link Aadhaar with PAN using SMS
The Income Tax Department declared that taxpayers can link their PAN card with their Aadhaar card using an easy SMS-based process.
SMS format to link Aadhaar with PAN
Send SMS to 567678 or 56161 in the following format:
UIDPAN<12 digit Aadhaar><10 digit PAN>
Example: UIDPAN 3421342112341234 AAAAAE12EE
The department issued ads in newspapers across the country and explained how both the unique identity numbers of a person can be linked by sending a message to either 56161 or 567678.
Procedure for Linking PAN Card and Aadhaar Card
In order to link PAN and Aadhaar cards, taxpayers have to first register on the Income-tax e-Filing portal. Once they have done so, they are to follow the steps outlined below:
- Log in to the e-Filing portal of the Income Tax Department by entering the log-in ID, password and date of birth
- On logging in to the site, a pop-up window will appear, prompting you to link your PAN card with Aadhaar card.
- Details such as name, date of birth and gender will already be mentioned as per the details submitted at the time of registration on the e-Filing portal.
- Verify the details on screen with the ones mentioned on your Aadhaar card.
- If the details match, enter your Aadhaar card number and click on the “link now” button.
- A pop-up message will inform you that your Aadhaar card has been successfully linked to your PAN card.
Step 1:
Open the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Register on it. Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) will be your user id.
Login on the page using your User ID, Password and Date of Birth.
Here a popup window will appear if not just find the blue tab on the highest bar named ‘Profile Settings’ on Menu bar and click on on ‘Link Aadhaar’.
Step 2:
Add the required details like name, DOB and gender as per pan details after Enter your 12 digit Aadhaar card number and verify captcha and Click On Link Aadhaar.
Step 3:
Finally a popup message will display as your Aadhaar card has been successfully linked to your PAN card
FAQs for Linking Aadhaar with PAN
- 1. If I don’t fall into the taxable bracket, do I still have to get an Aadhaar card or have it linked to my PAN? Yes, it is advisable that you apply for an Aadhaar card and have it linked with your PAN. Aadhar is now necessary to avail most government benefits and so it is advisable to apply for it and also get it linked with PAN to ensure that your PAN is valid.
- 2. Do NRIs residing in India have to link their PAN as well?? The requirement to quote Aadhaar for filing income tax returns and for making an application for allotment of PAN with effect from July 1, 2017 does not apply to nonresident Indians [NRIs].
- Is it mandatory to create an account with the department website? No, it is not necessary to have an account with the department website. There is a direct link that is available which you can use to link your PAN and Aadhaar Card.
- I used to live in India but settled abroad. I plan on returning to India. Do I need to apply for an Aadhaar Card or am I exempted from this rule? If you plan on staying in the country for more than 6 months or 182 days, you will have to apply for an Aadhaar card when you reach India.
- Can I file my tax returns without an Aadhaar card? Yes, you can file your tax returns without an Aadhaar card. But you should duly note that from July 1, 2017, the PAN which most of us posses will become invalid if your Aadhaar number has not been linked on the official website of the Department. Therefore, it is highly advisable that you apply for an Aadhaar Card immediately if you do not have one already.
- What are the benefits that I am entitled to receive when I link my PAN and Aadhaar number? Once you have linked your Aadhaar number and your PAN, you will be eligible for the following benefits:
- You can file your income tax returns
- Your PAN will not become invalid
- You can verify your tax returns online using the same card, provided your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar.
- You can ensure the security of your e-filing account as well as change or reset the password to your account to prevent any malicious activity with your account by an unauthorized user
- How long is the OTP sent by the Aadhaar database valid for? The Aadhaar OTP is valid for a total of 15 minutes from the time it was generated.
- How can I change the mobile number that is registered with Aadhaar? You can get in touch with the UIDAI helpdesk by email at authsupport@uidai.gov.in or you can contact their toll-free number which is 1800-300-1947.
- Can I de-link my Aadhaar number? No. There is no option that is available to de-link your Aadhaar number once it has been updated on the e-filing page.
- How do I make changes to an Aadhaar Number that I have filed? You can get in touch with the UIDAI helpdesk by email at authsupport@uidai.gov.in or you can contact their toll-free number which is 1800-300-1947.
- What should I do if my details as per my PAN card do not match with the ones mentioned on my Aadhaar card?If the details on your PAN card such as spelling of the name, date of birth or gender do not match the ones on your Aadhaar card, you will have to submit an application with valid proof and get the details corrected. After this, you may apply to link your Aadhaar with your PAN card.
- Do I have to submit any documentary proof to link my PAN and Aadhaar card? No, you are not required to submit any documents when linking your Aadhaar to your PAN card. You have to check if the PAN information mentioned on the website matches your Aadhaar card and then apply for them to be linked.
- What are the details I have to check when linking my PAN with my Aadhaar card? When linking your PAN with your Aadhaar card, you have to make sure that your name, date of birth and gender as displayed on the income tax website matches with the details on your Aadhaar card.