Aadhaar OTP mandatory for PAN update: What it means for you
From July 2025, the Income Tax Department has made Aadhaar OTP mandatory for certain updates on the e-filing portal. This change directly impacts taxpayers trying to update PAN details, contact information, and bank accounts online.
If your Aadhaar isn’t linked or your mobile isn’t updated in UIDAI records, you could get stuck. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Aadhaar OTP verification on the e-filing portal?
The e-filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in) now requires a one-time password (OTP) sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to verify key updates.
Aadhaar OTP is now compulsory for:
- Updating Permanent Account Number (PAN)
- Changing email ID or mobile number
- Validating bank account details for refund
- Resetting password on the portal
- Linking or delinking Aadhaar-PAN
This applies to all individual taxpayers, whether filing ITR-1, ITR-4, or any other return.
Why this move by the Income Tax Department?
According to CBDT Notification No. 37/2025 dated 30.06.2025, this step is aimed at:
- Curbing identity fraud
- Ensuring accurate contact and refund details
- Enhancing login and data security
It’s part of the government’s push for Aadhaar-based authentication in compliance with Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
What if your Aadhaar isn’t linked or mobile number is outdated?
You must first update your mobile number in Aadhaar by visiting a UIDAI center. Without this, you won’t receive the OTP and can’t complete changes on the e-filing portal.
Quick fix:
- Visit UIDAI website
- Locate nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Book an appointment to update mobile number
- Wait 7–10 days for update to reflect
Step-by-step: Update PAN or contact details with Aadhaar OTP
- Login to incometax.gov.in
- Go to Profile > Update Profile
- Make the required changes
- System prompts for Aadhaar OTP
- Enter OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile
- Submit and verify
✅ Only mobile number linked with UIDAI will receive the OTP
Expert View: What professionals recommend
CA Rohit Jain, tax advisor at Efiletax, says:
“Linking Aadhaar and keeping your UIDAI mobile number active is now essential. Even refund failures are increasingly tied to Aadhaar verification issues.”
Common Issues & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Didn’t get OTP | Check if mobile is Aadhaar-linked |
| PAN not updating | Ensure Aadhaar-PAN link is active |
| Refund failed | Validate bank details via Aadhaar OTP |
| Login blocked | Use Aadhaar OTP to reset password |
Legal Reference
This move is in line with:
- Section 139AA, Income-tax Act, 1961
- Rule 114, Income-tax Rules, 1962
- CBDT Notification 37/2025, dated 30.06.2025
Also aligns with UIDAI Aadhaar Authentication Regulations, 2016.
Summary
The Income Tax Department has made Aadhaar OTP mandatory for PAN updates, contact changes, and refunds on the e-filing portal. Only mobile numbers linked to Aadhaar will receive OTPs. Update Aadhaar data first to avoid issues while filing ITR or receiving refunds.
FAQs
Q1. Is Aadhaar OTP required for filing ITR?
No, but it’s mandatory for certain profile updates and refund validation steps.
Q2. What if I don’t have an Aadhaar-linked number?
Visit UIDAI Seva Kendra and update your mobile first.
Q3. Can I use DigiLocker OTP instead?
No. Only Aadhaar OTP via UIDAI is accepted for verification on the portal.
Q4. Does this apply to NRIs?
Only if they have Aadhaar. Otherwise, alternate verification methods apply.
Final Thoughts
The Aadhaar OTP mandate is more than a tech update—it’s a compliance checkpoint. If your UIDAI data isn’t current, you could miss refunds or face login blocks.
🔗 Avoid filing delays. Update Aadhaar data now and let Efiletax handle your ITRs, profile corrections, and refund follow-ups seamlessly.