Key takeaways
- Check whether your PAN and Aadhaar are linked for free, without logging in, on the Income Tax e-Filing portal (Quick Links → Link Aadhaar Status).
- If they are not linked, your PAN can become inoperative: tax refunds may be held and higher TDS/TCS can apply.
- Linking after the deadline needs a fee of ₹1,000 under section 234H, paid in a single challan.
- Some people are exempt, including residents of Assam, J&K and Meghalaya, non-residents and people aged 80+.
Your PAN and Aadhaar need to be linked for your PAN to keep working for tax returns, refunds and many financial tasks. The good news: checking takes less than a minute, and linking can be done online. This guide shows how to check your status first, then how to link if needed — using the Income Tax Department’s official steps.
📱 Prefer a quick visual guide? The whole process in 9 swipes: PAN–Aadhaar Web Story →
Step 1: Check if your PAN and Aadhaar are already linked
You don’t need an account for this.
- Open the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Under Quick Links, click Link Aadhaar Status (it may appear as “Link Aadhaar / View Status”).
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.
- Click View Link Aadhaar Status. A message on screen tells you whether they are linked.
If you have an e-Filing account, you can also log in and go to My Profile → Link Aadhaar Status. If your Aadhaar is already linked, the Aadhaar number is shown there.
Step 2: Pay the fee (only if not linked)
If your PAN and Aadhaar are not linked and you are not exempt, a fee of ₹1,000 applies under section 234H for late linking.
- On the e-Filing home page, click Link Aadhaar under Quick Links.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.
- Click Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax and pay the fee in one single challan (minor head 500).
- Wait 4–5 days after payment before submitting the linking request, as the Income Tax Department advises.
Step 3: Submit the linking request
- Go back to Link Aadhaar on the e-Filing home page.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number and continue.
- Follow the on-screen steps and verify with the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Submit. You can check the result later with Link Aadhaar Status.
If the request is still being processed by UIDAI, check the status again after a few days.
Who doesn’t need to link?
According to the Income Tax Department, linking is not compulsory for:
- Residents of Assam, Jammu & Kashmir and Meghalaya
- Non-residents as per the Income-tax Act
- People aged 80 years or more
- People who are not citizens of India
People in these groups can still link voluntarily, but the fee applies.
What happens if your PAN becomes inoperative?
- Tax refunds may not be issued.
- TDS and TCS can be deducted or collected at higher rates.
- Some e-Filing services may be limited.
Your PAN becomes operative again once you pay the ₹1,000 fee and link your Aadhaar.
Got your PAN using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID?
If your PAN was issued using your Aadhaar Enrolment ID (not your final Aadhaar number), the Income Tax Department required you to link your actual Aadhaar number by 31 December 2025; otherwise the PAN becomes inoperative from 1 January 2026. Check your status now if this applies to you.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Name, date of birth or gender doesn’t match | Correct it in PAN (through Protean or UTIITSL) or in Aadhaar (through UIDAI), then try again. |
| Online linking still fails | Use biometric authentication at a PAN service centre (Protean or UTIITSL). Carry your PAN, Aadhaar and the ₹1,000 challan copy; a small centre charge applies. |
| Paid the fee but linking failed | You don’t need to pay again — the same challan can be used when you resubmit. |
| Aadhaar linked to another PAN | Contact your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer to delink. |
| Paid the fee by mistake | The section 234H fee is not refundable. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my PAN is linked with Aadhaar?
On the Income Tax e-Filing portal, click Link Aadhaar Status under Quick Links, enter your PAN and Aadhaar number, and click View Link Aadhaar Status. No login is needed.
What is the fee for linking PAN with Aadhaar now?
The fee for late linking is ₹1,000 under section 234H, paid in one challan through e-Pay Tax. Always check the portal before paying in case rules change.
Is the ₹1,000 fee refundable?
No. The Income Tax Department says the fee paid under section 234H for late linking is not refunded.
How long does linking take?
The department advises submitting the linking request 4–5 days after paying the fee. After submitting, check your status again; some requests take a few days while UIDAI validates them.
Do senior citizens need to link PAN and Aadhaar?
Individuals aged 80 years or more are exempt from compulsory linking.
📱 Share this with family: The whole process in 9 swipes: PAN–Aadhaar Web Story →
Official links
- Income Tax e-Filing portal: Income Tax e-Filing portal
- Official help: Link Aadhaar FAQ
- Related: How to download e-Aadhaar
- Related: UPI fraud: how to spot it and report
Steps and rules checked against the Income Tax Department’s official help pages in October 2026. Fees and deadlines can change; confirm on the e-Filing portal before paying.
