Adhaar and PAN Card Can Now be Linked Though a Simple SMS

In a bid to ease the linking ofAadhaarnumber with PAN, theIncomeTaxDepartment on Wednesday said people can simply send an SMS.

"People can send an SMS 'UIDPAN<12 digit Aadhaar><10 digit PAN>' format to 567678 or 56161, to link theirAadhaarwith PAN," the department said in advertisements in national dailies.

The SMS facility is only for those whose names are identical onAadhaarand PAN cards.

TheIncomeTaxDepartment had earlier said that it has also enabled the facility of linking theAadhaarcard with PAN on its website. The online facility can also be used where there may be a minor mismatch in the names.

"In case of minor mismatch, one-time password (AadhaarOTP) will be sent to the mobile registered with Aadhaar," it said.

"Taxpayers can go to http://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in and click on the link on the left panel -- LinkAadhaar-- provide PAN,Aadhaarnumbers and enter exactly the name as given inAadhaarcard (avoid spelling mistakes) and submit."

"After verification from Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the linking will be confirmed," it added.