Starting January 1, 2026, lakhs of Permanent Account Numbers (PANs) across India may be deactivated if they are not linked to Aadhaar by the government-mandated deadline. The Income Tax Department has issued repeated reminders urging taxpayers to complete the PAN-Aadhaar linking process to keep their financial identity active.
Why PAN Linking Is Mandatory
The Government of India made it mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar to streamline financial records, curb tax evasion, and eliminate duplicate PANs. The linkage ensures that one unique identity is used for all tax-related purposes, improving transparency and security in the financial ecosystem.
If not linked before the cut-off date, your PAN will become inoperative, leading to multiple issues in daily financial transactions.
What Happens If Your PAN Becomes Inactive
If your PAN is not active after January 1, 2026, you will face restrictions such as:
❌ Inability to file income tax returns.
💳 Invalid PAN for opening bank accounts or making large transactions.
🚫 Trouble with mutual fund investments, stock trading, and credit applications.
💼 Delay in receiving tax refunds or salary credits in some cases.
Essentially, your financial life could come to a standstill until you reactivate your PAN by linking it to your Aadhaar.
How to Link PAN with Aadhaar
Here’s how you can complete the process easily before the deadline:
Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
Go to the ‘Link Aadhaar’ section under Quick Links.
Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and name as per Aadhaar.
Submit the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
After verification, your PAN will be linked successfully.
(Note: A small penalty might apply for linking after the earlier deadlines.)
Important Deadline
The final date for linking PAN and Aadhaar is December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, any unlinked PAN will automatically be marked inactive in government databases.
Expert Tip
Always verify your PAN-Aadhaar linkage status well before the deadline. Visit the official Income Tax Department portal and check under “Link Aadhaar Status.” This helps avoid last-minute issues, especially if your PAN is connected to financial instruments or ongoing EMIs.
❓ FAQs
1. What is the last date to link PAN and Aadhaar?
The last date is December 31, 2025.
2. What happens if I miss the deadline?
Your PAN will be marked inactive from January 1, 2026, and you’ll face restrictions in financial and tax transactions.
3. Can I still link PAN and Aadhaar after deactivation?
Yes, but your PAN will be reactivated only after completing the linking process and paying any applicable penalty.
4. Is PAN-Aadhaar linking required for non-taxpayers?
Yes, it’s mandatory for all PAN holders, even if you don’t file income tax returns.
Published on : 4th November
Published by : SMITA
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