How to Link PAN with Aadhaar
Link your PAN with Aadhaar through the Income Tax e-Filing portal — step by step, including how to check the link status and how to handle a name or DOB mismatch.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- incometax.gov.in ↗
The Indian government has mandated that every PAN must be linked to its holder's Aadhaar. An unlinked PAN becomes inoperative, blocking ITR filing, refunds, and high-value transactions. Linking takes a few minutes if the details on both documents match.
If they don't match — even slightly — the link request will be rejected by UIDAI. Fix the mismatch first (on Aadhaar, via SSUP, or on PAN via the correction route) before trying again.
If you missed the free-linking window, the Income Tax Department will demand the prescribed late fee via Challan 280 before accepting your linking request.
Eligibility
- You hold both a valid PAN and a valid Aadhaar.
- The name, date of birth, and gender on PAN and Aadhaar match (or you've already fixed the mismatch on either side).
- You are eligible to link — most categories (NRIs, super-senior citizens, J&K, Assam, Meghalaya residents) are exempt under specific notifications. Check the exemption list before linking.
Required documents
PAN
10-character alphanumeric Permanent Account Number.
Aadhaar number
12-digit Aadhaar.
Aadhaar-linked mobile
Used to receive OTP during linking.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Open the Income Tax e-Filing portal
Go to incometax.gov.in and look for 'Link Aadhaar' under Quick Links on the homepage.
incometax.gov.in ↗ - 2
Enter PAN and Aadhaar
Type your PAN and Aadhaar number. Tick the consent box.
- 3
Pay the late fee if applicable
If the deadline for free linking has passed, the portal will ask you to pay the prescribed late fee through Challan 280 before continuing. Pay first, wait for the challan to reflect (typically 4–5 working days), then come back.
- 4
Verify with Aadhaar OTP
Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile to confirm the link request.
- 5
Submit and confirm
Submit the request. The portal displays a confirmation that the request has been forwarded to UIDAI for validation.
- 6
Track the link status
Use the 'Link Aadhaar Status' quick link to see whether your PAN and Aadhaar are linked, pending validation, or rejected.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
incometax.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Name mismatch — even a difference in initials, spacing, or surname order causes UIDAI to reject the link request. Fix the mismatch on Aadhaar or PAN first.
- Date-of-birth mismatch — Aadhaar and PAN must show the same DOB; an off-by-one error blocks linking.
- Paying the late fee under the wrong assessment year or wrong head — the challan won't reflect against your PAN and you'll have to pay again.
- Trying to link via the old 'incometaxindia.gov.in' site. Use the e-Filing portal at incometax.gov.in only.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't link PAN and Aadhaar?▾
Unlinked PANs become 'inoperative' — you cannot file ITR, claim refunds, or carry out high-value transactions. TDS may also be deducted at a higher rate.
I'm an NRI / super-senior citizen. Do I need to link?▾
Several categories are exempt under specific CBDT notifications. Check the latest exemption list on the e-Filing portal before assuming you're exempt.
How long after paying the late fee should I wait before linking?▾
4–5 working days, until the challan reflects in the e-Filing portal against your PAN.
My link request is showing 'pending validation' — what do I do?▾
Wait. UIDAI takes a few days to validate. If it stays pending for more than a week, raise a grievance through the e-Filing portal grievance link.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.