment.

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How to Check PAN-Aadhaar Link Status

To verify whether your PAN is already linked with Aadhaar, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
2. Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ option under the Quick Links section.
3. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.
4. Click on ‘View Link Aadhaar Status.’
5. The status of your PAN-Aadhaar linking will be displayed on the screen.

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Key Points to Remember

• Ensure that the details on your PAN and Aadhaar (such as name, date of birth, and gender) match exactly. Discrepancies can lead to failure in linking.
• Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory unless you are exempt (e.g., residents of certain states or individuals aged 80 years and above).
• If your details do not match, update them by visiting the respective platforms (NSDL for PAN and UIDAI for Aadhaar).

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Conclusion

Linking PAN with Aadhaar is a straightforward process that can be completed online, via SMS, or offline. Ensure you link them before the deadline to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with tax laws. By following the steps outlined above, you can seamlessly complete this process and stay tax-compliant.

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