How to Reactivate an Inoperative PAN in India

An inoperative PAN (Permanent Account Number) usually results from non-linking with Aadhaar by the prescribed deadline. Once inoperative, your PAN becomes unusable for filing ITR, receiving refunds, or completing financial transactions. Reactivating it involves linking it with Aadhaar and paying a penalty.

• Reasons Why PAN Becomes Inoperative

• The most common reason is non-linking of PAN with Aadhaar by the CBDT deadline.

• PAN may also become inoperative if found duplicated or issued in error.

• Failure to update KYC details or respond to compliance notices may trigger deactivation.

• Inoperative PAN cannot be used for filing income tax returns, banking, or investment purposes.

• Check PAN Status Before Reactivation

• Visit the official income tax e-filing portal 

• Click on “Link Aadhaar Status” to check if your PAN is active or inoperative.

• Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number to get the current linking status.

• If it shows “inoperative,” proceed to initiate the Aadhaar linking and reactivation steps.

• Pay the Late Linking Fee (₹1,000)

• Go to the “e-Pay Tax” option on the Income Tax portal without logging in.

• Enter your PAN, mobile number, and captcha to access the payment module.

• Choose Assessment Year, and under tax payment type, select ‘Fee for PAN-Aadhaar linking – 500/1000’.

• Pay ₹1,000 online via net banking, UPI, debit card, or other available options.

• Link PAN with Aadhaar After Payment

• After fee payment, visit the “Link Aadhaar” section on the same portal.

• Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and name as per Aadhaar.

• Authenticate via OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

• After submission, the linkage request is verified by UIDAI and typically processed within 7–30 days.

• Confirm PAN Reactivation and Best Practices

• Recheck the status after a few days to confirm PAN is now operative.

• Download and save the acknowledgement or SMS confirmation for future use.

• Once reactivated, you can file returns, receive refunds, and update banking records.

• Avoid future deactivation by ensuring your PAN is always Aadhaar-linked and updated.