Pan Card Update: Link You Aadhaar Card Before December 31 Or Else.... : A Simple Guide

The deadline for PAN–Aadhaar linking is now firmly set, and there’s no room for confusion anymore. The government has made it clear that December 31, 2025 is the final date to complete the linking process.

From January 1, 2026, any PAN card that isn’t linked with Aadhaar will be marked inoperative, which can quietly cause serious trouble later, from blocked tax refunds to higher TDS deductions.This rule is especially important for individuals who were issued a PAN using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID before October 1, 2024. As per Notification No. 26/2025 issued earlier this year, such users must complete the linking using their permanent Aadhaar number before the year ends. If you fall into this category or have simply been postponing the process, now is the time to act.Before you begin, make sure you have your PAN card, Aadhaar number, access to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar, and the willingness to pay the mandatory Rs 1,000 fee if applicable. This fee applies mainly to PANs issued before July 1, 2017 and must be paid before submitting the linking request.How To Link PAN And Aadhaar OnlineThe process starts on the Income Tax e-Filing portal. You first need to complete the Aadhaar linking fee payment through the e-Pay Tax option. Once the payment reflects in the system, which can take a few working days, you can submit the actual linking request by validating your PAN and Aadhaar details and confirming via OTP. If everything matches, the linking is completed in minutes.Checking Your PAN–Aadhaar StatusNot sure whether your PAN is already linked? The portal allows you to check the status instantly without logging in. A simple PAN and Aadhaar number entry will tell you whether the link is active, pending, or unverified.Offline Options If Online Linking FailsFor users without internet access, PAN–Aadhaar linking can also be done via SMS, provided personal details match exactly. In cases where mismatches persist, visiting a PAN service centre is the safest option. Officials may carry out biometric verification to resolve discrepancies.