The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar, which is a unique 12-digit identification number, on behalf of the Government of India., serving as a valid proof of identity and address across India. It is crucial to link Aadhaar with your income tax return as it serves the fundamental purpose of identity verification, ensuring that the person filing the return is indeed the legitimate taxpayer. This linkage also helps prevent the issuance of duplicate PAN cards, which can be exploited for tax evasion or illegal financial activities. To learn more about how to de-link Aadhaar with PAN Card, CLICK HERE.

Additionally, Aadhaar linkage enables the government to implement Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) effectively, ensuring that subsidies and benefits reach eligible individuals directly into their bank accounts, reducing leakage and enhancing transparency. Furthermore, it aids in the government’s efforts to tackle tax evasion by allowing cross-verification of income and financial transactions, ultimately contributing to a fairer and more effective tax system.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR WITH INCOME TAX RETURN ONLINE OTP:

1. Visit the Income Tax Department’s e-filing website: Go to the official Income Tax Department e-filing website: https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/ 

2. Log in to your e-filing account: If you already have an e-filing account, log in using your credentials (User ID, Password, and Captcha). If you don’t have an account, you can register for one.

3. Access your profile settings: After logging in, go to your profile settings or account dashboard.

4. Link Aadhaar with PAN: Locate the option to link your Aadhaar with your PAN (Permanent Account Number). This step is crucial because income tax return filing requires the linking of both Aadhaar and PAN.

5. Provide your Aadhaar details: You will need to input your Aadhaar number and other required details.

6. Verify Aadhaar linkage: After entering your Aadhaar details, you may receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar. Enter this OTP for verification.

7. Confirmation: Once the verification successfully completes, a confirmation message will indicate the linking of your Aadhaar with your income tax return.

8. Check linkage status: You can also verify the successful completion of your Aadhaar-PAN linkage by checking its status.

9. File your income tax return: You can now proceed to file your income tax return on the same website. Ensure that you select the correct Aadhaar-linked PAN while filing your return.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR WITH INCOME TAX RETURN VIA SMS:

1. Make sure that you have registered your mobile number with both your Aadhaar and PAN.

2. Compose a new SMS from your registered mobile number in the following format: UIDPAN<space><12-digit Aadhaar Number><space><10-digit PAN> For example: UIDPAN 123456789012 ABCDE1234F

3. Send this SMS to the official Aadhaar SMS service number. Please note that the official SMS number may vary based on your mobile service provider. Typically, you can send this SMS to either 567678 or 56161.

4. After sending the SMS, you should receive a confirmation SMS indicating that your Aadhaar and PAN have been linked successfully.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR WITH INCOME TAX RETURN VIA INCOME TAX MOBILE APP:

1. Download the Official Income Tax Department Mobile App: Visit your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS). Search for and download the official Income Tax Department mobile app. The app’s name and features may vary, so ensure it is the official app provided by the Income Tax Department of India.

2. Install and Open the App: Once the app is downloaded, install it and open it on your mobile device.

3. Register or Log In: If you already have an account with the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal, you can log in using your existing credentials. If not, you may need to register for a new account.

4. Access Aadhaar Linkage Feature: Inside the app, you should find an option or feature related to Aadhaar linkage. This feature may be in the form of “Link Aadhaar,” “Profile Settings,” or something similar.

5. Enter Your Aadhaar Details: Follow the prompts to enter your Aadhaar number and any other required details.

6. Request OTP: You may be given the option to request an OTP (One-Time Password) for verification. Ensure that your mobile number is correctly linked to your Aadhaar as the OTP will be sent to this number.

7. Enter OTP: Once you receive the OTP on your registered mobile number, enter it in the app.

8. Submit and Confirmation: After entering the OTP, submit the request. You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your Aadhaar is linked to your PAN for income tax purposes.

9. Check Aadhaar-PAN Linkage Status: You can also check the status of your Aadhaar-PAN linkage within the app to ensure it has been successfully completed.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR WITH INCOME TAX RETURN VIA UIDAI PORTAL ONLINE:

1. Visit the UIDAI Official Website: Go to the official UIDAI website at [https://uidai.gov.in/]

2. Access the Aadhaar-PAN Linking Section: Look for a section or option related to linking Aadhaar with PAN. This section may be labeled as “Aadhaar-PAN Link.”

3. Enter Your Aadhaar and PAN Details: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and 10-digit PAN in the designated fields.

4. Verify Captcha and Submit: Complete the CAPTCHA verification, if required.

5. Generate OTP (One-Time Password): You will likely have the option to generate an OTP for verification. Make sure that your mobile number, registered with Aadhaar, is accessible as the OTP will be sent to this number.

