How to Link PAN Card with Aadhaar Card in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Linking your PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar is mandatory as per the Income Tax Department under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act. If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it may become inoperative, which can affect income tax filing, banking transactions, investments, and more.

This updated 2026 guide explains how to link PAN with Aadhaar online and offline, fees involved, and how to check your status.

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Why Is PAN–Aadhaar Linking Important?

Linking PAN with Aadhaar helps:

1. Prevent duplicate PAN cards

2. Avoid tax evasion

3. Ensure smooth income tax return (ITR) filing

4. Keep your PAN active for financial transactions

Failure to link may result in:

1. PAN becoming inoperative

2. Higher TDS deductions

3. Inability to file ITR

Method 1: Link PAN with Aadhaar Online (E-Filing Portal)

The easiest way is through the official e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department.

Step-by-Step Process:

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

2. Click on “Link Aadhaar” under Quick Links.

3. Enter:

    a. PAN number

    b. Aadhaar number

    c. Name as per Aadhaar

    d. Registered mobile number

4. Click “Validate”.

5. Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

5. Submit the request.

You will receive a confirmation message after successful linking.

Method 2: Link PAN with Aadhaar via SMS

You can also link using SMS if your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar.

SMS Format:

Type:

UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>

Send it to:

567678

or

56161

You will receive a confirmation SMS once the process is successful.

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Method 3: Link PAN with Aadhaar Offline (NSDL/UTI Centers)

You can visit authorized PAN service centers such as:

Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance)

UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited

Steps:

1. Fill out the PAN–Aadhaar linking form.

2. Provide copies of PAN and Aadhaar.

3. Pay the applicable penalty fee (if required).

4. Submit the form.

Biometric authentication may be required in some cases.

PAN–Aadhaar Linking Fee in 2026

As per existing rules:

1. ₹1,000 late fee applies if linking is done after the original deadline.

2. Payment must be made before submitting the linking request on the portal.

(Always check the official portal for the latest updates.)

How to Check PAN–Aadhaar Linking Status

To check status:

Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.

Click on “Link Aadhaar Status”.

Enter PAN and Aadhaar number.

Click “View Link Aadhaar Status”.

The system will display whether your PAN is:

1. Linked

2. Not linked

3. Inoperative

Common Issues & Solutions

1. Name Mismatch

If your name differs in PAN and Aadhaar:

Update details in either PAN or Aadhaar database first.

Aadhaar updates can be done via the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

2. Date of Birth Mismatch

Ensure both records match exactly. Minor mismatches may be accepted with OTP validation.

3. Mobile Not Linked with Aadhaar

You must register your mobile number with Aadhaar to receive OTP.

Important Tips for 2026

1. Always use the official Income Tax portal.

2. Do not share OTP with anyone.

3. Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile active.

4. Complete linking before filing your Income Tax Return (ITR).