
Filing an income tax return (ITR) is mandatory in India, and a PAN card is typically required to do so. However, if you have missed the deadline to file your income tax returns, there is no need to panic. You can still file your tax returns after the due date, although you may have to pay a late filing fee and interest on the tax liability. If your PAN is inoperative due to non-linking with Aadhaar, you will not be able to file your income tax returns. In this case, you will receive a warning message and can choose to link your PAN with Aadhaar or continue without doing so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If PAN is inoperative | You will get a warning message that your PAN is inoperative as it is not linked with the Aadhaar |
| To link PAN with Aadhaar | Click on Link Now |
| If you don't want to link PAN with Aadhaar | Click Continue |
| If PAN is not linked with Aadhaar | The PAN card becomes inoperative and taxpayers cannot file their ITRs, get tax refunds or access financial services |
| To e-verify ITR | Select the option through which you want to e-verify the return and click Continue |
| To verify via ITR-V | Send a signed physical copy of ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Center, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru 560500 by speed post within 30 days |
| To file ITR through offline mode | Log on to the e-filing portal using PAN, password and enter the captcha |
| To file ITR through ClearTax | Login to your Cleartax account and click on 'Start Filing'. Create a new account or simply click on Login if you are already a user of ClearTax. Linking your PAN allows us to submit your return to the income tax department |
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What You'll Learn

Linking PAN with Aadhaar
Linking your PAN with your Aadhaar is a mandatory process that will allow your income tax returns to be processed. For new applicants of a PAN card, the Aadhaar PAN linking is done automatically during the application stage. However, if you are an existing PAN holder who was allotted a PAN on or before 1 July 2017, it is mandatory to link your PAN with your Aadhaar. If you do not link your PAN with your Aadhaar by the specified deadline, your PAN will become inoperative.
To link your PAN with your Aadhaar, you can visit the website of the Income Tax Department and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Visit the e-Filing Portal Home page and click on "Link Aadhaar" in the Quick Links section. Alternatively, log in to the e-filing portal and click on "Link Aadhaar" in the Profile section.
Step 2: Enter your PAN and Aadhaar Number.
Step 3: Click on "Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax".
Step 4: Enter your PAN, confirm your PAN, and provide a mobile number to receive an OTP.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number and click "Validate".
Step 6: A message will be displayed regarding the successful submission of your Aadhaar-PAN link request. You can now check the Aadhaar-PAN link status.
Please note that the Link Aadhaar service is available to individual taxpayers, both registered and unregistered on the e-Filing Portal. Additionally, UIDAI has advised against sharing your Aadhaar number openly in the public domain, especially on social media or other public platforms.
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Logging in to the e-filing portal
To file your ITR online, you must first log in to the e-filing portal. This can be done through the Clear platform, which allows you to e-file your income tax return.
To log in to the Clear platform, you will need to enter your user ID and password. If you are a new user, you will need to create an account. For first-time users, you will need to link your PAN by entering your PAN, date of birth, and the one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number. You can verify the OTP using your Aadhaar-registered mobile number or IT Department-registered mobile number.
If you have already filed with Clear and your PAN is already linked, you will be directed to the autofill screen. If your PAN is inoperative, you will receive a warning message that it is not linked with your Aadhaar. You can then choose to link your PAN with your Aadhaar or continue without doing so.
The e-filing portal also offers an offline utility, which can be accessed by logging in with your PAN, password, and entering the captcha. From there, you can go to the 'e-file' tab and open the 'File Income Tax Return' link from the drop-down menu.
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Selecting the assessment year
When filing your ITR, it is important to select the correct assessment year. The assessment year is the year in which the income is charged to tax. For example, for the Financial Year 2024-25, the Assessment Year is 2025-26. The last date to file ITR for this assessment year is September 15, 2025, for non-audit taxpayers. If you miss this deadline, you can file a belated return by December 31, 2025, but you will have to pay penalties and interest.
The ITR filing process typically begins on April 1st of the assessment year. However, this may vary, as in the case of the Financial Year 2024-25, where the process is expected to begin in June 2025.
