PAN
How to Link PAN with Aadhaar
A PAN that is not linked with Aadhaar becomes inoperative. That means higher TDS, trouble filing returns, and refunds that do not move. Linking is a pre-login service on the Income Tax e-Filing portal. You do not need a tax consultant for it. You do need the mobile number that is active on your Aadhaar.
Sarkari Naukari
Govt service guide
Link PAN
PAN
Link PAN with Aadhaar
- 1
Open Link Aadhaar
eportal.incometax.gov.in → pre-login → bl-link-aadhaar.
- 2
Enter PAN and Aadhaar
Type your name exactly as it is printed on Aadhaar.
- 3
Pay only if the page asks
A late fee under section 234H is often ₹1,000.
- 4
Confirm the OTP
Then check Link Aadhaar Status before paying again.
Remember
- If you skip it
- PAN can become inoperative
- Name mismatch
- Correct the wrong document first
- OTP
- Aadhaar mobile only
Use the Aadhaar spelling
One extra letter is enough for the link to fail. Do not apply for a second PAN.
What you need before you start
- PAN
- Aadhaar number
- Name spelled exactly as on Aadhaar
- Mobile number registered on that Aadhaar
Link PAN and Aadhaar
- 1
Open Link Aadhaar before logging in
Open https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/bl-link-aadhaar. This is the pre-login Link Aadhaar page, and the same page is where you check the link status. You do not have to remember the e-Filing password.
- 2
Enter PAN, Aadhaar, and the Aadhaar name
Type the PAN and the 12-digit Aadhaar. Enter your name exactly as printed on Aadhaar, not the expanded name on the PAN card if they differ. A single extra letter is enough for the match to fail.
- 3
Pay the fee if the page asks
If the PAN was not linked within the notified time, the portal collects a late fee under section 234H before it continues. The amount commonly charged is ₹1,000. Confirm the figure on the payment page and pay only there.
- 4
Verify the Aadhaar OTP
UIDAI sends an OTP to the Aadhaar mobile. Enter it and submit. Save the acknowledgement. Linking is not always instant on the status page, so check again after a short while.
Check whether they are already linked
On the same e-Filing portal, open Link Aadhaar Status. Enter PAN and Aadhaar. The page tells you if the link is already done, in progress, or failed. Check this before you pay a fee a second time.
A status that mentions a mismatch will not clear itself. Fix the document that is wrong, then submit the link again.
If linking fails because the details do not match
- Name mismatch: update the shorter or misspelled record. Correct Aadhaar on myAadhaar, or correct PAN through Protean or UTIITSL, so both sides match.
- Date of birth or gender mismatch: same rule. Change the document that does not match your actual proof. Do not keep retrying the link with the same data.
- Aadhaar already linked to another PAN: you may have been allotted two PANs. That has to be surrendered and regularised on the income-tax portal. Do not ignore it.
- PAN already linked to another Aadhaar: stop and check the status. Linking again to a different Aadhaar will not overwrite a completed link.
- OTP not received: the mobile on Aadhaar is the problem, not the income-tax site. Update the Aadhaar mobile, then return to Link Aadhaar.
An inoperative PAN is a tax problem, not a reason to apply for a fresh PAN. A second PAN creates a worse mismatch. Link the existing one, or get the existing one corrected.
Frequently asked questions
How do I link PAN with Aadhaar?
On incometax.gov.in open the pre-login service Link Aadhaar. Enter PAN, Aadhaar, and your name as on Aadhaar, pay the fee if it is asked, and confirm the OTP sent to the Aadhaar mobile.
What happens if PAN is not linked with Aadhaar?
The PAN becomes inoperative. Banks and employers can deduct TDS at a higher rate, and filing or refunds on that PAN get stuck until the link is completed.
Why does linking fail even when I enter the right PAN?
The name, date of birth, or gender on PAN and Aadhaar do not match closely enough. Update the incorrect one, then submit the link again. Check Link Aadhaar Status before paying another fee.
Is there a fee to link PAN and Aadhaar now?
If you are linking after the notified deadline, the portal charges a late fee under section 234H, commonly ₹1,000. The payment page shows the amount that applies to you. There is no extra agent fee.
Sarkari Naukari is an independent information portal. It is not affiliated with UIDAI, the Election Commission of India, the Income Tax Department, DigiLocker, EPFO, the transport department, or any other government body. Button names, fees, and timelines change. Complete every step only on the official website linked in the guide. Never share an OTP, Aadhaar number, PAN, or UAN with a caller, WhatsApp message, or unofficial website.