The deadline to link Aadhaar and PAN cards is December 31, 2025. Failure to link by this date will render PAN cards inoperative from January 1, 2026, impacting tax refunds, higher TDS/TCS rates, and the ability to perform various financial transactions and access government services. A late fee of ₹1,000 may apply for those linking after previous deadlines. However, individuals who obtained a PAN using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID after October 1, 2024, are exempt from this penalty.