It is important to note that certain deductions and exemptions may not be available in the new tax regime. You will need to review your pre-filled data and edit it if necessary. You will also need to enter any remaining or additional data required.
Before selecting the tax regime, carefully consider your options as you will need to select between the old and new tax regimes for that particular Assessment Year. The new tax regime will be the default option, and you will need to opt-out if you wish to choose the old regime.
Additionally, if your PAN is inoperative, you will receive a warning message that it is not linked to your Aadhaar. You can choose to link your PAN with your Aadhaar by clicking the "Link Now" button, or you can simply click "Continue".
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Choosing the mode of filing
The mode of filing your ITR will depend on your source of income and residential status. The Indian Income Tax Department offers two modes of filing: online and offline.
Online mode
To file your ITR online, log in to the e-filing portal using your user ID and password. On your dashboard, click e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return. If your PAN is inoperative, you will receive a warning message that it is not linked with your Aadhaar. You can then choose to link your PAN with your Aadhaar or click Continue.
Next, select the Assessment Year and Mode of Filing as 'Online', then click Continue. If you have already filled out the Income Tax Return and it is pending submission, click Resume Filing. If you wish to start afresh, click Start New Filing.
Select your status and click Continue. If you are unsure which ITR to file, opt for the wizard-based return filing by clicking on the Proceed button. The system will help you determine the correct ITR.
Offline mode
To file your ITR offline, log in to the e-filing portal using your PAN, password, and enter the captcha. Go to the 'e-file' tab and open the 'File Income Tax Return' link from the drop-down. Fill in the relevant details such as the assessment year, submission mode, filing type, and ITR type. Upload the JSON file generated and submit the return.
E-verification
It is mandatory to verify your return. E-verification is the easiest way to verify your ITR – it is quick, paperless, and safer than sending a signed physical ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Center, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru 560500 by speed post. If your PAN is inoperative, you will see a warning message that it is not linked with your Aadhaar. You can then choose to link your PAN with your Aadhaar or click Continue.
If you select e-Verify Later, you must verify your return within 30 days of filing your ITR. On the e-Verify page, select the option through which you want to e-Verify the return and click Continue.
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Selecting the status
When filing an ITR, selecting the correct status is crucial. This guide will take you through the process step by step.
Firstly, log in to the e-filing portal using your user ID and password. On your dashboard, navigate to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return. Here, you will be prompted to select the assessment year and mode of filing.
Next, you must select the status that applies to you and click 'Continue'. If you are unsure which status to select, consult a tax professional or refer to the Income Tax Department's website for detailed information.
If you are filing ITR-1 (Sahaj), you will need to select the checkbox that applies to your reason for filing ITR. Review and edit any pre-filled data, and enter any additional information as required.
For ITR-2, you will need to verify the pre-filled data in the Part A General section of the form. Certain fields, such as personal information, cannot be edited directly on the form, but you can make changes by updating your e-filing profile.
Finally, if you are opting out of the New Tax Regime, select 'Yes' in the radio button in the Filing section. This option is for assessees with income other than income from a business or profession.
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Frequently asked questions
If your PAN is inoperative, you will get a warning message that it is not linked with your Aadhaar. You can then click on the 'Link Now' button to link your PAN with your Aadhaar.
If you don't want to link your PAN with your Aadhaar, you can simply click 'Continue'. However, it is mandatory to quote your PAN number on your Income Tax Return, so if your PAN is inoperative, you will not be able to file your ITR.
The deadline for filing your ITR for the Financial Year 2024-25 is 31st July 2025. If you miss this deadline, you can still file a belated return by 31st December 2025.
There are several disadvantages to filing a belated return. These include interest, a late fee, and restrictions on carrying forward business and capital losses.
To file your ITR offline, log on to the e-filing portal using your PAN, password, and enter the captcha. Go to the 'e-file' tab and open the 'File Income Tax Return' link from the drop-down. Fill in the relevant details and submit the return. In the next step, e-verify your ITR.









































