How to check if your PAN is linked with Aadhaar
What's the story
The Supreme Court has clarified that linking your Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar is mandatory for filing Income Tax returns. The announcement was made by a bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and Abdul Nazeer, in response to an appeal filed by Centre against a Delhi HC ruling that allowed filing of I-T returns for AY 2018-19 without linking Aadhaar with PAN. Here's more.
Information
Deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar
As of now, the government has not announced any official deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar. But, those who have filed I-T returns for FY16-17, without linking PAN with Aadhaar, need to do so latest by March 31, 2019.
Verification
How to check your PAN-Aadhaar linkage status
First off, log on to the online Income Tax filing portal. Next, under the 'Quick Links' section, click on 'Link Aadhaar' option. On the next page, head to 'Click here to view status...' link. Following this, enter your PAN and Aadhaar number in the fields provided. Finally, click on 'View Link Aadhaar Status.' Your PAN-Aadhaar linkage status will flash on the screen.
Procedure
If you haven't linked PAN with Aadhaar, here's the process
To link your PAN with Aadhaar, firstly, 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.
SC verdict
Clearing the air around Aadhaar status
Post the September 26, 2018 SC verdict relating to authentication of Aadhaar, there has been quite a lot of confusion with respect to services where Aadhaar is necessary. Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for services such as bank account, telecom services, and school admissions/entrance tests. However, it is still necessary for getting a PAN, filing I-T returns, and availing government welfare schemes.