Last chance today to link Aadhaar-PAN:Failure to comply by December 31 may deactivate your PAN; know the linking process

If your PAN is not yet linked with Aadhaar, complete the process today. Failing to do so by December 31, 2025 will render your PAN inoperative from January 1, 2026. An inoperative PAN means you won’t be able to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) or receive refunds. You may also face difficulties in salary credit, banking transactions, and investments such as SIPs. Those who obtained their PAN using an Aadhaar enrolment ID before October 1, 2024, must mandatorily link it by December 31, 2025. Chartered Accountant Sarvagya Jain (Indore) says timely Aadhaar–PAN linking can help avoid many financial and compliance-related problems. Process to Link Aadhaar–PAN Step 1:
Go to the website: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ Step 2:
Click on Quick Links → Link Aadhaar Status Step 3:
Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number Step 4:
Click on Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax Step 5:
Confirm PAN, enter mobile number, and verify with OTP Step 6:
Under e-Pay Tax, select: Step 7:
Pay the fee of ₹1000 and proceed Step 8:
After payment, return to the website and click Quick Links → Link Aadhaar Step 9:
Enter PAN and Aadhaar number, then click Validate Step 10:
Enter the 6-digit OTP received on mobile and validate Step 11:
You will see the message:
“Aadhaar–PAN linking request submitted successfully” What happens if Aadhaar–PAN is not linked? If your PAN becomes inoperative, you will not be able to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) or receive any pending refunds. You may also face problems with bank accounts, mutual fund transactions, and other financial activities where PAN is required. What are the rules on PAN deactivation? As per the rules, if a deactivated PAN is used for banking or any other transaction, it will be treated as a case of non-furnishing of PAN under the law. In such situations, a penalty of ₹10,000 may be imposed under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act. Additionally, Section 139A mandates that PAN must be produced whenever it is required.