How to Check Aadhaar-PAN link status through SMS?

The government has mandated that Aadhaar be linked to a Permanent Account Number (PAN) by March 31. Failure to do so may result in the inactivation of the PAN or the imposition of a penalty. According to a circular issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in March 2022, a person's PAN will become inoperative if it is not linked with Aadhaar by March 31, 2023, and the person will face all the consequences under the Income-tax Act, 1961, for failing to furnish, notify, or quote the PAN.
On March 9, markets regulator Sebi requested that all investors link their PAN with their Aadhaar number by the end of March in order to ensure continuous and smooth transactions in the securities market. With the deadline approaching, if you are unsure whether your Aadhaar and PAN are linked, here is your guide.

Why is PAN- Aadhaar Linking Important?

PAN is required for all taxpaying citizens. It must be disclosed on your tax returns. Here are some examples of PAN number applications:

• In order to pay direct taxes
• To submit income tax returns
• To avoid deducting tax at a higher rate than is required
• To conduct a specific transaction, such as:
• Purchase or sale of real estate worth Rs 5 lakh or more
• Purchase or sale of a non-two-wheeler vehicle
• Payment of more than Rs 25,000 to hotels or restaurants at one time
• Payment of more than Rs 25,000 in cash in connection with travel to any foreign country
• Payment of Rs 50,000 or more to the Reserve Bank of India for bond acquisition
• Payment of Rs 50,000 or more to a company or institution for the acquisition of bonds or debentures
• Payment of Rs 50,000 or more to a company for the acquisition of shares
• Any purchase of mutual funds
• In 24 hours, deposit more than Rs 50,000 with any single banking institution.
• Payment of more than Rs 5 lakh for bullion and jewellery

By including your PAN number on these transactions, the government can keep track of the financial transactions you make in a year and levy the appropriate income tax on a citizen.

How to Check PAN-Aadhaar linking status using SMS?

Step 1: Type UIDPAN followed by a space in an SMS.
Step 2: Enter Aadhaar number
Step 3: Enter 10-digit Permanent Account Number (PAN)
The SMS will contain the following information: UIDPAN 12 digit Aadhaar number> 10 digit Permanent Account Number>
Step 4: Text 567678 or 56161 to 567678.
Step 5: Wait for the service to respond.
If the PAN is linked to Aadhaar, the message will say Aadhaar...is already associated with PAN (number) in the ITD database.