PAN-Aadhaar linking: You can still do it at PAN service centres

Representative Image

If you missed the online due date to link PAN with Aadhaar or prefer availing in-person services, you can still do it at designated PAN service centres. The Income Tax Department has enabled individuals to link PAN with Aadhaar offline through Protean (earlier NSDL) and UTIITSL centres in India. The procedure proves useful for individuals without a consistent internet connection or individuals who face difficulties with the online procedure.

Where to go for offline linking

Go to your nearby PAN service centre—either Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL office. Both these offices have been authorized by the Income Tax Department for taking up PAN services, including Aadhaar linking. You should carry self-attested photocopies of PAN and Aadhaar cards along with the original ones for cross verification. The service centre will help you fill the form and get your application processed.

Fees and processing time

Aadhaar linking with PAN at a PAN centre will normally cost a small fee. Until July 2025, the government penalty of ₹1,000 for delayed linking also remains, which has to be paid before filing. A PAN centre can help you pay this, usually in the form of a challan (ITNS 280). After successful filing, linking status can be checked online on the Income Tax e-filing portal.

Who needs to link PAN and Aadhaar

This is applicable to most Indian taxpayers. In case you don't link your PAN and Aadhaar, your PAN will lose its functionality, thus denying you essential financial services such as opening a bank account, filing tax returns, or receiving high-value transactions. Non-resident Indians, residents of Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir, and individuals older than 80 years are exempted from this.

What to do if PAN is already non-operative

If your PAN has already been made inactive due to lapsed deadlines, then also you can revive it by linking and paying the late fee. The status would be updated within 30 days of successful authentication by the Income Tax Department. Your PAN, however, will remain inactive until the update is realized and may reject connected financial transactions in between.

FAQs

Q1. Can I link PAN and Aadhaar at any cyber café or CSC?

No, Aadhaar linking with PAN can be done only at official PAN service centres such as Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL. Cyber cafés or Common Service Centres (CSCs) may assist in online submission but are not registered to link Aadhaar offline directly.

Q2. Do I need to go physically to link Aadhaar with PAN offline?

Yes, you have to personally visit the PAN service centre with your documents to check and file it. This avoids fraudulent filing.

Q3. How do I check if my PAN is already linked with Aadhaar?

You can check your PAN-Aadhaar linking status online on the Income Tax e-filing portal using your Aadhaar and PAN number. The system will confirm if your linking is done or pending. For more information about income tax, please refer to the income tax article.