If you are reading this in 2026, I have bad news and good news.
The Bad News: The free deadline is long gone. If your PAN is not linked to your Aadhaar today, it is officially "Inoperative." This means your bank KYC is frozen, you cannot file ITR, and your employer is forced to deduct 20% TDS on your salary instead of the usual 10%.
The Good News: You can still fix it. It will cost you exactly ₹1,000 and about 3 days of waiting.
As someone who helps people with tax filings in Pune, I have seen many clients panic when their mutual funds stop working. Here is the no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to reactivate your PAN in 2026.
1. The "Reality Check" (Do This First)
Before you pay any money, check if you are actually unlinked. Sometimes, the bank scares you for no reason.
- Go to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Do not log in. Look for "Quick Links" on the left side.
- Click on "Link Aadhaar Status".
- Enter your PAN and Aadhaar Number.
If it says: "PAN not linked with Aadhaar. Please click on 'Link Aadhaar'..." — proceed to Step 2 immediately.
2. How to Pay the ₹1,000 Penalty (The Tricky Part)
This is where 90% of people get stuck. You cannot just "pay and finish." It is a two-step process.
Step A: The Payment (e-Pay Tax)
- Go to "e-Pay Tax" under Quick Links.
- Enter PAN and Mobile Number to verify OTP.
- Select Assessment Year: Choose 2026-27 (Always choose the current AY).
- Type of Payment: Select "Other Receipts (500)".
- Sub-Type: Select "Fee for delay in linking PAN with Aadhaar".
- The system will auto-fill ₹1,000. Pay using UPI or Netbanking.
⚠️ NJ's Warning: Do NOT close the tab after paying. Download the Challan Receipt. You will need the BSR Code and Challan Serial Number if the system glitches.
3. The "Waiting Period" (Crucial Step)
Do not try to link immediately after paying.
The Income Tax server takes time to register your payment. In 2026, it usually takes 48 hours (2 days). If you try immediately, it will say "Payment details not found."
My Advice: Pay on Monday, come back on Wednesday.
4. The Final Step: Validate & Link
After waiting for 48 hours:
- Go back to the Portal > "Link Aadhaar".
- Enter PAN and Aadhaar again.
- This time, the system will show a popup: "Your payment details are verified."
- Click "Continue".
- Enter the Name exactly as per Aadhaar and your Mobile Number.
- Enter the OTP and click "Link Aadhaar".
Congratulations! Your request is submitted. Your PAN will become "Operative" again within 30 days.
5. Who is Exempt? (Don't Pay if You Are Here)
You do NOT need to pay ₹1,000 if you fall into these categories:
- NRIs (Non-Resident Indians).
- Citizens aged 80 years or above (Super Senior Citizens).
- Residents of Assam, Meghalaya, or Jammu & Kashmir.
Final Verdict
Ignoring this is expensive. If your PAN stays Inoperative, you lose 20% of your income to TDS and can't invest in the stock market. Spend the ₹1,000 today and save yourself the headache.
Related Reading: Old vs New Tax Regime 2026: Calculate Your Savings