Name mismatch in Aadhaar and PAN? Here's how to rectify
What's the story
If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar latest by August 31, it might get deactivated. To facilitate the linkage, it is important to have consistent demographic details in both the documents. So, in case there is a mismatch of name in your PAN and Aadhaar, you must update one of them in order to link the two. Here's how you can do it.
Aadhaar
How to change/update name in Aadhaar card
In order to change or update your name in Aadhaar card, you need to visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center. You will be required to fill out an Aadhaar update/correction form, enter your details including the correct name, and submit the same. You will have to attach a supporting document with your correct name, and pay a fee of Rs. 25.
PAN
How to update/correct name in PAN card
Separately, to correct/update name in your PAN card, visit the online PAN application page of the NSDL portal. Next, select 'Changes or correction in existing PAN..' option under 'Application Type.' Choose 'Category type' and enter all the necessary details including your updated/correct name, attach an ID proof, make the required specified payment, and you are done.
Interchangeability
Notably, PAN and Aadhaar are now interchangeable
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, such as buying/selling financial instruments like MF, gold etc.
Linkage
But, note your PAN will be deactivated if not linked
Further, according to reports, the government is planning to temporarily invalidate all PAN cards that are not linked with Aadhaar until August 31, 2019. The thought behind the move is that the government believes that if after so many extensions, your PAN is not yet linked with Aadhaar, its authenticity is questionable. Simply put, the government is skeptic that your PAN might be fake.
Online procedure
Here's how you can link your PAN with Aadhaar online
Meanwhile, to link Aadhaar with PAN via online mode, 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.
Do you know?
You can also link your 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.
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).