Why Aadhaar and PAN matching is needed
As the government has made it mandatory to connect your Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar, any mismatch of important information like your name or date of birth (DoB) can lead to issues during filing or authentication of your Income Tax Return (ITR). The e-filing can authenticate data from both documents- ITR filing, and electronic verification during login. If there are mismatches, your return filing can be suspended, your PAN can be rendered ineffective, and also refunds can be delayed.
Common reasons for mismatch
Name and date of birth mismatches would occur due to spelling error, difference in name sequence, longer or shorter names, maiden/married name, or incorrect year/mode of date in one of the records. For example, if your PAN card reads "Ravi Kumar Sharma" but Aadhaar reads "Ravi K Sharma," the system may flag it as a mismatch. Similarly, an incorrect birth year in either of the records would prevent successful linkage and verification.
How to rectify name or DoB in PAN
If your PAN has incorrect details, you can rectify them online on NSDL e-Gov or UTIITSL websites. Log in, select the option "Change/Correction in PAN Data," and provide correct details. Upload documents as proof of identity, proof of date of birth, and proof of address. Pay the small correction fee and submit your application and note the acknowledgment number to track status. Corrected PAN cards are usually dispatched within 15–20 working days.
How to change name or DoB in Aadhaar
If corrections to your Aadhaar information are unavoidable, you can correct most of them online through the UIDAI Self Service Update Portal (SSUP) with the exception of date of birth corrections, which includes a trip to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Use your Aadhaar number and OTP to log in, choose the demographic update option, and scan the supporting documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or school certificate. Once verified, corrections are normally updated in a few days.
Linking PAN and Aadhaar after rectification
When both the records have the same information, you can link PAN and Aadhaar through income tax e-filing portal. Click the "Link Aadhaar" option, enter PAN, Aadhaar number, and name as submitted in Aadhaar, and verify through OTP. You must link it not only for ITR filing, but also to keep your PAN active and to evade penalty. Do it well before ITR due date so that you do not land in trouble at the last minute.
FAQs
Q1: Is e-filing of ITR possible when PAN and Aadhaar are not linked?
No, Aadhaar and PAN have to be linked while submitting returns on the e-filing portal, with the exception of exempted cases.
Q2: How long will it take to have an impact?
PAN updates are finished in 2–3 weeks on an average, and Aadhaar updates may be performed in a few days after authentication.
Q3: Is there a penalty for not linking PAN and Aadhaar?
Yes, there is a ₹1,000 penalty for linking after the deadline.
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