If you haven’t linked your PAN card with your Aadhaar card yet, it’s time to act. The government has made it clear that failing to link the two could make your PAN card inactive, which can lead to serious financial issues.
Deadline to Link PAN and Aadhaar
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced that the last date to link your PAN and Aadhaar cards is December 31, 2025. If you miss this deadline, your PAN card will become inactive. Once that happens, you won’t be able to file your income tax return or receive tax refunds, and several of your financial activities will come to a halt.
What Happens If You Don’t Link PAN and Aadhaar
If your PAN card becomes inactive, it can cause multiple problems such as:
- You won’t be able to file your Income Tax Return (ITR).
- You will not receive any tax refund.
- Your PAN card will be marked as inactive.
- You may have to pay higher TDS/TCS rates.
- Your KYC verification will not be completed.
- You may face issues in making new investments or opening bank accounts.
In short, not linking PAN with Aadhaar can disrupt many essential financial services that depend on valid identity verification.
Will the Government Extend the Deadline?
The CBDT has extended the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking several times in the past. However, as of now, December 31, 2025, remains the final date. There has been no official update about any further extension, so it’s best not to wait until the last moment.
Step-by-Step Process to Link PAN with Aadhaar
Here’s how you can easily link your PAN and Aadhaar cards online:
- Visit the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
- Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option on the homepage.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers carefully.
- If you are linking after December 31, 2025, you will need to pay a fee of ₹1,000.
- Verify your details using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- You can also check the status of your PAN-Aadhaar linking on the same portal.
Why You Should Link Before the Deadline
Linking your PAN and Aadhaar ensures that your financial activities remain smooth and uninterrupted. It helps you avoid unnecessary penalties, delays in ITR filing, or loss of tax refunds. To stay compliant and prevent inconvenience, it’s wise to complete the linking process well before December 31, 2025.
