If you are a PAN card holder in India, a critical alert from the Income Tax Department deserves your urgent attention. As per the latest directive, if your PAN card is inactive, you could face a penalty of up to ₹10,000. PAN (Permanent Account Number) is not only vital for filing income tax returns but is also mandatory for a wide range of financial activities including opening bank accounts, investing, buying property, or applying for loans.

When Can a ₹10,000 Fine Be Imposed?
The government has made it clear: inactive or unlinked PAN cards are liable for penal action. The objective is to enforce better compliance and ensure PAN is being used responsibly for financial transparency. As per Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, failure to keep your PAN updated or misusing it can result in a fine of ₹10,000.
How to Check If Your PAN Card is Active — From Home
Thankfully, you can check your PAN card status easily online. Follow these simple steps:
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Visit the e-Filing Portal: Go to the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing website.
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Click on “Verify Your PAN”: This feature allows you to check PAN validity instantly.
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Enter Required Details: Fill in your PAN number, full name, date of birth, and the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.
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Authenticate via OTP: You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
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Check Status: Once authenticated, the system will show if your PAN card is active, inactive, or needs any updates.
What to Do If Your PAN Card Is Inactive?
If your PAN card is found to be inactive, you can take immediate corrective action:
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Link PAN with Aadhaar: If not already linked, this is the first and most essential step.
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Revalidate the Link: Sometimes, links get broken due to changes in personal details like name or date of birth. Re-check and update as needed.
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Surrender Duplicate PANs: If you hold more than one PAN card, surrender the duplicate immediately. Holding multiple PAN cards is illegal and could attract penalties.
You can also visit the NSDL or UTIITSL websites to request updates or reactivation of your PAN card through a simple online process.
Don’t Delay – Avoid Hefty Penalties
Keeping your PAN card active and correctly linked to Aadhaar is more than just a compliance requirement—it’s essential for your uninterrupted financial transactions. Whether it’s income tax filing, large-value purchases, or banking operations, a valid PAN is your financial identity. Ignoring this could lead to not just a penalty but also operational hurdles in your everyday life.
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- My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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