Even if your PAN is inactive, you can file your income tax return. For this you will not have to go through any different process. You can also file returns using the same process that others are doing. The deadline to file returns for those who do not require audit is July 31, 2024.
Income tax e-filing: If you have not been able to link your PAN with Aadhaar by the deadline of June 2023 and your PAN is inactive then do not worry, you can still file your income tax return. The Income Tax Department has already clarified that even inactive PAN will remain active. For taxpayers who do not require audit, the deadline to file returns for financial year 2023-24 (assessment year 2024-25) is July 31, 2024.
Tax2Win CEO and Co-Founder Abhishek Soni told in the media report that if you have not been able to link your PAN with your Aadhaar by the June 2023 deadline and your PAN is inactive, you can still file your income tax return. . However, Sony clarified that Aadhaar OTP will not be included in the verification process. Instead, you can use alternative methods such as generating Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through net banking, ATM, or other approved means.
How to file ITR if PAN is inoperative?
Vijay Bharech, director of Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, said in a media report that despite PAN being deactivated, any person can pay income tax and file Income Tax Return (ITR). It is important to note that the process of filing income tax return is the same even if your PAN is inoperative.
He said that you will have to log in to your account on the Income Tax e-filing portal. After that navigate to the e-file section, select the option to file income tax return and proceed with the required details and documentation.
Income tax refund processing
If your PAN is inactive then you will have to face many consequences. If you file Income Tax Return (ITR) with an inactive PAN, you will not be able to claim refund or interest on any refund. Linking Aadhaar and PAN is mandatory for refund claim. Vijay Bharech said in media reports that refunds, if any, will not be issued to taxpayers, and interest on the refund will be paid only from the date of PAN activation.
Last date to file updated return is 31 March
If you failed to file your original Income Tax Return (ITR), you still have a chance to file an updated return before March 31, 2024. Taxpayers have the option to file updated returns for any of the assessment years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
