Now, apply for instant e-PAN using Aadhaar. Here's how

The free-of-cost service will reportedly be rolled out in the next few weeks.

As part of the procedure, you will have to quote your Aadhaar number, following which a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number. This OTP will be used to verify your Aadhaar details.

Since Aadhaar carries your personal data, there's no need to furnish any other document(s).

Firstly, go to the online NSDL PAN application portal.

Then, click on 'Apply for new PAN card' (Form 49A).

Enter the required information, viz. PAN number, Aadhaar details, and Date of Birth.

Next, upload images of signature and a recent photograph.

Finally, make payment. Subsequently, a 15-digit acknowledgment number will be issued to you.

You can also take printout of your e-PAN, if needed.

If/until you don't have PAN, you can use these documents instead:

1) Aadhaar card: Recently, the government announced that PAN and Aadhaar can now be used interchangeably. Thus, taxpayers are free to quote their Aadhaar number for services where quoting of PAN is otherwise necessary.

2) Form 60: You can also fill up Form 60 and use it as a replacement for PAN.

Meanwhile, please note that it is mandatory to link your PAN with Aadhaar.

December 31, 2019 is the last date to do the linkage. Earlier, this deadline was September 30.

Now, if a taxpayer fails to meet the new deadline, their PAN would be rendered "inoperative".

Here's the procedure to link the two documents online and via SMS.

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 service.