The Income Tax Department has enforced mandatory Aadhaar-PAN linking due to growing concerns over misuse and tax evasion

Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is now a compulsory requirement. This step is crucial, as it ensures your income tax returns are processed without delays. For individuals applying for a new PAN card, the linkage with Aadhaar is carried out automatically during the application process. It’s important to note that individuals who already possess a PAN card must link it with their Aadhaar. The government has set a deadline of December 31, 2025, for existing PAN holders to complete the linkage process to avoid any fines or late fees.

Why Aadhaar Verification Is Now Required for New PAN Card Applications:

The Income Tax Department has enforced mandatory Aadhaar-PAN linking due to growing concerns over misuse and tax evasion. Authorities uncovered several incidents where people possessed more than one PAN card or used someone else’s PAN credentials to dodge taxes.

Moreover, a surge in fake GST registrations using duplicate or illegitimate PAN cards added to the urgency. As of March 2024, out of over 74 crore PAN holders in India, nearly 60.5 crore had already linked their Aadhaar, reflecting the government’s push toward curbing identity-related tax fraud.

How to Link Aadhaar Number With PAN Card Online:

Step-by-Step Process Using the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Visit the Portal: Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website.

Access the Aadhaar Link:

Either click on “Link Aadhaar” under Quick Links on the home page (no login required), Or, login to your account and find “Link Aadhaar” in the dashboard under your profile section.

Enter Details:

Fill in your PAN, Aadhaar number, and name as mentioned on your Aadhaar card.

If your date of birth is mentioned on your Aadhaar, tick the relevant box.

Agree to Verification: Tick “I agree to validate my Aadhaar details with UIDAI.”

Submit: Click “Link Aadhaar.”

Authenticate: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it to verify.

Confirmation: A pop-up will confirm whether your Aadhaar is successfully linked to your PAN.

Without Logging In (Pre-Login)

Go to e-Filing portal home page.

Click on “Link Aadhaar” under Quick Links.

Enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.

Validate and follow the prompts to complete the linkage.

By SMS

Send an SMS to 567678 or 56161 in this format:

UIDPAN<12 digit Aadhaar><10 digit PAN>

Example: UIDPAN 34512349891 CFIED1234J.

At PAN Service Centres

Visit a PAN service provider such as NSDL/UTIITSL or any designated centre.

Submit the required form and documents for manual linking.

Source;Financial Express 

@iQOO Connect

Please like and follow