6. Receive and Enter OTP: Once you receive the OTP on your registered mobile number, enter it in the provided field on the UIDAI portal.

7. Submit and Confirmation: After entering the OTP, submit the request. You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your Aadhaar is successfully linked with your PAN.

8. Check Aadhaar-PAN Linkage Status: To verify the linkage status, you may check on the UIDAI portal or the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal.

HOW TO CHECK STATUS OF AADHAAR-PAN LINKING TO INCOME TAX RETURN:

1. Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing portal: [https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/]

2. Log In to Your Account: Log in to your e-Filing account using your credentials (User ID, Password, and Captcha).

3. Go to the Profile Settings: After logging in, navigate to the profile settings or account dashboard.

4. Check Aadhaar-PAN Linking Status: Look for an option to check the status of your Aadhaar-PAN linkage. This option is typically found under the “Profile Settings” or “Link Aadhaar” section.

5. View the Status: Click on the option to check the status, and you will be provided with information on whether your Aadhaar is linked to your PAN for income tax purposes.

6. Confirmation Message: If your Aadhaar is successfully linked to your PAN, you should receive a confirmation message indicating that the linkage is complete.

If you have linked Aadhaar to your PAN through the UIDAI portal, you can also check the linkage status on the UIDAI website:

1. Visit the UIDAI Official Website: Go to the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/ 

2. Access the Aadhaar-PAN Linking Section: Look for a section or option related to checking the status of your Aadhaar-PAN linkage. This section may be labeled as “Aadhaar-PAN Link Status” or similar.

3. Enter Your Aadhaar and PAN Details: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and 10-digit PAN in the designated fields.

4. Verify Captcha and Submit: Complete the CAPTCHA verification, if required.

5. View the Status: Click on the option to check the status, and you will receive information on whether your Aadhaar is linked to your PAN.

BENEFITS OF AADHAAR-PAN LINKING FOR INCOME TAX RETURN:

1. Streamlined Tax Filing: Linking Aadhaar with PAN simplifies the income tax filing process by providing accurate identification and reducing the chances of errors in your tax return.

2. Reduction in Tax Evasion: It helps in curbing tax evasion and fraudulent financial activities as it ensures that individuals do not use multiple PANs to underreport income or evade taxes.

3. Elimination of Duplicate PANs: Linking Aadhaar helps in identifying and eliminating duplicate or fake PAN cards, making the taxation system more efficient and transparent.

4. Quick Processing of Returns: Linking your income tax returns with Aadhaar speeds up the processing, resulting in faster refunds, if applicable.

5. Digital Verification: Aadhaar-PAN linkage enables online verification of your tax return, reducing the need for physical documents and paperwork.

6. Financial Services: Having a linked Aadhaar and PAN may simplify various financial transactions and services, such as opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and investing in financial instruments.

7. Government Subsidies: It facilitates the direct transfer of government subsidies and benefits to eligible individuals, reducing leakage and ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients.

8. Ease of Compliance: Compliance with tax regulations becomes more accessible and more transparent, reducing the chances of legal issues related to tax evasion.

9. Identity Verification: Aadhaar, with its biometric data, provides a robust way to verify your identity, reducing the risk of identity theft or fraud in financial transactions.

10. Government Initiatives: Linking Aadhaar with PAN aligns with various government initiatives aimed at promoting digitalization, financial inclusion, and transparency.

FAQS ON AADHAAR LINK WITH ITR:

1. What is the deadline for linking Aadhaar with my PAN for income tax purposes?

The deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar was June 30, 2023.

2. Is it mandatory to link Aadhaar with my PAN for income tax filing?

Yes, it is mandatory to link Aadhaar with your PAN for income tax filing in India.

3. What are the benefits of linking Aadhaar to my PAN for income tax purposes?

Linking Aadhaar to your PAN simplifies the income tax filing process, reduces the chances of identity fraud and tax evasion, and ensures compliance with government regulations.

4. Can I file my income tax return without linking Aadhaar to my PAN?

No, you cannot file your income tax return without linking Aadhaar to your PAN.

5. What happens if I miss the deadline to link Aadhaar with my PAN for income tax purposes?

Missing the deadline to link Aadhaar with your PAN may result in the invalidation of your PAN, making it challenging to file your income tax return. It’s crucial to link them promptly to avoid complications.

6. Can I link multiple Aadhaar numbers to a single PAN for income tax filing?

No, you can link only one Aadhaar number to each PAN for income tax purposes.

7. What should I do if there is a discrepancy in my Aadhaar or PAN details during the linkage process?

Ensure that your Aadhaar and PAN details are correct and up-to-date. If there is a discrepancy, you should resolve it with the respective authorities before attempting the linkage.