Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is only part of the tax filing process. To complete the submission, taxpayers must e-Verify the return. This digital
authentication confirms that the information submitted belongs to the taxpayer and allows the Income Tax Department to begin processing the return. If the e-verification step is skipped, the filed ITR is not treated as valid. The Income Tax Department allows multiple online verification options, making the process convenient for taxpayers. Here's everything you need to know about the deadline, available methods, and the steps involved. e-Verification is the online process of validating an Income Tax Return after it has been filed. It replaces the earlier requirement of sending a signed physical copy of the ITR acknowledgement to the Income Tax Department. Taxpayers are required to complete e-verification within 30 days of filing their return. Missing this deadline could result in the return being treated as invalid, which means it may not be processed. If you fail to verify your return within the prescribed period, there is still an option to submit a condonation of delay request explaining the reason for the delay. However, the verification will become effective only after the Income Tax Department accepts the request. Different Ways To e-Verify Your Income Tax Return The Income Tax Department offers several verification methods, allowing taxpayers to choose the one most convenient for them. These include:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net Banking
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through a pre-validated bank account
- EVC through a pre-validated demat account
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- EVC generated via a participating bank's ATM
Before beginning the process, ensure you have the required details. Depending on the method selected, you may need your PAN linked with Aadhaar, login credentials for the Income Tax e-filing portal, a pre-validated bank or demat account, net banking access, or a valid Digital Signature Certificate with the emSigner utility installed.
Step-By-Step Process To e-Verify Your ITR
Using Aadhaar OTP: After filing your ITR, log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal and select the option to e-Verify your return. Choose Aadhaar OTP as the verification method, confirm your Aadhaar details, and generate the OTP. Enter the six-digit code received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click "Validate." Once the process is complete, a confirmation message with a Transaction ID will appear, and a confirmation will also be sent to your registered email address and mobile number.
Using Net Banking: Select Net Banking as your preferred verification option. Log in through your bank's internet banking portal and access the Income Tax e-filing portal. From there, select the pending return and complete the e-verification process.
Using Bank Account EVC: Choose the Bank Account EVC option and generate an Electronic Verification Code. Enter the code received on your registered mobile number or email to complete verification. Your bank account must already be pre-validated and enabled for EVC generation.
Using Demat Account EVC: Taxpayers with a pre-validated demat account can generate an EVC, receive it through their registered contact details, and submit it online to finish the verification process.
Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Those using a Digital Signature Certificate should select the DSC option, run the emSigner utility if necessary, connect the DSC USB token, choose the certificate, enter the password, and digitally sign the return.
Using ATM-generated EVC: Some banks also allow taxpayers to generate an EVC through their ATMs. After generating the code, log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal, select the Existing EVC option, enter the code, and complete the verification process.
Can An Authorised Person e-Verify Your Return?
Yes. If you have appointed an authorised signatory or representative assessee, they can complete the e-verification process on your behalf. They can use Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or an Electronic Verification Code generated through a pre-validated bank or demat account. The OTP or EVC will be sent to the contact details registered for the authorised representative on the e-filing portal or Aadhaar records, depending on the verification method used.
