Aadhaar-PAN Linking Issues Resolved

A couple of months ago, when it was mandatory to link an individual’s Aadhaar biometric data with the IT Department-issued Permanent Account Number, an estimated 1.22 crore individuals completed the process within a few weeks. However, that number represents only a fraction of the total number of PAN cards issued and many individuals reported that they were unable to complete the process due to a mismatch of information between Aadhaar and PAN databases.

The most common complaint by far was a mismatch in the spellings of the name on the two documents and the only way to resolve it seemed to be to initiate a correction of one of the documents. Now, the IT department has come up with a much simpler solution to this issue of name mismatch. This will definitely help individuals who were unable to link their Aadhaar and PAN details earlier.

How the System Works

Step 1. Log on to https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/

Step 2. On the left pane of the homepage, you will see 2 links – “Link Aadhar” and “Links to correct name”. In case you want to know the procedure how to link Aadhaar with PAN, read “Linking PAN and Aadhaar – Why and How To Do It”.

Step 3. On clicking the “Links to correct name” option, you are redirected to the following page:

Step 4. In the above page, you get the option to make the change through either the NSDL PAN website or the UIDAI website.

The NSDL web link leads to a form similar to one used to apply for a new PAN Card. You can input the necessary details and upload signed digital copies of the supporting documents to get the name on the PAN card corrected. Once NSDL confirms that the correction is completed by email, you can easily get your Aadhaar and PAN linked.

The UID link on the other hand is fairly straightforward. You get redirected to the UID website and enter your Aadhaar Number to get started. If the difference in spelling is minor, you will receive an OTP and once you enter it, you can get your Aadhaar and PAN linked with ease.

In case of name change, only an OTP suffices, but in case other information needs to be changed, supporting documents will have to be submitted.

The introduction of these new systems is expected to help quite a few people get their Aadhar linked to PAN even though they might not have been able to do so at an earlier date because of an issue as small as a price mismatch.