Why E-Verification Is a Mandatory Step
Simply submitting your Income Tax Return (ITR) isn't enough to complete your tax-filing duties. The Income Tax Department requires you to verify the filed return to confirm its authenticity. E-verification is the digital method for this, replacing the old
process of sending a signed physical copy of the ITR acknowledgement, known as ITR-V, to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru. If you fail to verify your return within 30 days of filing, the tax department will treat it as if it were never filed at all. This can lead to penalties for non-filing and will prevent the processing of any tax refund you might be owed.
Method 1: Aadhaar OTP
The most popular and straightforward method for e-verification is using a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. For this to work, your PAN must be linked with your Aadhaar. On the e-filing portal's verification screen, you select the Aadhaar OTP option. An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number, and you simply enter this six-digit code on the portal to complete the verification instantly. A confirmation message with a transaction ID will be displayed, and a notification is also sent to your registered email and mobile number.
Method 2: Using a Pre-Validated Bank Account
Another common method involves generating an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through your bank account. To use this option, your bank account must be 'pre-validated' on the Income Tax e-filing portal. When you select this option, the portal communicates with your bank, and an EVC is sent to your mobile number and email address registered with the bank. You then enter this code on the tax portal to complete the verification. This process is seamless and doesn't require you to log in to your bank's net banking portal separately.
Method 3: Through Net Banking
You can also e-verify your return by logging directly into your net banking account. Many major banks are authorized to provide this service. After logging into your bank's net banking portal, you navigate to the income tax filing section. From there, you will find an option to 'e-verify' your return, which redirects you back to the Income Tax Department's e-filing website with your identity already authenticated by the bank. This completes the process without needing a separate OTP or EVC.
Other Verification Options
For taxpayers with different resources, a few other methods are available. You can use a pre-validated Demat account to generate an EVC, similar to the bank account method. Some banks also allow you to generate an EVC for income tax filing through their ATMs. For this, you would visit the ATM, use your debit card, and select the option to generate an EVC, which is then sent to your mobile number. Lastly, taxpayers who are required to have their accounts audited, such as companies or certain professionals, typically use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to both file and verify their returns.
What to Do If You Miss the Deadline
If you miss the 30-day window for verification, your return becomes invalid. However, you can still rectify the situation by submitting a 'condonation of delay' request on the e-filing portal. You will need to provide a valid reason for the delay in verification. If the Income Tax Department accepts your reason and approves the request, you will then be allowed to proceed with the e-verification. Only after the successful verification will your return be considered valid and taken up for processing.
