Quick answer: Go to the income tax e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in), click Link Aadhaar Status under Quick Links, enter your PAN and Aadhaar, and click View Link Aadhaar Status. You do not need to log in. If it says not linked, pay the ₹1,000 fee through e-Pay Tax, then use Link Aadhaar to complete the link. An unlinked PAN can be inoperative, which means no tax refunds and higher TDS, until it is linked.
Why PAN-Aadhaar linking still matters in 2026
Linking has been mandatory for most taxpayers for years. The final deadline for people who got their PAN using an Aadhaar enrolment ID was 31 December 2025. Many people still discover the problem only when:
- an income tax refund does not arrive,
- a bank or mutual fund flags their PAN, or
- their salary or FD shows TDS at 20% instead of the normal rate.
If any of these has happened to you, check your link status first.
How to check PAN Aadhaar link status online (no login)
- Open incometax.gov.in.
- Under Quick Links, click Link Aadhaar Status.
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.
- Click View Link Aadhaar Status.
You will see one of these messages:
| Message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Your PAN is already linked to given Aadhaar | All good | Nothing |
| Your Aadhaar-PAN linking request is under process | Request sent, not yet confirmed | Check again after 3–5 working days |
| PAN not linked with Aadhaar | Not linked | Pay the fee and link (steps below) |
| PAN is linked to some other Aadhaar | Mismatch | Contact your jurisdictional assessing officer or the e-filing helpdesk |
You can also log in to the portal and check Profile → Link Aadhaar.
How to link PAN with Aadhaar: step by step
Step 1: Pay the ₹1,000 fee
- On the e-filing portal, click e-Pay Tax under Quick Links.
- Enter your PAN twice and your mobile number, then verify the OTP.
- Choose the Income Tax tile.
- Select the current Assessment Year, type of payment Other Receipts (500) and sub-type Fee for delay in linking PAN with Aadhaar (wording may vary slightly on the portal).
- Pay ₹1,000 by net banking, debit card or UPI through an authorised bank.
Step 2: Link Aadhaar (wait a few days after payment)
- Click Link Aadhaar under Quick Links.
- Enter PAN and Aadhaar and click Validate. The portal checks that your fee is received.
- Enter your name exactly as on Aadhaar and your mobile number.
- Verify the OTP and submit.
The request usually shows as under process first, then as linked.
What happens if your PAN is inoperative?
| Area | Effect of an inoperative PAN |
|---|---|
| Income tax refund | Not issued, and no interest for the inoperative period |
| TDS on salary, FD interest, rent | Deducted at a higher rate, generally 20% |
| TCS | Collected at a higher rate |
| Banking and investments | Banks, brokers and mutual funds may restrict KYC-based services |
| ITR | You can still file, but refunds stay blocked |
Once linked, the PAN generally becomes operative again within about 30 days.
Name, date of birth or gender mismatch? Fix it first
Linking fails if your details differ between PAN and Aadhaar.
- To correct Aadhaar: update online via the UIDAI portal (name changes may need an Aadhaar Seva Kendra). See our guide on how to update Aadhaar online.
- To correct PAN: apply for PAN correction on the Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL website.
- After correction, try linking again. Your fee payment stays valid.
Who does not need to link PAN with Aadhaar?
Linking is generally not required for:
- Non-resident Indians (NRIs) as per the Income Tax Act
- People aged 80 or above
- Non-citizens of India
- Residents of Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir (as notified)
NRIs: if your PAN shows inoperative, it is often because your residential status is not updated with the tax department. Update it through your jurisdictional assessing officer.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if my PAN is linked with Aadhaar?
Use Link Aadhaar Status on incometax.gov.in. Enter PAN and Aadhaar; no login is needed.
What is the fee for linking PAN with Aadhaar now?
The late fee is ₹1,000, paid through e-Pay Tax on the e-filing portal before you submit the link request.
Can I link PAN and Aadhaar by SMS?
Older SMS methods to 567678 or 56161 were offered earlier. The e-filing portal is the most reliable route now; check the portal if you want to use SMS.
How long does it take for PAN to become operative after linking?
Generally around 30 days after the link is completed.
My fee is paid but the portal says payment not found. What now?
Wait 4–5 working days for the challan to reflect, then try again. Keep the challan receipt (CIN) safe.
The bottom line
Checking your PAN-Aadhaar link takes 30 seconds and can save you from blocked refunds and double TDS. If it is not linked, pay the ₹1,000 fee, link it on the portal, and check back after a few days.
Related reading: DigiLocker guide · Belated and revised ITR AY 2026-27 · Income tax slabs FY 2026-27
Sources to verify
- Income Tax Department e-filing portal: Link Aadhaar, Link Aadhaar Status, e-Pay Tax
- CBDT notifications on PAN-Aadhaar linking and inoperative PAN
- UIDAI (Aadhaar updates)
This article is for general information and is not tax advice. Fees, menu names and deadlines can change; confirm on the e-filing portal.
