FINANCE

PAN–Aadhaar Link Status Pending in 2026: Reasons, Timeline and Fixes

If your pan aadhaar link status pending in 2026 even after paying the Rs 1,000 fee, you are not alone. Many taxpayers face this issue because the verification process between the Income Tax Department, UIDAI and banks takes time or gets delayed due to data mismatch.

Many taxpayers facing this issue also experience income tax refund delays due to similar verification checks between the Income Tax Department, banks and UIDAI.

This article explains why pan aadhaar link status pending, how long the verification usually takes, and what you should do to fix the issue without paying the fee again.


What Does PAN–Aadhaar Link Status Pending Mean?

When your pan aadhaar link status pending, it means your request has been submitted successfully but the verification process is not completed yet.

The verification happens between:

  • Income Tax Department
  • UIDAI (Aadhaar database)
  • Bank (payment confirmation)

If your request is recent, a pending status is normal and usually resolves automatically.


How Long Does PAN–Aadhaar Verification Take in 2026?

The time taken for verification depends on multiple systems working together.

Verification StageExpected Time
Payment confirmation1–3 working days
UIDAI verification5–12 working days
Income Tax validation7–20 working days
If mismatch existsAdditional correction time
pan aadhaar link verification timeline

If your pan aadhaar link status pending for less than 20 working days, waiting is usually enough.


Why Pan Aadhaar Link Status Pending Happens (9 Common Reasons)

1. Payment confirmation delay

Banks may take time to update challan details.

Solution:
Wait 72 hours and check status again.


2. Name mismatch between PAN and Aadhaar

Even small spelling differences delay verification.

Solution:
Update either PAN or Aadhaar so both names match exactly.


3. Date of birth mismatch

If Aadhaar shows only the birth year, validation may stop.

Solution:
Update Aadhaar with full date format (DD/MM/YYYY).


4. Aadhaar mobile number not updated

OTP verification fails silently if the mobile number is outdated.

Solution:
Update your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.


5. Bank KYC not updated

Payment verification may not sync if bank records are old.

Solution:
Update PAN and Aadhaar in your bank account KYC.


6. Aadhaar biometric locked

Locked biometrics can delay UIDAI validation.

Solution:
Temporarily unlock biometrics using the myAadhaar portal.


7. Multiple linking attempts

Old or incomplete requests can interfere with the new one.

Solution:
Use only the latest PRN or UTR number.


8. High workload during peak season

January to April usually has heavy request volume.

Solution:
Wait patiently, no action required.


9. PAN inactive before linking

Reactivation may take time after successful linking.

Solution:
Once linked, PAN usually becomes active within 24–48 hours.


What to Do If Pan Aadhaar Link Status Pending for More Than 20 Days

If your pan aadhaar link status pending beyond 20 working days, follow these steps:

  1. Take a screenshot of the status page
  2. Note your payment receipt number (PRN/UTR)
  3. Verify bank KYC details
  4. Raise a grievance on the Income Tax portal
  5. Correct mismatches if informed

You do not need to pay Rs 1,000 again unless the status shows Rejected.


How to Check Pan Aadhaar Link Status

Visit the official link:
https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/link-aadhaar-status

Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number to check the status.


PAN Linked but Still Showing Inactive — What to Do

If your pan aadhaar link status pending has changed to linked but PAN still shows inactive:

  • Log out and check again after 24 hours
  • Verify PAN in bank, UPI or demat accounts
  • Allow up to 48 hours for system updates

Final Recommendation

If your pan aadhaar link status pending, the most important thing is not to panic or rush into paying the fee again.
In most cases, the pending status resolves automatically within 7–20 working days once verification between the Income Tax Department, UIDAI, and your bank is completed.

Our recommendation is simple:

  • Wait patiently if your request is less than 20 days old
  • Check for name or date-of-birth mismatch if the delay continues
  • Raise a grievance only after 20 working days with your payment reference
  • Do not pay the Rs 1,000 fee again unless the status clearly shows Rejected

Following these steps will help you avoid unnecessary payments and ensure your PAN becomes active without further issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does pan aadhaar link status pending normally last?

Usually 7–20 working days depending on verification speed.

2. Should I pay Rs 1,000 again if pan aadhaar link status pending?

No. Pay again only if the request is rejected.

3. Can name mismatch cause pan aadhaar link status pending?

Yes. Even minor differences can delay verification.

4. Can I file ITR if pan aadhaar link status pending?

Yes, only if PAN is active. If inactive, linking must complete first.

5. Why does pan aadhaar link status pending even after payment?

Because verification between UIDAI, bank and tax systems is still in process.

Pawan Kumar

Pawan Kumar Yadav, Founder and Managing Editor at Arthneeti Global, leads editorial coverage on finance, economy, business, and public policy. He writes research-based explainers on taxation, budget policies, market trends, and the startup ecosystem, with a focus on how policy decisions affect middle-class households and MSMEs. His work aims to simplify complex economic developments and promote financial awareness among everyday readers.