The Aadhaar card and the PAN card are two important identification documents for Indian citizens. The Aadhaar card is a unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. The PAN card, on the other hand, is a ten-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals and entities that earn taxable income. Linking these two cards has become mandatory in recent years to ensure transparency and reduce fraudulent activities. In this article, we will discuss the steps to link Aadhaar card and PAN card in India.
Why is it important to link Aadhaar card and PAN card?
Linking Aadhaar card and PAN card has been made mandatory by the government of India to avoid fraudulent activities such as multiple PAN cards issued in one name, tax evasion, and money laundering. Here are some other reasons why it is important to link Aadhaar card and PAN card:
It helps in the verification of identity and reduces the chances of fraudulent activities.
It helps in the efficient processing of income tax returns.
It helps in avoiding the cancellation of PAN cards due to duplication.
It helps in availing various government subsidies and benefits.
It helps in opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and making investments.
PAN-Aadhar Linking Image Credit- Google |
Steps to link Aadhaar card and PAN card:
Now that we understand the importance of linking Aadhaar card and PAN card, let us look at the step-by-step process of doing so:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department of India.
To link Aadhaar card and PAN card, you need to visit the official website of the Income Tax Department of India. The website is https://www.incometax.gov.in/. Once you are on the website, click on the 'Link Aadhaar' option under the 'Quick Links' section.
Step 2: Enter your details.
In this step, you need to enter your PAN card details, Aadhaar card details, name as per Aadhaar card, and captcha code. Make sure that you enter the details correctly as any discrepancy may lead to rejection of the linkage request.
Step 3: Click on the 'Link Aadhaar' button.
After entering the details, click on the 'Link Aadhaar' button. If your details match with the details available in the database, your Aadhaar card and PAN card will be linked successfully.
Step 4: Verify the status of Aadhaar PAN link.
After submitting the linkage request, you can verify the status of Aadhaar PAN link on the official website of the Income Tax Department of India. You can click on the 'Check Aadhaar PAN Link Status' option under the 'Quick Links' section to check the status.
Linking Aadhaar card and PAN card through SMS:
Apart from linking Aadhaar card and PAN card online, you can also do so through SMS. Here are the steps to link Aadhaar card and PAN card through SMS:
Step 1: Send an SMS.
To link Aadhaar card and PAN card through SMS, you need to send an SMS to either 567678 or 56161. Type UIDPAN<SPACE><12-digit Aadhaar number><SPACE><10-digit PAN number> and send it.
Step 2: Verification.
After sending the SMS, you will receive a message confirming the linkage request. The Aadhaar card and PAN card will be linked after verification of the details.
PAN Card Image Credit -Google |
Things to keep in mind while linking Aadhaar card and PAN card:
- While linking Aadhaar card and PAN card, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind:
- Ensure that the name and date of birth on both
- the Aadhaar card and PAN card are the same. If there is any discrepancy, get it corrected before linking them.
- Only one Aadhaar card can be linked to one PAN card. If you have multiple PAN cards, make sure to surrender them before linking Aadhaar card and PAN card.
- If you have recently updated your Aadhaar card or PAN card details, wait for a few days before linking them. This is to ensure that the updated details are reflected in the database.
- In case you do not have an Aadhaar card, you can apply for one online or at an Aadhaar enrollment center. Similarly, if you do not have a PAN card, you can apply for one online or at an authorized PAN service center.
- In case your Aadhaar card and PAN card are not linked, you may face penalties or fines.
Additionally, it is important to note that the last date to link Aadhaar card and PAN card has been extended multiple times in the past. However, it is always advisable to check the official website of the Income Tax Department of India for the latest updates and deadlines. the deadline to link Aadhaar card and PAN card in India is March 31, 2023. It is important to link them before the deadline to avoid any penalties or fines.
Conclusion:
Linking Aadhaar card and PAN card is an important step towards ensuring transparency and reducing fraudulent activities. It helps in the verification of identity, efficient processing of income tax returns, and availing various government
subsidies and benefits. The process of linking Aadhaar card and PAN card is simple and can be done online or through SMS. While linking them, ensure that the details on both cards are the same and only one Aadhaar card is linked to one PAN card. Keep these things in mind and avoid penalties or fines.