Aadhar Linking Service
The deadline to complete this process has been pegged at 30.06.2021 after several extensions. The main reason as to why it is receiving such a push from the government’s side is because –
a. The government will be able to keep a more effective tab on taxable transactions, preventing evasion.
b. The government can reduce the occurrence of multiple PAN cards.
The e-filing user has the option of linking one’s Aadhar with his or her PAN card. He or she also has the option of viewing the “Link Aadhar status” on the Income Tax e-filing webpage.
There are certain prerequisites for using the Link Aadhar service. This would include having a valid and active PAN, an Aadhar number, and a valid mobile number.
Process Involved in Aadhar Linking
A new feature that has been introduced is that of using this service either pre-login or post login. In case, as a user, you wish to do the former, then proceed as follows –
- Step 1: Click on the Link Aadhar option on the e-filing homepage, which is placed under the head "Our Services".
- Step 2: Enter all the details requested without fail. Click on the checkboxes against certain terms and conditions and then click on the “Link Aadhar” button.
- Step 3: Then a 6 digit OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number, which needs to be entered for verification. Once that is correctly entered, click on the “Validate” button.
Please note the following:
- a. The OTP will be valid for a period of only 15 minutes.
- b. The correct OTP has to be entered within 3 attempts.
- c. The countdown timer on the screen will indicate when the OTP will expire.
- d. If the OTP is not sent, try again, by clicking on the “Resend OTP” button, after the stipulated time period.
- Step 4: Once the aforementioned step has been completed, then the linking is complete.
If you wish to use the service post logging in, then –
- Step 1: One must enter his or her user ID and password and click on the “Continue” button.
- Step 2: On the e-filing dashboard, one will then find an option that reads – “Link Aadhar to PAN” with a corresponding “link” option next to it. Click on the same.
Alternatively, the link Aadhar option can be found as a drop-down in the “my Profile” menu on the top right-hand corner of the page.
- Step 3: Enter all the details, starting from the name, date of birth, gender, Aadhar number, as requested without fail. Click on the checkboxes against certain terms and conditions and then click on the “Link Aadhar” button.
- Step 4: Once the aforementioned step has been completed, then the linking is complete. Please note, there is no need for OTP validation, in case you have logged into the account.
Viewing Link Aadhar Status
This too can be done in two methods – pre-login and post-login.
a. View Link Aadhar Status (Pre-login)- Click on “Link Aadhar status” under the “Our Services” head.
- Enter the PAN and Aadhar number. Follow it up by clicking on the view link status.
- The Link Aadhar status will then be displayed.
- Login to your account.
- Locate the “Link Aadhar to PAN” and select the “Link Aadhar Status” tab present next to it.
- Alternatively, go to my profile and click on personal details and locate the “Link Aadhar Status” tab.
- The Link Aadhar status will then be displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q - Who needs to link Aadhaar and PAN?
According to Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, anybody who has been issued a permanent account number (PAN) and is entitled to get an Aadhaar number as of 1st July 2017 must intimate their Aadhaar number in the appropriate form and manner. To put it another way, such individuals must link their Aadhaar and PAN before the deadline (presently 30th June 2021).
Q - For whom is Aadhaar-PAN linking not compulsory?
Currently, these individuals are not required to link Aadhaar & PAN
- Individuals residing in Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, and Meghalaya
- A non-resident individual as per the Income Tax Act, 1961
- Individuals with the age of eighty years or more
- Individuals who are not citizens of India
However, these exemptions may be changed or revoked later depending on the circumstances.
Q How to link Aadhaar and PAN?
Even without logging in, both registered and unregistered users can link their Aadhaar & PAN on the e-Filing platform. To link Aadhaar and PAN, click the quick link of ‘Link Aadhaar’ on the e-Filing homepage.
Q - What will happen if I don't link Aadhaar and PAN?
You must quote your Aadhaar number and link it to your PAN while filing income tax returns. Your PAN will become inactive if you do not link your Aadhaar with it before June 30, 2021. If your PAN becomes inactive and you are compelled by the Income Tax Act to provide your PAN, then it will be deemed that you have failed to provide, inform, or quote your PAN (as the case may be). In this case, you will be responsible for all the consequences.
Q -I cannot link my Aadhaar with PAN because there is a mismatch in my name/phone number/date of birth in Aadhaar and PAN. What should I do?
Correct your information in the PAN or Aadhaar databases so that both have the same information. You can update your PAN information at:
- TIN-NSDL website or
- UTIITSL's PAN Online Portal
You can update your Aadhaar information on the UIDAI website.
Q - Can I link my PAN and Aadhaar manually / offline?
Yes, you can. Send an SMS to 567678 or 56161 from your Aadhaar-linked number to one of the PAN providers (NSDL or UTIITSL). In your SMS, use the following format: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> Make sure there are no spaces between UIDPAN, Aadhaar, and PAN.
Q - What should I do if my PAN becomes inoperative?
If you do not link your Aadhaar with your PAN by the deadline, your PAN will become invalid (presently 30th June 2021). If your PAN becomes inactive, you must use the e-Filing portal's Link Aadhaar service to link your Aadhaar. After you link your PAN, it will become operational.
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