PAN–Aadhaar linking deadline on December 31, 2025: How to link, check status and what happens if you miss it

As December 31, 2025approaches, the Income Tax Department has once again reminded PAN card holders to complete the mandatory PAN–Aadhaar linking. Failure to meet the deadline will render the PAN inoperativerestricting its use for key financial and tax-related activities.

According to the department, an unlinked PAN cannot be used for filing income tax returns, opening or operating bank and demat accounts, or completing transactions where PAN is mandatory.

How to link PAN with Aadhaar

PAN and Aadhaar can be linked online through the income tax e-filing portal. Taxpayers need to log in, navigate to the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option under their profile, enter PAN and Aadhaar details, and proceed with the payment of the prescribed late fee through the e-pay tax option. After successful payment, the linking process must be completed on the portal.

How to check PAN–Aadhaar link status

To check whether PAN is already linked with Aadhaar, users can visit the income tax e-filing portal, select ‘Aadhaar Status Link’enter PAN and Aadhaar details, and view the status instantly.

What if PAN and Aadhaar details do not match?

In case of mismatches, taxpayers can update Aadhaar details on the UIDAI portal or correct PAN information through Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL. If discrepancies persist, biometric verification can be done at authorised PAN service centres.

What happens if PAN–Aadhaar is not linked?

If PAN is not linked by December 31, 2025it will become inoperative. This will prevent taxpayers from filing returns, claiming refunds, or conducting financial transactions that require PAN authentication.

PAN–Aadhaar linking fee

A late fee of Rs 1,000 is applicable for those completing the process now.

Relief for some PAN holders

Certain categories, including non-residents under the Income Tax Act, super senior citizens aged 80 and above, residents of Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir, and individuals not eligible for Aadhaarare exempt from mandatory linking.

The department has advised PAN holders to verify their status and complete the process before the deadline to avoid disruptions.