Who Can Link for Free and How to Do It
Who Can Link for Free and How to Do It In a major relief for certain taxpayers, the Ministry of Finance, via the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), has extended the deadline for free PAN-Aadhaar linking to December 31, 2025 — but only for a specific category of individuals.
This follows the official CBDT Notification No. 26/2025, dated April 3, 2025, and brings clarity on who qualifies for this waiver and how to complete the linking.
📜 What the Official Notification Says
As per Notification S.O. 1605(E) issued under Section 139AA(2A) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, anyone Who Can Link for Free and How to Do It who was issued a PAN based on an Aadhaar Enrolment ID (instead of a full Aadhaar number) submitted before October 1, 2024, is eligible to link PAN and Aadhaar without any fee, if done on or before December 31, 2025.
Direct Quote:
“…intimate his Aadhaar number to the Principal Director General of Income-tax (Systems) or Director General of Income-tax (Systems)… Who Can Link for Free and How to Do It on or before the 31st day of December, 2025…”
This means no late fee of ₹1,000 for eligible individuals linking within the deadline.
✅ Who Can Link PAN with Aadhaar for Free?
Only specific taxpayers can avail of this free linking benefit. You are eligible if all of the following apply:
- Who Can Link for Free and How to Do It You were issued a PAN using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID, not the full Aadhaar number.
- Your Aadhaar application was submitted before October 1, 2024.
- You complete the linking process on or before December 31, 2025.
❌ Not Eligible?
If you were issued PAN after October 1, 2024, or based on a complete Aadhaar number, and have not linked yet — you’ll need to pay the ₹1,000 late fee to proceed with linking.
🛑 What If You Don’t Link Your PAN with Aadhaar?
If you miss the deadline and don’t link your PAN:
- Your PAN will become inoperative
- You won’t be able to file Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- You may face issues in opening bank accounts
- High-value transactions could get blocked
- You will need to pay the ₹1,000 late fee and may incur additional penalties
🔗 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Link PAN with Aadhaar
Follow these simple steps to complete your PAN-Aadhaar linking:
- Visit the e-Filing Portal
Go to: https://www.incometax.gov.in
Click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ under the “Quick Links” section.
- Enter Details
Fill in your PAN and Aadhaar number, then click ‘Continue’.
- Validate with OTP
- Enter your mobile number
- Receive the OTP and input it to validate
- Payment (if applicable)
If you don’t qualify for free linking, you’ll need to pay the ₹1,000 penalty:
- Use the ‘e-Pay Tax’ feature on the same portal
- Choose AY 2025–26
- Select “Other Receipts (500)” as the payment head
- Submit Request
After payment (if applicable), return to the ‘Link Aadhaar’ section.
Submit your request and wait for confirmation.
📝 Final Words
Who Can Link for Free and How to Do It This move is part of the government’s broader initiative to integrate identity and financial systems for better transparency and compliance.
If you’re among those exempt from the late fee, don’t wait — link your Aadhaar with PAN before December 31, 2025, and avoid future hassles.
Need help?
✔️ Visit the official Income Tax website
✔️ Reach out to the IT helpdesk
✔️ Or consult a tax professional if you’re unsure of your eligibility.
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