PAN Card Inoperative Due to Aadhaar Non-Linking: Here's How to Reactivate Without Hassle

Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is one of the most important identification and financial documents in India. According to the Income Tax Department, after obtaining a PAN, it is mandatory to link it with your Aadhaar.

However, many people still don't have their PAN card and Aadhaar card linked, which can lead to their PAN card being deactivated and rendered inactive. What can be done about this? In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about PAN-Aadhar linking.

Why Has Your PAN Card Become Inoperative?

The Income Tax Department's Aadhaar linking rule requires every Indian citizen and taxpayer to link their Aadhaar before a specific date. However, if you do not link your PAN card, it will be deactivated and will not be valid.

In this case, you can't use your PAN to e-file your income tax return, open bank accounts, or conduct financial transactions, which may result in a higher penalty rate. You can even get a pop-up message on the e-filing website that your PAN is suspended or invalid.

An inoperative PAN is essentially equivalent to not having a PAN card, and you could be liable for any penalties associated with it. You cannot use it for any government or tax department until it is activated again.

How to View Link Aadhaar Status on the Income Tax Portal?

Here are the steps for your PAN Aadhaar link check:

1. Go to the official website for e-filing with the Income Tax Department.

2. Click on the "Link Aadhaar Status" or "Verify PAN Status."

3. On the next screen, enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.

4. Click on "View Link Aadhaar Status."

5. Your PAN with Aadhaar status will be displayed on your screen immediately.

If your screen indicates that your Aadhaar is inoperative due to non-linking, you will need to follow the reactivation steps.

How to Easily Reactivate Your PAN?

If your PAN card has become inoperative, you can link Aadhaar and reactivate your PAN through the e-filing portal. Just go through the following easy steps to do it:

1. Go to the official income tax department e-filing portal.

2. On the homepage, click "Link Aadhaar" under the Quick Links section.

3. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and other required details such as your name and date of birth.

4. Click on "Validate."

5. If your details match, you’ll be prompted to pay the ₹1,000 late fee (under section 234H) via the e-Pay Tax option on the portal.

6. Complete the payment using net banking, debit card, or UPI through an authorised bank.

7. Once the payment is submitted and the process is completed, the department will process your request.

Wait for a couple of days and then check your PAN–Aadhaar link status on the same portal. If the linking is successful, your PAN card will be automatically activated again.

What if Your PAN is Still Inactive After Linking?

In some cases, even after linking your Aadhaar, your PAN card may still appear as inoperative. This usually happens because the Income Tax Department takes some time to update the status. Here’s what you should do:

1. Wait for at least two days after completing the linking process.

2. Visit the Income Tax e-filing website and verify your PAN–Aadhaar link status again.

3. If it still shows as inactive, contact the Income Tax Department through the helpline number or email address listed on the official portal.

4. Keep a copy of your payment receipt and acknowledgement form, as you may need to provide them for verification.

5. If your PAN remains inoperative even after these steps, you can write to your Assessing Officer (AO) at the Income Tax Department for further assistance.

How to Avoid PAN from Becoming Inactive?

You can prevent your PAN from being deactivated in the future by following these simple tips:

1. Regularly check your PAN–Aadhaar link status on the official e-filing website.

2. Always ensure that your PAN is linked with Aadhaar before the deadline.

3. Verify that your personal details (name, date of birth, and address) match on both documents.

4. File your income tax returns on time every year.

5. Avoid clicking on any unofficial or suspicious links claiming to activate your PAN; always use the official e-filing portal only.

Following these simple steps will help you keep your PAN active and avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.

Read Also: PAN Verification Failed During Loan/Investment? Quick Fixes for KYC and Financial Services

To Conclude

Your PAN card is one of the most essential documents for every individual in all taxation and financial activities. If it has become inactive due to non-linking with Aadhaar, you can easily reactivate it by linking your Aadhaar card with your PAN. The reactivation process is simple. Just log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal, link your Aadhaar, and pay the applicable fee. Once verified, your PAN will be reactivated and ready for use.

Ensure that you check your linking status periodically and keep your details up to date. This will ensure a smooth experience with the Income Tax Department and allow you to continue using your PAN for all important financial transactions.

FAQs

Will I be charged again if I have already paid the ₹1,000 fee but my PAN is still not activated?

No, you will not need to pay again. Just wait for the Income Tax Department to activate your status or make a request on the e-filing portal.

Will I be able to use my inactive PAN for investment or bank KYC until I get it reactivated?

No, an inoperative PAN is not usable for bank KYC, mutual fund transactions, or any other financial transactions or services that you may hold.

What if my information on Aadhaar and PAN doesn't match?

You will have to correct the wrong information in either of the documents or any other PAN first before you can attempt to link Aadhaar once more.

Do I need to link my PAN if it was newly issued?

Yes, even new PAN cards must be linked to Aadhaar, unless you belong to an exception category, in which case you may not need to apply.

Can a non-resident of the country complete the PAN–Aadhaar linking process?

Yes, you can complete it online using the e-filing portal, as long as your mobile number is active for OTP verification.