As the country entered 2026, a single question has been circulating in the minds of millions: has the deadline for linking PAN and Aadhaar been extended? Confusion has only increased due to social media and forwarded messages. Knowing the truth is crucial, as it directly impacts your banking and tax-related activities.

Has the deadline been extended or not?
So far, the government or the Income Tax Department has not made any official announcement regarding an extension of the PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline. This means that those who have not completed the linking by the deadline may find their PAN cards becoming inoperative from January 1, 2026. Such PANs are considered inoperative.

What does it mean if your PAN becomes inoperative?
If your PAN becomes inoperative, several important tasks may be stalled. You will not be able to file income tax returns, you may face difficulties with several bank transactions, and access to some government services may be suspended. Additionally, any activity requiring a PAN may be affected.

How to check your PAN status immediately
If you are unsure whether your PAN is still active, don't delay. You can easily check your PAN status on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal. This requires your PAN number, date of birth, and mobile number for OTP verification. After entering the correct information, your PAN status will be displayed on the screen.

What to do if your PAN is deactivated
If the check reveals that your PAN is inoperative, there's no need to panic. You can still link your PAN and Aadhaar, but you will have to pay a prescribed late fee. After paying the fee, you need to complete the linking process. Your PAN may then be reactivated, although this may take some time.

How long does it take to reactivate?
After paying the late fee and completing the PAN-Aadhaar linking, it usually takes a few days to a few weeks for the PAN to become active again. Meanwhile, rules such as higher tax deductions may continue to apply wherever PAN is used.

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