Top News

PAN-Aadhaar Linking: Why It Matters in 2026

The government has made it mandatory for citizens to link their PAN card with Aadhaar to continue using PAN for financial and tax-related activities. Many people are still unsure whether their PAN and Aadhaar are already linked or not. Checking the status has now become extremely simple and can be done within seconds through online portals or even by sending a simple SMS.

This requirement is especially important for individuals who obtained their PAN card earlier using Aadhaar Enrolment ID before October 1, 2024. If such PAN cards are not linked with Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, they will become inactive from January 1, 2026.

Deadline and Penalty Details

Currently, linking PAN with Aadhaar is completely free until the official deadline of December 31, 2025. After this date, users will need to pay a penalty of ₹1000 to complete the linking process.

Failure to link PAN with Aadhaar will result in:

• PAN becoming inoperative

• Inability to file income tax returns

• Problems in banking and financial transactions

• Difficulty in investments and official documentation

Therefore, citizens are strongly advised to check their linking status well in advance and complete the process if required.

How to Check PAN-Aadhaar Link Status Online (Without Login)

You can check your PAN-Aadhaar linking status easily without logging into the Income Tax portal. Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website.

2. On the right-hand side, go to the Quick Links section.

3. Scroll down and select “View Link Aadhaar Status.”

4. Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number.

5. Click on “View Status.”

After submitting the details, one of the following messages will appear:

• “Your PAN is already linked with Aadhaar.”

• “Linking request sent to UIDAI.”

• “PAN is not linked with Aadhaar.”

These messages clearly explain whether your PAN is safe or needs action.

Check PAN-Aadhaar Status Through SMS

For people who do not have access to the internet, the government has provided an SMS-based service to check the linking status.

Here is how you can do it:

1. Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.

2. Type the message in this format:
   UIDPAN

3. Send the message to either 567678 or 56161.

You will receive an instant reply confirming whether your PAN and Aadhaar are linked or not.

Who Must Be Extra Careful?

People who created their PAN card using Aadhaar Enrolment ID before October 1, 2024, must ensure that their PAN is linked with Aadhaar before the deadline. These PAN cards are at higher risk of being deactivated if the linking is not completed.

Even if you are unsure, checking the status takes only a few seconds and avoids future complications.

Why PAN-Aadhaar Linking Is Important

Linking PAN with Aadhaar helps the government:

• Reduce duplicate PAN cards

• Prevent tax fraud

• Improve transparency

• Simplify digital verification

For citizens, it ensures smooth access to banking, investments, and income tax services.

Final Thoughts

Instead of waiting for the last date, it is better to verify your PAN-Aadhaar link status now. The process is simple, fast, and can be completed either online or through SMS. By doing so, you can avoid penalties and ensure your PAN remains active for all essential financial activities.

Staying informed and taking timely action can save both time and money.