PAN to become inoperative if not linked to Aadhaar before March 31

PAN card holders are asked to link their PAN with Aadhaar Card before March 31, 2023, failing which they will not be able to use the same from April 1, 2023. Once the PAN card holders miss this deadline, the 10-digit unique alphanumeric number will become inoperative. Individuals will also be restricted from filing the income-tax return or accessing PAN-related services if they fail to link Aadhaar and PAN card by 31 March, 2023.

“It is mandatory. Don’t delay, link it today! As per the I-T Act, it is mandatory for all PAN-holders who do not fall under the exempt category, to link their permanent account numbers (PAN) with Aadhaar before March 31, 2023. From April 1, 2023, the unlinked PAN shall become inoperative," reads the public advisory issued by the I-T Department.

The rule also says that individuals will have to pay a fine of Rs 1000 as a penalty or a late fee for linking their PAN with Aadhaar. Till June 30, 2022, this penalty was Rs 500. The penalty was, however, later doubled on July 1, 2022.

There are many ways to link PAN and Aadhaar. But the easiest of them is by linking through SMS.