PAN Card New Rules 2026: Big warning for PAN card holders! Incomplete PAN cards may become inoperative after February 10; Heavy fine may be imposed

Business Desk, New Delhi. The beginning of the year 2026 is proving to be very challenging for PAN card holders. Under the PAN Card New Rules 2026, the government has now made it clear that PAN card is not just an identity card but is the ‘digital key’ of your every financial transaction. If you do not follow the new rules by the deadline of 10 February 2026, your PAN card will not only become inactive, but you may also have to face huge financial and legal problems. This step of the government has been taken to stop tax evasion and to curb financial scams through fake PAN cards. Aadhaar Linking: No excuses now. According to the new rules, linking PAN card with Aadhaar is no longer optional but mandatory. What will happen? Impact: Those who have not yet linked their PAN-Aadhaar, their PAN card will be declared ‘invalid’ in the system. Disruptions: Once the PAN card is deactivated, you will neither be able to open a new bank account, nor invest in the stock market or mutual funds. Even your stalled government subsidy may get stuck. Hunter on inactive PAN card: Penalty to be imposed after February 10 Income Tax Department has clarified that after February 10, 2026, strict action will be taken against PAN card holders who have not updated their details. Ban on financial transactions: It is now mandatory to have an ‘active PAN’ for any transaction above ₹ 50,000. If your PAN is found to be inactive, banks can block your transaction. Provision of penalty: If the rules are ignored, the penalty amount under the Income Tax Act can be recovered from your bank account. Special attention on PAN cards that have been closed for a long time. Under PAN Card New Rules 2026, the government is preparing a list of those PAN cards which have not been used in any tax return or banking work for the last several years. The department fears that many of these cards may be fake. If your PAN card is also not in use for a long time, then immediately check its ‘status’ and complete the necessary procedures to keep it active. How to update PAN card at home? To avoid future problems, you can do these things immediately by visiting the official e-filing website of the Income Tax Department: Link Status: Enter your Aadhaar and PAN number and check whether they are linked or not. Correction of Details: If there is any mistake in the name, date of birth or address, then apply online and get it corrected. Get done. e-KYC: Complete e-KYC of your PAN card so that it remains active. Remember, a small carelessness related to PAN card can stop your big financial dreams. Take action in time and make your transactions secure.