Aadhaar-PAN linkage: Status, deadline, procedure, and other details
What's the story
If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it might get deactivated soon. The government is planning to temporarily invalidate all PAN cards that are not linked with Aadhaar latest by September 30, 2019. Earlier, under the Union Budget 2019, it was announced that PAN and Aadhaar can now be used interchangeably. Here is all you need to know about Aadhaar-PAN linkage.
Status
Firstly, is it mandatory to link PAN and Aadhaar?
According to reports, the government is planning to temporarily invalidate all PAN cards that are not linked with Aadhaar latest by September 30, 2019. The thought behind the move is that the government believes that if after so many extensions, your PAN is still not linked with Aadhaar, its authenticity is questionable. Simply put, the government is skeptic that your PAN might be fake.
Procedure
Method 1: How to link your PAN with Aadhaar, online
In order to link Aadhaar with PAN online, log on to the Income Tax e-portal. Next, under the 'Quick Links' section, click on 'Link Aadhaar.' Post that, enter details such as Aadhaar number, PAN, name, and the screen-displayed Captcha code. Submit the details, click on 'Link Aadhaar', and you are done. After successful verification from UIDAI, the linkage will be confirmed.
Information
Method 2: Procedure to link PAN with Aadhaar via SMS
Apart from the online method, users can also link their Aadhaar with PAN, using SMS service. To do so, type a text message in this format: UIDPAN (space) 12-digit Aadhaar number (space) 10-digit PAN, and send to 567678 or 56161 from your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
How to check
How to check PAN-Aadhaar linkage status
Once you have successfully placed a request for PAN-Aadhaar linkage, you can easily check the status of your request online. To track your application, visit the e-filing portal of the Income Tax department. Next, you will have to enter your 10-digit PAN and 12-digit Aadhaar number. Finally, click on 'View Link Aadhaar Status.' Subsequently, your PAN-Aadhaar linkage status will appear on your screen.
Interchangeability
Further, PAN and Aadhaar can now be used interchangeably
On a related note, the Central government has now made PAN and Aadhaar card interchangeable. This implies that you can now quote your Aadhaar number (instead of PAN), to file Income Tax returns. Further, Aadhaar can also be used for other services where quoting of PAN is necessary. Note: August 31, 2019 is the last date to file ITR for FY 2018-19.
Aadhaar status
Clearing the air around Aadhaar status
Post the September 26, 2018 Supreme Court verdict relating to authentication of Aadhaar, there has been much confusion with respect to services where Aadhaar is mandatory and where not. Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for services such as opening bank accounts, telecom services, and school admissions/entrance tests. However, it is still necessary for availing government welfare-schemes and filing I-T returns (if PAN isn't used).