How to E-Verify ITR: Simple Steps for Successful Income Tax Return Verification

Why is ITR verification important?

ITR verification is like an authentication step. It confirms that the taxpayer has filed the return and is free from fraud or misrepresentation. Without verification, the Income Tax Department does not process your return. This further means that even if you have filed your taxes appropriately, they will not be considered valid. Here’s a little more on why ITR verification is important: ^1,2

1. Ensures legal compliance

   The Income Tax Act, 1961, mandates that all taxpayers verify their ITR after filing. If you fail to verify your return, it will be considered as invalid.

2. Avoids unnecessary penalties and refiling

   An unverified return is treated as not filed. This means you need to file a belated return with late fees. This can lead to additional complications like penalties by the Income Tax Department.

3. Helps in processing of refunds

   Many taxpayers look forward to receiving income tax refunds after filing their ITR. However, the refund process does not begin until the return is verified. If you do not verify within the deadline, your refund claim can be cancelled.

4. Offers a valid proof of income

   A successfully filed and verified ITR acts as proof of income. This serves as an extremely important document which is necessary while:

   • Processing visas for international travel¹¹
   • Applying for loans or credit cards¹¹ , etc.

Deadline for ITR verification

The due date for filing ITR for Assessment Year 2025-2026 is 31st July 2025 (until further notice/unless extended by the government). ³ The Central Board Of Direct Taxes has reduced the ITR verification deadline from 120 days to 30 days from the date of filing. In case you fail to verify your return within this period, the rules consider your ITR to be invalid . ⁴

If the deadline is missed, you need to file a belated return under Section 139(4) on/or before 31st December of that particular year. This could lead to a late filing fee of ₹5,000 under Section 234F. ⁵ In case your income is less than ₹5 lakh, the late fee will only be ₹1,000. ⁵

Furthermore, in case you have unpaid taxes, interest under Section 234A may apply at 1% per month or part of the tax due. ⁵ In some cases, you can submit a condonation request under Section 119 (2) (b), thereby explaining the delay. ⁵ This request must be submitted on the Income Tax e-filing portal. However, note that approval is not guaranteed, and the department has the discretion to accept or reject your request.

To avoid all unnecessary complications, it is advisable always to verify your ITR within 30 days of filing it to make sure it is processed smoothly. ²

Methods to verify ITR

There are two primary ways to verify your ITR:

1. Online verification (e-verification)

   E-verification is one of the quickest and hassle-free way to verify your ITR. You can verify by applying any of the methods listed below:

   • Aadhaar OTP:

     Authenticate your return using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

   • Demat account:

     You need to use your pre validated Demat account in order to generate an electronic verification code (EVC). This will help you in verification.

   • Net banking:

     Login to your bank’s net banking portal and verify your ITR via the tax filing section.

   • Already validated bank account:

     Generate an EVC using your pre-registered bank account and enter it on the e-filing portal.

   • ATM:

     Some banks allow EVC generation through ATMs. You can use this to verify your return.

2. Offline verification (physical ITR-V form)

   If you are unable to e-verify, you can get it done by sending a physical copy of your ITR-V (acknowledgement form) to the Income Tax Department. All you need to do is:

   • Download the ITR-V form from the e-filing portal.
   • Print the form in black ink and sign the same in blue ink. ⁷
   • Check the other specifications and Send it to the following address: Income Tax Department-CPC, Post Box No.1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru - 560500, Karnataka, India. ⁸
   • The form must reach the CPC office within 30 days of e-filing. ⁸

Checking the status of ITR

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After verification, you can track the status by:

• Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal homepage.
• Click on View" ITR Status”
• Enter acknowledgement number and your mobile number.
• Upon validation, you can check the status.

Conclusion

Remember, verifying your ITR is as important as filing it. An unverified return is invalid, leading to delays, penalties, and loss of refunds. The best way to complete verification is online. Additionally, remember to verify your ITR within the stipulated time to stay compliant, avoid unnecessary financial issues, and ensure a smooth tax filing experience. ¹

FAQs

1. Can I e-verify ITR without an Aadhaar?

   Yes. You can use net banking, EVC (bank/demat account), Digital Signature etc. ⁹

2. How long does it take for ITR to be processed after verification?

   Once verified, the ITR is usually processed within 15-45 days, and refunds (if any) are credited thereafter. ⁷

3. Can I switch from offline to online verification?

   Yes, you can import a draft ITR if you’ve partially filled your return online and want to switch to offline mode. This applies to ITR-1 and ITR-4 (available in online mode). ⁶