Benefits and procedure of linking PAN and Aadhaar

If your PAN isn't linked with Aadhaar by said deadline, then it shall be deemed inoperative.

However, the implications of possessing an inoperative PAN have not been clarified by the government till now.

In all likelihood, once a person's PAN becomes inoperative, it will be treated as if the individual doesn't hold a PAN, barring them from conducting transactions that require quoting of PAN.

Once your Aadhaar is linked with PAN, you cannot apply for more PAN cards, thereby reducing/eliminating chances of duplicacy of PAN. This further lowers the possibility of banking and other financial frauds.

The linkage also eases the process of income tax filing as the taxpayer need not show the receipt of ITR to Income tax department/authorities.

It also helps avoid cancellation of PAN card.

Now, to link PAN with Aadhaar online, log on to the Income Tax e-portal.

Next, under the 'Quick Links' section, click on 'Link Aadhaar.'

Enter details such as Aadhaar number, PAN, name, and captcha code.

Submit the details, click on 'Link Aadhaar', and you're done.

After successful verification from UIDAI, linkage will be confirmed.

Notably, you can also link the two documents via SMS.