Your PAN must be linked to Aadhaar to file ITR. Here is how to check the link status in 30 seconds, link online if not done, and what happens if you miss the deadline — updated July 2026.
If your PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, your PAN becomes inoperative. An inoperative PAN means you cannot file your ITR, cannot claim refunds, and TDS will be deducted at a higher rate on your income. With the ITR deadline on 31 July 2026, checking your link status takes exactly 30 seconds — here is how, and what to do if it is not linked.
Why PAN-Aadhaar linking matters right now
The government made PAN-Aadhaar linking mandatory under the Income-tax Act. If your PAN is not linked, it is declared inoperative. This has real consequences:
- You cannot file your ITR — the e-filing portal will reject the submission. - TDS is deducted at double the normal rate or 20% (whichever is higher) on salary, interest, and other income. - Pending refunds will not be credited until linking is restored. - Your PAN is effectively frozen for all tax-related transactions.
If you are filing in the last 48 hours before the 31 July deadline, you need your PAN-Aadhaar link status confirmed RIGHT NOW before you even start the return.
How to check PAN-Aadhaar link status (30 seconds)
You can check whether your PAN and Aadhaar are linked in under a minute without logging in:
1. Go to incometax.gov.in. 2. On the homepage, click Link Aadhaar under Quick Links — no login required. 3. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number. 4. Click View Link Aadhaar Status.
The page will immediately show one of three statuses: - Linked — your PAN and Aadhaar are connected. You are good to file. - Not Linked — your PAN and Aadhaar are not connected. Link immediately using the steps below. - Pending for Validation — you submitted a linking request but it is still being processed. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours. If it has been pending for more than 3 days, try re-linking.
How to link PAN with Aadhaar online
If your status shows "Not Linked," here is how to fix it:
### Method 1: Through the e-filing portal (recommended)
1. Go to incometax.gov.in and click Link Aadhaar. 2. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and the name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card — this is critical. Even a spelling difference (middle name, initials, surname order) will cause linking to fail. 3. Check the box confirming that only your name, date of birth, and gender will be shared with the Income Tax Department. 4. Enter the captcha and click Link Aadhaar. 5. You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter the OTP. 6. Linking is instant — the status should show "Linked" immediately.
### Method 2: Through SMS (if you cannot access the portal)
Send an SMS to 567678 or 56161 in the format:
``` UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> ```
Example: `UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F`
You will receive a confirmation SMS. This method only works if your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar.
What if the name on PAN and Aadhaar do not match?
This is the most common reason linking fails. The name on both documents must match — and the system compares them character by character.
- If the difference is minor (initials, surname order, spelling), update your Aadhaar name to match PAN or vice versa. - If your PAN has a different name entirely (for example, maiden name vs married name), you need to update one of the documents first. PAN name correction requires a form submission to NSDL/UTIITSL. - If you have already updated Aadhaar but the name has not synced yet, wait 3-5 working days and try again.
How much does linking cost?
Linking PAN with Aadhaar is free if done before the deadline. If the deadline has passed and a late fee applies, the fee is: Rs 1,000. This fee is paid online through the e-filing portal.
As of July 2026, check the current deadline and fee status on incometax.gov.in. Deadlines have been extended multiple times in previous years.
What happens if your PAN becomes inoperative
If you missed the linking deadline and your PAN is marked inoperative:
- You can still link after the deadline. Linking after the deadline may involve a late fee (currently Rs 1,000 for most cases), and once linked, the PAN typically becomes operative again within 30 days. However, transactions processed while your PAN was inoperative may still face consequences.
- Higher TDS: Any TDS deducted while your PAN was inoperative will be at the higher rate, and you may need to claim the excess in your return.
- Refund complications: Refunds cannot be credited to an inoperative PAN. Once linked, you may need to request a refund reissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Is PAN-Aadhaar link mandatory for NRIs? No. NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) are exempt from PAN-Aadhaar linking. This exemption applies only to individuals whose status is NRI under the Income-tax Act. If you were an NRI but have since returned to India, you must link your PAN and Aadhaar.
### What if I do not have an Aadhaar? If you are not eligible for Aadhaar (certain categories of non-residents or foreign nationals with a PAN), you are exempt. But if you are eligible and simply have not enrolled, you must enroll for Aadhaar first and then link.
### Can I link PAN-Aadhaar for my minor child? Yes. Minors can have both a PAN and an Aadhaar. The linking process is the same, using the minor's PAN and Aadhaar.
### How do I know if my PAN became inoperative due to not linking? Check on the e-filing portal: Profile > My Profile. The PAN status will be displayed. Alternatively, any TDS certificate (Form 16/16A) will show a higher TDS rate if your PAN was inoperative.
### What if Aadhaar OTP is not received on my mobile? Ensure the mobile number is the one linked to your Aadhaar. If you have changed your mobile number and not updated Aadhaar, you need to visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre to update it. You cannot update the mobile number online for Aadhaar.
### Can I file ITR without linking PAN and Aadhaar? No. The e-filing portal will reject the return if the PAN is not linked to Aadhaar. Linking must be completed BEFORE filing.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Deadlines, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Verify current status on incometax.gov.in. For specific issues with PAN-Aadhaar linking or tax filing, consult a qualified professional.