PAN-Aadhaar Link Status Check Online and by SMS (2026)

The quickest way to do a PAN-Aadhaar link status check is on the Income Tax e-filing portal. You don't need to log in: open incometax.gov.in, go to Quick Links, choose Link Aadhaar Status, enter your PAN and Aadhaar number, and the answer shows up in a few seconds. If you'd rather use your phone, an SMS works too. Both are free.

It's worth checking even if you're sure you linked them years ago. If the link failed or never went through, your PAN is treated as inoperative, and that quietly blocks income tax refunds and pushes up the tax deducted on your interest and salary.

Method 1: PAN-Aadhaar link status check on the Income Tax portal

PAN-Aadhaar link status check steps on the Income Tax portal and by SMS, with what each result means — Both ways to check, and what to do after.

This works without an account and without OTP:

Open the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Under Quick Links on the left, click Link Aadhaar Status. On some versions of the page it's under "Link Aadhaar", with a separate "View Status" option.
Enter your 10-character PAN and 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Click View Link Aadhaar Status.

If you already have an e-filing login, you can also check from inside your account: after logging in, click Link Aadhaar Status on the Dashboard, or go to My Profile. If the link is done, your Aadhaar number shows there. The official Link Aadhaar user manual walks through both screens.

Method 2: PAN-Aadhaar link status check by SMS

No internet? Send an SMS from any phone in this format:

UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar number> <10-digit PAN>

Send it to 567678 or 56161. For example: UIDPAN 123412341234 ABCDE1234F. You'll get a reply saying whether the two are linked. Put a single space between each part, or the message won't be read.

What your PAN-Aadhaar link status means

What you see	What it means	What to do
Your PAN is already linked to given Aadhaar	All done	Nothing. Save a screenshot for your records
Your Aadhaar-PAN linking request has been sent to UIDAI for validation	You applied, and it's being checked	Wait and check again in a few days
PAN not linked with Aadhaar	Not linked, and your PAN is likely inoperative	Pay the ₹1,000 fee and link (steps below)

The wording above is how the portal messages are usually reported, for example in this ClearTax explainer. The portal sometimes tweaks the text, but the three outcomes stay the same.

Not linked? How to link now and make your PAN work again

The free linking window closed long ago, and the last extension (for PANs issued using an Aadhaar enrolment ID) ran out on 31 December 2025, as Business Standard reported. So in 2026, linking means paying a ₹1,000 fee first:

Pay the fee: on the e-filing portal, go to Quick Links, then e-Pay Tax. Enter your PAN, choose the current assessment year, then Income Tax (Major head 0021), and Other Receipts (500), with the sub-type "Fee for delay in linking PAN with Aadhaar". The ₹1,000 is filled in for you. Pay by net banking, UPI, card or at a bank.
Wait 4 to 5 working days for the payment to show up in the system. If you try too early, you'll see "Payment details not found".
Link: go to Quick Links, then Link Aadhaar. Enter PAN and Aadhaar, confirm your name as on Aadhaar, and enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Check the status again after a few days using Method 1.

Once UIDAI validates it, an inoperative PAN typically starts working again within about 7 to 30 days.

Your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar for the OTP. If it isn't, you'll need to update it at an Aadhaar centre first. While you're there, our Aadhaar card download guide shows how to get the e-Aadhaar PDF you'll want for the details.

What an inoperative PAN does to you

No income tax refunds while the PAN stays inoperative, and no interest on the refund for that period.
Higher TDS and TCS on things like fixed deposit interest, rent and salary, because the deductor has to treat you as having no valid PAN.
KYC trouble with banks, mutual funds, brokers and new PF claims. If you're planning a withdrawal, check this before you follow our PF balance check guide.

Your existing bank account and investments aren't frozen or taken away. The problems show up when you need to use your PAN.

Common errors and how to fix them

Name or date of birth doesn't match: the details on PAN and Aadhaar must be the same. Fix whichever one is wrong: PAN corrections through Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL, Aadhaar corrections through UIDAI or an Aadhaar centre. Then link again.
"Payment details not found": the fee hasn't reached the system yet. Wait 4 to 5 working days after paying.
PAN or Aadhaar already linked to another record: this needs your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO) to remove the wrong link. You can find your JAO's details on the e-filing portal.
Status stuck on "sent to UIDAI": give it a week. If it fails, the status page will show a Link Aadhaar button so you can try again.

A tip: only use incometax.gov.in or the official SMS numbers. Websites and WhatsApp messages that "check your PAN status" for a fee are a common scam. Our guide to checking SIM cards in your name covers another quick check that stops your ID from being misused.

Who doesn't need to link PAN with Aadhaar?

Some people are exempt, mainly non-resident Indians without Aadhaar, people who aren't Indian citizens, and those aged 80 or above. Residents of Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, and Meghalaya have also been exempt. NRIs should make sure their residential status is updated as non-resident on the e-filing portal, otherwise the PAN can still show as inoperative.

PAN Aadhaar link status kaise check kare (Hindi mein)

incometax.gov.in kholiye, Quick Links mein Link Aadhaar Status par click kijiye, PAN aur Aadhaar number daaliye aur View Link Aadhaar Status dabaiye. SMS se check karne ke liye UIDPAN <Aadhaar number> <PAN> likhkar 567678 ya 56161 par bhejiye. Agar link nahi hai, to pehle ₹1,000 fee e-Pay Tax se bhariye, 4-5 din baad Link Aadhaar karke OTP daaliye.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check PAN Aadhaar link status by mobile number?

There's no check that uses only your mobile number. On your phone, either open the Income Tax portal's Link Aadhaar Status page in a browser, or send an SMS in the format UIDPAN, then your Aadhaar number, then your PAN, to 567678 or 56161.

Is the PAN-Aadhaar link status check free?

Yes. Checking is free on the portal and by SMS. Only linking after the deadline costs a ₹1,000 fee.

How long does PAN-Aadhaar linking take after paying the fee?

Wait 4 to 5 working days after paying before you submit the link request. After the request is validated, an inoperative PAN usually becomes active again within about 7 to 30 days.

Can I file my ITR if my PAN is inoperative?

You may be able to file, but any refund won't be paid while the PAN is inoperative, and other tax steps can get stuck. Link it before you file to avoid the hassle.