The process of linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, and it offers several benefits and simplifications for taxpayers. Here’s a detailed overview of why and how you should link your PAN with Aadhaar:
Why Link PAN with Aadhaar?
- Prevents Deactivation of PAN: If you fail to link your PAN with Aadhaar by the specified deadline, your PAN might become invalid or deactivated, which can affect various financial transactions like filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, and conducting large transactions.
- Streamlines Income Tax Filing: Linking PAN with Aadhaar simplifies the income tax filing process. It enables pre-filling of certain details in your income tax return, making it quicker and more accurate.
- Prevents Tax Evasion: The linkage helps the government track and curb tax evasion by ensuring that individuals do not hold multiple PANs under different names.
- Avail Government Services: Linking PAN with Aadhaar facilitates access to various government services and subsidies, ensuring efficient delivery and reducing fraud.
How to Link PAN with Aadhaar
There are multiple methods available to do the linking process :
Online Method:
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Go to the official website of the Income Tax Department.
- Link Aadhaar: Look for the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option on the portal. Click on it to begin the linking process.
- Enter Details: Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and other required details accurately.
- Verification: After entering the details, a verification process will be initiated. Ensure that the details entered match the details in your PAN and Aadhaar.
- OTP Verification: You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Enter this OTP to complete the linking process.
- Confirmation: Once the OTP is entered correctly and verified, a confirmation message will be displayed indicating the successful linking of your PAN with Aadhaar.
SMS Method:
- Send SMS: From your registered mobile number, type UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar number><10-digit PAN> and send it to 567678 or 56161. Example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F
Offline Method:
You can also link your PAN with Aadhaar by visiting a designated PAN service center and submitting a linking form along with supporting documents.
Points to Remember:
- Ensure that your details such as name, date of birth, and gender are identical in both PAN and Aadhaar records to avoid any discrepancies during the linking process.
- Linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory for filing income tax returns. Failure to do so within the specified deadline may attract penalties.
By linking your PAN with Aadhaar, you contribute to a more transparent and efficient financial system while ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Take advantage of the convenient online methods available to complete this essential linking process today.