Big alert for all PAN card holders! Starting today, January 1, 2026, if your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it becomes inoperative. This major rule change affects millions of taxpayers across India, especially those who got their PAN using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID before October 2024.
The deadline to link was December 31, 2025. Now, unlinked PANs face serious restrictions in financial and tax matters.
Why This Major Update in 2026?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued Notification No. 26/2025 in April 2025. It requires specific PAN holders to link their actual Aadhaar number by end-2025. For others, earlier deadlines applied, but consequences kick in fully now.
Know Complete Details: No new penalty if linked on time for this category. But late linking now attracts ₹1,000 fee under Section 234H.
Big Trouble: What Happens If PAN is Inoperative?
An inoperative PAN means big disruptions. Here are the key problems:
- No Income Tax Returns (ITR) Filing: You cannot file returns until linked and operative again.
- No Tax Refunds: Pending refunds frozen.
- Higher TDS/TCS Rates: Up to 20% deduction on payments (instead of normal rates).
- Banking & Investments Blocked: Issues in opening accounts, high-value transactions, mutual funds, property deals.
- Other Impacts: Problems with loans, demat accounts, or any transaction needing PAN.
A Major Setback Avoided? Link now and pay ₹1,000 fee to reactivate. Process takes 4-30 days.
How to Check Status & Link Immediately
Check Status:
- Visit incometaxindia.gov.in
- Go to ‘Quick Links’ → ‘Link Aadhaar Status’
- Enter PAN & Aadhaar → Validate
Link Now (with ₹1,000 Fee):
- Pay fee via e-Pay Tax on portal (select ‘Other Receipts (500)’)
- Then go to ‘Link Aadhaar’ → Enter details → OTP verification
Exemptions: NRIs, super seniors (80+), residents of Assam/Meghalaya/J&K, non-citizens.
Stay safe from scams—use only official Income Tax portal.
Don’t delay—link today to avoid ongoing trouble in 2026!
What issues are you facing? Comment below.