Is Aadhaar PAN Linking Mandatory for NRI?

Just like every Indian family, I have an NRI cousin too. He is always diligent about fulfilling his responsibilities back home in India. So, when he heard about PAN Aadhaar linking for NRI he called my uncle to ask if it was mandatory and what was the process for the same. He followed the step-by-step process to link his Aadhaar and PAN online. Let me share the process with you.

Is Aadhaar PAN linking mandatory for NRI?

As far as I know, NRIs are not required to link their PAN to their Aadhaar. To ensure compliance, I would advise you to refer to the most recent instructions from the relevant authorities, such as the Income Tax Department of India or the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), as legislation and procedures are subject to change over time. For the most updated information on NRI Aadhaar-PAN connection requirements, I would suggest you stay informed and check official sources.

PAN Aadhaar link for NRI

The PAN-Aadhaar linking process is simple and can be completed online for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians). Here is a step-by-step explanation for PAN and Aadhaar link for NRI:

• Visit the official website for income tax e-filing:

  Log in using your PAN and password at the Income Tax e-Filing website (

  https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/

  ).

• Select the "Profile Settings" tab:

  Once you have logged in, go to the "Profile Settings" tab and choose "Link Aadhaar" for linking Aadhaar with PAN for NRI.

• Give your Aadhaar information:

  Enter your Aadhaar number, name as it appears on your Aadhaar and the captcha code on the Aadhaar linking page. Verify the accuracy of the information.

• Submit the request:

  To send your request for a PAN-Aadhaar link, input the required information and click the "Link Aadhaar" button.

• Confirmation and verification:

  The system will check the information entered and validate the Aadhaar information against the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) database after successful submission.

• Confirmation message:

  A confirmation message showing the successful PAN-Aadhaar linking will appear on the screen if the linking is successful.

Additionally, you can link your Aadhaar and PAN for NRIs by sending an SMS in the following format to 567678 or 56161 from your registered mobile phone: UIDPANSPACE>12-digit Aadhaar number>SPACE>10-digit PAN>.

Now you know the process of PAN Aadhaar linking for NRI.

As soon as I heard about a circular mentioning PAN Aadhaar Link NRI, I started calling my NRI friends to be sure whether this link was mandatory or not. I learned from them that, as per Section 139AA, any person who has an Aadhaar card or is eligible to get one has to get it linked with their PAN. If an NRI is not eligible to obtain Aadhar, he/she does not have to link it.

Is it Mandatory to Link Aadhaar with PAN for NRI?

NRI Aadhaar PAN link is not mandatory if you do not have Aadhar and are not eligible to apply for it. But if you do not have it but are eligible to apply for Aadhar, you will have to apply for it, receive your Aadhar card and then link it with your PAN. 

If you are not eligible to apply for Aadhar, make sure to update your residential status on the Income Tax Portal with your passport and documents supporting your past stay in India. If as an NRI, you fail to do it, your PAN number will be invalid and inoperative, and that can affect your

• Investment transactions

• File returns

• Higher your TDS deduction rate

These are the latest details I am aware of on this topic, but I will suggest you consult with some experts and re-check the facts again.

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