According to the Income Tax Department, if you forgot to link your PAN with Aadhaar by June 30, 2023, you can still file your income tax return. The last date to file ITR for individuals not requiring audit for FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24) is July 31, 2023.
Here's how to file ITR with an inoperative PAN
1. The ITR e-filing portal does not require linking PAN with Aadhaar at the time of filing ITR. So, you can file your return without linking them.
2. The process of filing ITR remains the same even if PAN is inoperative. Log in to your account on the income tax e-filing portal, click on e-file > income tax return > file income tax return, and follow the steps to file your ITR with an inoperative PAN before July 31, 2023.
3. Remember to verify your filed ITR within 30 days. Failure to do so will be considered as if you haven't filed ITR.
4. If you need to pay taxes while filing ITR, an active PAN is necessary. It doesn't matter if the PAN is operative or not; it just needs to be active, meaning not cancelled or made inactive by the income tax department.
5. The income tax e-filing portal allows you to use the 'pay later' option, but it comes with risks like being considered a defaulter and incurring interest on tax payable.
6. An inoperative PAN won't affect your eligibility for the rebate under section 87A.
However, keep in mind that if you have to receive an income tax refund, it won't be released until you link your PAN with Aadhaar. So, make sure to complete the linking process to avail of any tax refunds and interest on them.
Filing your income tax return is essential, so try to do it early to avoid the last-minute rush.
The author is a Chartered Accountant with 2 decades of experience into Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Risk & Compliance, Credit Controls, Due diligence. Currently, the author is the founder and managing partner at RRL Global services.
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