An “inoperative” PAN (Permanent Account Number) card refers to a PAN card that is not linked or validated with the Income Tax Department’s database. The Indian government has implemented a requirement to link PAN cards with Aadhaar (a unique identification number issued to Indian residents) for various financial transactions and to prevent tax evasion.

As of July 1, 2023, the government has made it mandatory to link PAN cards with Aadhaar. If your PAN card is not linked by this date, it will be considered non-operative or inactive. This means that it will be deemed invalid for most financial transactions, including filing income tax returns, opening a bank account, making high-value transactions, etc.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that the specific policies and procedures regarding inoperative PAN cards and the consequences of non-compliance may be subject to change. It is advisable to consult the official government websites or seek professional advice to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the linking of PAN cards with Aadhaar and the consequences of non-compliance.