PAN-Aadhaar Linking: Deadline Extended To June 30 Due To COVID Pandemic

The Narendra Modi government has extended the deadline for connecting PAN and Aadhaar due to the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PAN Card-Aadhaar Card linking deadline has been extended until June 30, 2021, according to a tweet from the Income-Tax Department.

Aadhaar is a 10-digit alphanumeric number assigned to an individual, firm, or entity by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), and PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number assigned by the IT Department to a person, firm, or entity.

The deadline for linking PAN and Aadhaar was originally set for March 31, 2021, the end of the current financial year. If the two aren't linked by the deadline, the PAN will be invalid.

In another tweet, the department said that the deadline for issuing a notice under section 148 of the Income Tax Act of 1961, passing a consequential order for a direction provided by the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP), and processing equalisation levy statements has also been extended until April 30, 2021.

In addition, the government recently passed the Finance Bill 2021 in the Lok Sabha, which included a new section 234H under which a person may be liable to pay a late fee of up to Rs 1,000 if their PAN is not connected to Aadhaar. However, a more comprehensive explanation is still pending.

Why you should link PAN and Aadhaar?

According to Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, anyone who is eligible for Aadhaar must include their Aadhaar number in their income tax return and application for PAN allotment. Any person who has been assigned a PAN as of July 1, 2017 and is qualified to receive an Aadhaar number must connect their PAN to their Aadhaar number.
The former will be declared invalid if the PAN and Aadhaar are not linked by the last date. PAN holders would be unable to file income tax returns, perform financial transactions that include a PAN, or receive government benefits such as pensions, scholarships, and LPG subsidy if this occurs.

How to link PAN and Aadhaar?

A person can link their PAN with Aadhaar by sending an SMS to 567678 or 56161, using the e-filing website, or manually filling out a form at a PAN service centre. If you already file an ITR (income tax return), your PAN is most likely connected to Aadhaar.

How to link PAN with Aadhaar online?

Step 1: Visit the I-T Department's website - incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
Step 2: Go to 'Link Aadhaar'
Step 3: Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, name
Step 4: Enter CAPTCHA.
Step 6: Click on the 'Link Aadhaar' option.

Your PAN-Aadhaar linking will be completed after the I-T Department validates your details.