Given that Permanent Account Number (PAN) acts as a taxpayer’s user ID for accessing the income tax department’s official e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in), it is critical to the income tax returns filing process.
If you haven’t done so already, you need to register on the website with your PAN. But before that, check whether your PAN is valid or not. You can carry out this check even if you have not registered on the website.
Verify your PAN's validity
Here’s how you can do it through the official site:
1. Ensure that your name and date of birth mentioned on the PAN card are correct and visit incometax.gov.in
2. On the left-hand side menu, click on ‘Verify your PAN status’
3. You will be redirected to the page where you have to enter your PAN, full name, date of birth and mobile number; ensure that you enter the details as mentioned on your PAN card
4. You will receive a six-digit OTP on your mobile number
5. If your verification is successful, you will receive this message: 'PAN is active and details as per PAN'
Link PAN and Aadhaar
Along with verifying your PAN validity, also ensure that your PAN and Aadhaar are linked. Failing to link the two will render PAN inoperative, though you can still file your returns. However, your refunds will not be issued until you link the two by paying a fee of Rs 1,000.
Here’s how you can complete the linking process:
1. Step one is to check whether you have already completed the process. You can visit the e-filing portal check the status and link your Aadhaar with PAN
3. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar details
4. If the two are linked, you need not take action
5. If they aren’t, then you will have to log in to www.incometax.gov.in (your PAN will be your user ID)
6. Go to e-file > e-pay tax > New payment
7. Select type of payment as ‘Other receipts (500)’ and continue
8. You can view the pre-filled amount of Rs 1,000; click on continue
9. Choose your bank account and proceed to complete the payment
10. You can download the challan by clicking on e-File > e-Pay Tax > Payment History
11. Next, click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ tab on left hand side menu of the e-filing portal’s homepage
12. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar and validate the information
Also read: Income tax calculator for the financial year 2024-25
If you missed the June 30, 2023 deadline to link Aadhaar and PAN, you can make your PAN operative again within 30 days by seeding your Aadhaar and paying a penalty of Rs 1,000.
However, those who are not mandated to complete this linking process will not have to face any consequences.
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