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Can You File Income Tax Return Without a PAN in 2025? Here's What You Need to Know
As the extended deadline of September 15, 2025, for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025–26 draws near, a common query among taxpayers is whether it’s possible to file an ITR without a PAN (Permanent Account Number). With the growing integration of Aadhaar in India’s tax system, and the facility of instant e-PAN generation, taxpayers have more options than ever to stay compliant.
Here’s what you need to know about filing ITR without a PAN, how Aadhaar plays a role, and how to generate an e-PAN if you don’t have one yet.
Is PAN Mandatory for Filing ITR in 2025?
Yes, according to the Income Tax Department, quoting a valid PAN is mandatory when filing your Income Tax Return. It is also required when:
Making tax payments through challans
Communicating with the Income Tax Department
Applying for tax refunds, and
Submitting various financial documents
However, there’s an important exception under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act.
Using Aadhaar in Place of PAN
Since September 1, 2019, individuals who have both PAN and Aadhaar and have linked the two can use Aadhaar in lieu of PAN for all transactions where PAN is required, including ITR filing.
What this means:
If your Aadhaar is linked to your PAN, you can quote your Aadhaar number instead of PAN while filing your income tax return.
What If You Don’t Have a PAN Yet?
If you haven’t been allotted a PAN yet, you can quickly generate an instant e-PAN using your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar. This process is:
Free of cost
Completely online
Paperless – no need to submit any physical documents
🔹 Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal and navigate to the “Get New e-PAN” section to generate your instant e-PAN.
However, note:
If a PAN is already allotted and linked to your Aadhaar, you cannot reapply for an e-PAN.
If your Aadhaar is linked to an incorrect PAN, you must request delinking by contacting your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO). After delinking, you can apply for an e-PAN afresh.
Important Deadline for ITR Filing
The due date to file ITR for Financial Year 2024–25 (AY 2025–26) has been extended to September 15, 2025, for individuals and businesses not subject to audit. Don’t miss this deadline to avoid interest, late filing fees, or scrutiny.
Conclusion: You Can’t File ITR Without PAN – But You Can Use Aadhaar or Get an e-PAN Instantly
To sum up:
You need PAN to file your ITR.
If your Aadhaar is linked to PAN, you can file ITR using Aadhaar number.
If you don’t have PAN, generate an e-PAN instantly using Aadhaar.
Stay compliant, act early, and ensure your documents are in order before filing your return for AY 2025–26.
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