In a major development, the Indian government has announced that linking PAN (Permanent Account Number) with Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for certain individuals. The previous deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar, set for June 30, 2023, no longer applies to these individuals. Failure to link PAN with Aadhaar by the deadline would have rendered the PAN card useless for those individuals, depriving them of its benefits.
Earlier, the central government had issued guidelines mandating the linking of PAN with Aadhaar, emphasizing its importance in compliance with the Income Tax Act of 1961. However, the Income Tax Department has now clarified that certain individuals are exempt from this requirement. Let us delve into the details and understand who falls under the category exempt from linking PAN with Aadhaar.
Categories of Individuals Exempt from PAN-Aadhaar Linkage
According to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Finance in May 2017, specific categories of individuals are not obligated to link PAN with Aadhaar. The following individuals are exempt:
- Residents of Assam, Meghalaya, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
- Non-residents as per the Income Tax Act of 1961
- Individuals aged 80 years or older, as of the previous year
- Individuals who are not citizens of India
Guidelines for Linking PAN with Aadhaar
For those who still need to link their PAN with Aadhaar, there are multiple methods available to facilitate the process. Consider the following options:
- Online Process: Visit the official income tax e-filing website, incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in, to link your PAN with Aadhaar online.
- SMS Process: Alternatively, you can link PAN and Aadhaar through SMS. Send the message “UIDPAN <SPACE> <12-digit Aadhaar number> <SPACE> <10-digit PAN number>” to either 567678 or 56161.
- Offline Process: Visit the nearest PAN Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Seva Kendra to link your PAN with Aadhaar in person.
It is important to note that these instructions are subject to the latest guidelines provided by the authorities. Stay informed and updated regarding any future changes or modifications.
In conclusion, the central government’s decision to exempt certain individuals from linking PAN with Aadhaar brings significant relief to PAN card holders. By implementing the provided methods, eligible individuals can conveniently complete the PAN-Aadhaar linkage process.
