Deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN extended by six months
The Central government has extended the deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN by six months, to September 30, 2019. The previous deadline to link the two IDs was March 31. However, as per the Supreme Court order, it is mandatory to quote Aadhaar for filing Income Tax return. Interestingly, it is the sixth time that the Aadhaar-PAN linkage deadline has been pushed. Here's more.
Previous deadline extensions
This is the sixth time that the government has pushed forward the last date for linking Aadhaar and PAN. Previous deadlines for the linkage were March 31, 2019, June 30, 2018, March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, August 31, 2017, and July 31, 2017.
Quoting of Aadhaar is still mandatory for filing I-T returns
Despite the deadline extension, quoting of Aadhaar while filing I-T returns is still mandatory. "Notwithstanding the last date of intimating/linking of Aadhaar Number with PAN being September 30, 2019, it is also made clear that w.e.f. April 1, 2019, it is mandatory to quote and link Aadhaar number while filing the return of income," clarified the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
50% existing PANs linked with Aadhaar, by September 2018
Apparently, many taxpayers have, time and again, failed to meet these government-notified deadlines to link PAN with Aadhaar. Reportedly, by September last year, out of the 41 crore total issued PANs, over 21 crore were linked with Aadhaar.
Here's why it is mandatory to link Aadhaar with PAN
All Indian residents are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card. And, all Aadhaar-holders must lawfully link it with PAN. Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act states that every individual eligible to get Aadhaar, shall, on or after the 1st day of July, 2017, quote Aadhaar number in 1) the application form for allotment of PAN, and 2) in the return of income.
How to link Aadhaar with PAN online
To link Aadhaar with PAN via online mode, log on to the Income Tax e-portal. Next, under the 'Quick Links' section, click on 'Link Aadhaar.' Post that, enter details such as Aadhaar number, PAN, Name, and the screen-displayed Captcha code. Submit the details, click on 'Link Aadhaar', and you are done. After successful verification from UIDAI, the linkage will be confirmed.
Linkage can also be done via SMS
Apart from the online method, users can also link their Aadhaar with PAN, using SMS service. To do so, type a text message in this format: UIDPAN (space) 12-digit Aadhaar number (space) 10-digit PAN, and send to 567678 or 56161 from your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Clearing the air around Aadhaar status
Post the September 26, 2018 SC verdict relating to authentication of Aadhaar, there has been some confusion with respect to the services where Aadhaar is necessary and where not. Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for services such as bank accounts, telecom services, and school admissions/entrance tests. However, it is still necessary for getting a PAN, filing I-T returns, and availing government welfare schemes
