In 2025, linking your PAN card with Aadhaar remains mandatory for every taxpayer in India. The government has made it simple with quick online methods that save time and effort.
Not linking your Aadhaar with PAN can lead to penalties, blocked PAN cards, and issues in banking or investments. To keep your financial life smooth, here are the quickest online ways to complete the Aadhaar-PAN linking process in 2025.
Why You Must Link PAN with Aadhaar
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Mandatory for ITR filing – Without linking, your PAN will not be accepted for filing income tax returns.
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Avoid penalties – A fine of up to ₹1,000 applies for failing to link on time.
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Ensure financial validity – PAN is required for banking, property, and investment transactions.
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Prevent fraud – Linking reduces the chances of duplicate or fake PAN cards.
In short, linking PAN with Aadhaar is not optional anymore—it’s compulsory.
Step 1: Visit the Official Income Tax Portal
The government has centralized Aadhaar-PAN linking under the Income Tax e-filing website.
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Open the portal: incometax.gov.in.
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Click on “Link Aadhaar” under Quick Links.
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Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number.
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Fill in your name as per Aadhaar.
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Verify details and submit.
This is the most reliable and direct method for online linking.
Step 2: Use OTP Verification
After submitting details, you’ll receive an OTP (One Time Password) on your registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
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Enter the OTP for authentication.
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Once verified, your Aadhaar and PAN will be linked successfully.
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A confirmation message will be displayed on the screen.
This step ensures security and authenticity during the linking process.
Step 3: Pay Linking Fee If Applicable
If you are linking PAN and Aadhaar after the official deadline, a linking fee of ₹1,000 may apply.
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Payment can be made online through Net Banking, UPI, or Debit Card.
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After payment, repeat the linking steps and submit details.
This ensures your PAN card remains active even if you missed earlier deadlines.
Step 4: Link Aadhaar and PAN via SMS
The SMS method is quick and works without internet access.
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Open your SMS app.
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Type: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN>.
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Send to 567678 or 56161.
Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once processed.
Step 5: Use Aadhaar OTP Login for Faster Linking
For registered users, Aadhaar OTP login allows even faster processing.
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On the Income Tax portal, select Login with Aadhaar OTP.
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Enter your Aadhaar number and request OTP.
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Enter OTP and proceed to link with PAN.
This bypasses lengthy login steps and saves time.
Step 6: Check Linking Status Online
After linking, you should always confirm whether it’s successful.
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Go to “Link Aadhaar Status” on the Income Tax portal.
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Enter PAN and Aadhaar number.
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The system will display whether your PAN is linked.
This is important to ensure that your PAN remains valid.
Penalties for Not Linking in 2025
If you fail to link Aadhaar with PAN by the deadline:
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A fine of up to ₹1,000 applies.
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Your PAN may become inoperative, blocking financial transactions.
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You won’t be able to file income tax returns.
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Banking and investment activities may get restricted.
That’s why it’s always better to link your PAN on time.
Tips for Hassle-Free Linking
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Ensure details match on Aadhaar and PAN (name, date of birth, gender).
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Use your active mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP.
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Pay the fee, if applicable, before submitting the linking request.
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Always save the acknowledgment receipt or SMS confirmation.
Exemptions from Aadhaar-PAN Linking
Some people are not required to link Aadhaar and PAN, including:
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Non-resident Indians (NRIs).
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Senior citizens above 80 years.
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Residents of Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Meghalaya (as per government rules).
If you fall into these categories, your PAN remains valid without Aadhaar linking.
Online vs SMS Linking – Quick Comparison
| Method | Speed | Ease of Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Portal | Fast | Very Easy | Free (or ₹1,000 late fee) |
| SMS | Quick | Moderate | SMS charges apply |
Conclusion
The Aadhaar-PAN linking process in 2025 has never been easier. With online portals, OTP login, and SMS methods, anyone can complete it in minutes.
Not linking can lead to penalties, blocked PAN cards, and financial troubles. But by using these quick online methods, you can keep your records updated and worry-free.
Take just a few minutes today and complete the process—it’s the smartest way to avoid unnecessary problems.
FAQs
Can I link Aadhaar and PAN through the Income Tax portal?
Yes, the Income Tax e-filing website offers a direct linking option.
Is there a fee for linking?
Linking is free before the deadline, but late linking may attract a ₹1,000 fee.
Can I use SMS to link Aadhaar with PAN?
Yes, by sending UIDPAN <Aadhaar> <PAN> to 567678 or 56161.
Who is exempt from Aadhaar-PAN linking?
NRIs, citizens above 80 years, and some state residents are exempt.
Click here to know more.