How to E-Verify Your Income Tax Return (ITR) Online?
How to E-Verify Your Income Tax Return (ITR) Online?
Complete Guide for FY 2024–25 | AY 2025–26
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is only half the job. To complete the process, you must verify your return within 30 days of submission. Failing to do so renders your return invalid, potentially leading to penalties. The Income Tax Department offers multiple convenient methods to e-verify your ITR online.
✅ What is ITR e-Verification?
E-verification is the process of confirming the authenticity of your filed ITR. It replaces the older method of sending a physically signed copy (ITR-V) to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru. E-verification is faster, paperless, and can be done from the comfort of your home.
📌 Time Limit for e-Verification
As per the latest guidelines, you must e-verify your ITR within 30 days of filing. If you miss this deadline, your return will be considered invalid, and you'll need to file a condonation request to validate it
🧾 Methods to e-Verify Your ITR
- Aadhaar OTP
- Ensure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar, and your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar.
- Select 'e-Verify using Aadhaar OTP' on the e-filing portal.
- An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it to complete verification.
- Net Banking
- Log in to your bank's net banking portal.
- Navigate to the income tax e-filing section and select 'e-Verify'.
- You'll be redirected to the e-filing portal, where you can complete the verification.
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC) via Bank Account
- Pre-validate your bank account on the e-filing portal.
- Generate an EVC, which will be sent to your registered mobile number and email.
- Enter the EVC on the portal to verify your return.
- EVC via Demat Account
- Pre-validate your demat account on the e-filing portal.
- Generate an EVC, which will be sent to your registered contact details.
- Use this EVC to complete the verification process
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Applicable for individuals required to audit their accounts.
- Register your DSC on the e-filing portal.
- Use it to digitally sign and verify your ITR.
- EVC via Bank ATM (Offline Method)
- Swipe your debit card at your bank's ATM.
- Select the 'Generate EVC for Income Tax Filing' option.
- The EVC will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Enter this EVC on the e-filing portal to verify your return.
🖥️ Step-by-Step Guide to e-Verify ITR
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Log in using your PAN, password, and captcha code.
- Navigate to 'e-File' > 'Income Tax Returns' > 'e-Verify Return'.
- Select the ITR you wish to verify and choose your preferred verification method from the options listed above.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification process.
📄 Alternative: Verify Without Logging In
If you prefer not to log in:
- Go to the e-Filing Portal.
- Click on 'e-Verify Return' under 'Quick Links'.
- Enter your PAN, assessment year, acknowledgment number, and registered mobile number.
- Choose your verification method and complete the process.
✅ Confirmation of Successful e-Verification
Upon successful verification:
- A confirmation message with a Transaction ID will be displayed.
- A confirmation email and SMS will be sent to your registered contact details.
⚠️ Consequences of Not e-Verifying
If you fail to e-verify within 30 days:
- Your ITR will be considered invalid.
- You'll need to file a condonation request to validate the return.
- Delays can lead to penalties and interest on any tax due.
📝 Final Thought
E-verifying your ITR is a crucial step in the tax filing process. With multiple methods available, you can choose the one that best suits your convenience. Ensure you complete this step within the stipulated time to avoid any complications.
