How to Change Your Name in the Income Tax Portal

Even a small mistake in your name on the Income Tax portal can cause big problems. It may delay your refund, stop your ITR from being processed, or create verification issues. You need to fix it quickly to avoid future stress and missed deadlines. This simple step helps you stay compliant and ensures your personal details match official records. You’ll learn when to update your name, how to do it, and which documents to keep ready. Missing this update could cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Don’t let one small error block your tax refund.

Keeping your name updated on the Income Tax portal helps avoid delays, errors, and notices that can disrupt your tax process and refund timeline. Here are the key reasons why it matters:

• It prevents failure during e-verification of your Income Tax Return (ITR)

• It avoids errors while linking your Aadhaar with your PAN

• It helps speed up the processing of your tax refunds

• It reduces the risk of getting notices due to mismatched personal details

• It ensures your records stay correct and fully compliant with tax rules

Here’s when you should update your name on the Income Tax portal:

• You legally changed your name through a gazette notification

• You changed your name after marriage or divorce

• Your name on Aadhaar is different from your name on PAN

• You found a spelling mistake or data entry error in your PAN

Make sure you first update your name in your PAN records. The Income Tax portal will then automatically show the updated name from the PAN database.

Here are the steps to check and update your profile details on the Income Tax portal:

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal using your credentials

2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select ‘My Profile’

3. Click the ‘Edit’ button in the ‘Profile’ section

4. View your name, date of birth, gender, PAN, and PAN status in this section

5. Enter the updated name if needed and make changes to other details if required

6. Check if your Aadhaar is linked and then click ‘Save’ after making the changes

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to correct your name in your PAN card using the NSDL portal. This process helps you update your PAN details online without hassle. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the NSDL e-Gov portal

2. Click on ‘Services’ and select ‘PAN’

3. Choose ‘Change/Correction in PAN Data’

4. Fill in the online application form

5. After registration, check your email for the Token Number and click ‘Continue with PAN Application Form’

6. Select ‘Submit digitally through e-KYC’ for paperless processing

7. Choose ‘Yes’ if you want a physical copy of your updated PAN card

8. Scroll down and enter your Aadhaar details

9. Fill in the required information and click ‘Next’

10. Enter your new address in the contact details section

11. Upload valid address proof

12. Fill in the declaration section

13. Upload a recent photograph and your signature

14. Review the entire form carefully and re-enter your Aadhaar number

15. Make the payment online

16. Complete Aadhaar-based authentication

17. Enter the OTP sent to your mobile linked with Aadhaar

18. Proceed to e-Sign the form

19. Accept the terms and conditions

20. Download the Acknowledgement Form for your records 

You can also correct your name in the PAN card through the UTIITSL portal. This online method is simple, quick, and ideal if you prefer a paperless process. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the UTIITSL website

2. Under the ‘Change/Correction in PAN Card’ section, click ‘Click to Apply’

3. Choose the option labelled as ‘Apply for PAN Card Detail Change or Correction’

4. Choose your document submission mode, enter your PAN number, select the PAN card format, and click ‘Submit’

5. After submitting, note the reference number shown on the screen and click ‘OK’

6. Tick the fields you want to update and enter the correct personal details, then click ‘Next Step’

7. Your address will be updated based on your Aadhaar—enter your contact details and click ‘Next Step’

8. Re-enter your PAN number for verification and click ‘Next Step’

9. Upload the required documents and click ‘Submit’

10. Check all the entered details carefully and click ‘Make Payment’

11. Choose your preferred payment method and complete the payment process

Once your payment is successful, a confirmation message will appear. Download and print your form for reference. You’ll receive an SMS when your corrected PAN card is dispatched, usually within 15 days.

You must provide valid documents to support your name change request in PAN records. These documents confirm your identity and ensure the correction is accurate. Here are the accepted options:

• Marriage certificate, passport with spouse’s name, or gazette notification (for name change after marriage)

• Official gazette copy with name change details (for legal name change)

• Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or any government-issued ID showing the correct name (for spelling errors or mismatches)

Make sure the documents are clear, up to date, and match the name you wish to update in your PAN records.

While updating your name, you might face a few common problems. Knowing how to handle them can save you time and effort. Here are some quick solutions:

• Name mismatch with Aadhaar: Check that your name is the same on both PAN and Aadhaar; update the incorrect one to match

• PAN name not updated on the Income Tax portal: Wait 7–15 working days after updating PAN, or raise a request under the ‘Grievance Redressal’ section

• e-KYC failure during PAN update: Make sure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar and try again

• Technical errors on NSDL or UTIITSL website: Clear browser cookies, switch browsers, or use the other provider’s portal

If the issue continues, contact NSDL or UTIITSL customer support, or raise a grievance through the Income Tax e-filing portal.

Here are some extra tips to help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth update process:

• Double-check all details before submission to avoid delays due to minor errors like typos or incorrect document uploads

• Use the same mobile number and email ID throughout the process for consistent communication and OTP verifications

• Keep soft copies of documents ready in the required format and size to avoid upload issues

• Track your application status using the acknowledgement number provided after submission

• Avoid using initials in your name unless they are officially recorded in your Aadhaar and other documents

• Update your name across all financial platforms (like your bank account, EPFO, and demat account) to prevent mismatches later

Keeping your name updated on the Income Tax portal helps you avoid delays, failed verifications, and refund issues. Whether it's due to marriage, legal change, or an error, correcting your name early ensures smooth tax filing. Follow the right steps through NSDL or UTIITSL and keep your records consistent across all platforms. A small update now can save you big trouble later.