Income Tax Department

PAN Card Inactive? You Could Be Fined ₹10,000 by the Income Tax Department — Check Your Status Now

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Income Tax Department
New Delhi, June 7 — The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is one of the most critical documents for Indian citizens, especially for financial transactions, filing income tax returns, and banking activities. But did you know your PAN card can be deactivated, and using an inactive PAN could land you in serious trouble — including a penalty of up to ₹10,000?

According to the Income Tax Department, individuals found using deactivated or non-compliant PAN cards are being penalized. If you are unaware of your PAN status, it’s crucial to verify it immediately to avoid fines and disruptions in financial services.

Why PAN Cards Get Deactivated

There are several reasons a PAN card may be rendered inactive:

  • Non-linkage with Aadhaar: As per government rules, linking PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory. If this isn’t done within the prescribed deadline, the PAN card can be deactivated.

  • Duplicate PANs: Holding more than one PAN card is illegal. In such cases, the government deactivates the additional PAN(s).

  • Incorrect information: PAN cards issued based on inaccurate or incomplete application data may also be disabled.

  • Prolonged non-use: In rare cases, a PAN may become inactive due to non-usage over an extended period.

How to Check If Your PAN Card Is Active

You can easily verify the status of your PAN card online through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal:

  1. Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/.

  2. Under the ‘Quick Links’ section on the homepage, click on ‘Verify PAN Status’.

  3. Enter your full name, date of birth, and the mobile number registered with your PAN.

  4. Enter the OTP received on your mobile.

  5. The portal will display whether your PAN card is active or inactive.

What to Do If Your PAN Card Is Inactive

If your PAN card is shown as inactive, the first step is to check its Aadhaar linkage. PANs not linked to Aadhaar are automatically deactivated. Here’s how you can link them:

  1. Visit the e-filing website of the Income Tax Department.

  2. Click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ under ‘Quick Links’.

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

  4. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

  5. Click on ‘Link Aadhaar’.

If your PAN is already linked with Aadhaar and is still inactive, contact the Income Tax Department or consult a qualified tax advisor for further resolution.

Why You Should Act Now

Ignoring an inactive PAN can lead to financial disruptions, including inability to open bank accounts, conduct high-value transactions, or file income tax returns. Most importantly, using an inactive PAN can result in a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.

To avoid penalties and service disruptions, ensure your PAN is active and linked with Aadhaar. This small step can help you remain compliant with tax laws and secure your financial transactions.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several 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.