Question 1

How can I check if my PAN is linked to Aadhaar?

Accepted Answer

The PAN–Aadhaar link status can be checked on the Income Tax e-filing portal by entering the PAN and Aadhaar number on the Link Aadhaar Status page. No login is required.

Question 2

Is PAN–Aadhaar linking mandatory for all PAN holders?

Accepted Answer

No. The requirement applies to individuals who have been allotted a PAN and are eligible to obtain an Aadhaar number. Certain categories are exempt — NRIs, non-citizens of India, citizens aged 80 or above, and residents of Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, and Meghalaya. For new PAN applicants, linking happens automatically at the time of application.

Question 3

My PAN shows as inoperative even though I linked it. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If linking was completed recently, the PAN may still be in the 30-day reactivation window. If 30 days have passed and the status has not updated, verify that the ₹1,000 fee payment was successfully processed before the linking request was submitted — the fee must be paid first. A linking request submitted without prior fee payment may not be processed.

Question 4

Can I file my ITR while my PAN reactivation is being processed?

Accepted Answer

The Income Tax e-filing portal does not accept ITR submissions from an inoperative PAN. If the 30-day reactivation window is active, filing must wait until the PAN status updates to operative.

Question 5

Does an inoperative PAN affect TDS already deducted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While the PAN is inoperative, TDS and TCS are deducted at higher rates under Section 397(2) of the Income Tax Act, 2025. Additionally, tax refunds are not processed and no interest accrues on pending refunds for the period during which the PAN remains inoperative. These consequences are reversed once the PAN is reactivated.

Question 6

If I am an NRI, does my PAN become inoperative if not linked?

Accepted Answer

No. NRIs are exempt from the mandatory linking requirement. An NRI's PAN does not become inoperative solely on account of non-linking with Aadhaar.

Question 7

Does PAN–Aadhaar link status affect ITR filing for previous years?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An inoperative PAN restricts filing on the e-filing portal regardless of the assessment year for which the return is being filed. Pending returns from earlier years also remain blocked until the PAN is reactivated.

Question 8

Accepted Answer

Check PAN Aadhaar Link Status