The deadline for linking Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar was December 31, 2025. Taxpayers who missed this deadline risk their PAN becoming inoperative from January 1, 2026. An inoperative PAN can lead to higher Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) rates, frozen tax refunds, and restrictions on financial transactions like opening bank accounts or high-value purchases. Re-linking is possible by paying a Rs 1,000 fine, with reactivation taking several days.