As the government looks to make tax filling seamless, the income-tax department is seeking the linkage of tax payer’s PAN number with their Aadhaar number for all tax return fillings after July 1, 2017. To curb tax evasion and control the use of duplicate or multiple PAN numbers, this integration is now mandatory for all tax payers. Here is how you can link your PAN with your Aadhaar number easily to ensure your compliance.
Ways to link your PAN and Aadhaar:
There are several ways in which you can link your PAN card with your Aadhaar number. You can either choose to opt for an e-filling facility or an easy SMS service.
Linking via SMS:
If the name on your PAN card and Aadhaar card are identical and there is no mismatch, you can opt for the SMS route to link the two. The income- tax department has issued two dedicated numbers, which will allow you to instantly link your PAN number with the Aadhaar number. You will need to send an SMS using your phone to either 567678 or 56161. The SMS format is UIDPAN <SPACE> <12 digit Aadhaar> <Space> <10 digit PAN> For example if your 12 digit Aadhaar number is 111122223341 and your 10 digit PAN number is AAAATRE457, type the SMS as UIDPAN 111122223341 AAAATRE457 and send it to either 567678 or 56161. The system will check and match your details and send a confirmation message saying “Aadhaar — PAN linking is completed successfully.”
Linking using e-filling facility:
To opt for e-filling option to link your PAN and Aadhaar details go to IT department's e-filing website at https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/ You can use the link https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/LinkAadhaarHome.html available on the e-filling website's home page to link PAN and Aadhaar details. You are required to enter PAN number, Aadhaar number and name as per Aadhaar for confirmation. No login is required to link PAN and Aadhaar details.
The system will check and match your details and send a confirmation message saying "Aadhaar - PAN linking is completed successfully." If there is a minor mismatch in the name, a one-time password will be needed which will be sent of the registered mobile phone of the Aadhaar card holder. OTP will also be sent on the registered email of the individual. Alternatively you can login to the e-filling portal, go to profile setting and click on 'link Aadhaar'. Enter your Aadhaar number followed by the captcha code to link your Aadhaar with your PAN details.
What if you don’t link your PAN with Aadhaar?
Beginning July 1, 2017, all tax returns will have to mention the Aadhaar number compulsorily. If your PAN and Aadhaar numbers are not linked, your PAN card may become invalid as the government cracks down on illegal PAN cards. Without a legal PAN card, it may become impossible to carry out basic tasks like opening a bank account or creating an investment account or filling of your tax returns.
