The government has made it mandatory to link PAN cards with Aadhaar cards to streamline administrative processes and ensure efficient delivery of services. With December set as the final deadline, many are wondering what happens if their Aadhaar and PAN cards are not linked in time.
Will Your PAN Card Be Cancelled?
No, your PAN card will not be canceled if it is not linked with your Aadhaar card. However, it may become inactive, limiting its functionality for financial transactions, tax filings, and other critical services. Once inactive, the card can only be reactivated after paying a penalty of ₹1,000.
Chartered accountants and tax experts have confirmed that while the government enforces strict deadlines, PAN cards of individuals who missed earlier deadlines have remained active, though their usability was restricted.
Why Is Aadhaar-PAN Linking Important?
The Aadhaar card has become indispensable for nearly all essential tasks, including accessing government programs, filing income tax returns, and opening bank accounts. Linking Aadhaar with PAN ensures a seamless flow of information and prevents fraudulent activities.
Steps to Check Your Aadhaar-PAN Link Status
To verify if your Aadhaar and PAN are linked:
- Visit the Income Tax Department’s official portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
- Click on the ‘Quick Link’ option.
- Select the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ option.
- On the new page, enter your Aadhaar number and PAN number.
- Click on ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’ to check the current status.
How to Reactivate an Inactive PAN Card
If your PAN card becomes inactive due to the lack of Aadhaar linkage, you can reactivate it by:
- Paying a fine of ₹1,000.
- Linking the PAN card to the Aadhaar card through the Income Tax portal.
Avoiding Last-Minute Hassles
To avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted access to financial and government services, link your Aadhaar and PAN cards before the December deadline. Staying proactive will save you time and effort in the long run.
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