E-Verify Your Tax Return Before the Deadline: A Step-by-Step Guide
- ashlinj52
- Dec 31, 2024
- 4 min read
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an important financial responsibility that every taxpayer in India must fulfill. However, merely submitting the return is not the end of the process. To complete your tax filing process successfully, you must e-verify your tax return before the deadline.
E-verification is a mandatory step that authenticates your ITR and ensures that the Income Tax Department receives confirmation of your submission. If you miss this step, your return will be considered invalid, and you might face delays, penalties, or interest charges.
In this blog, we will walk you through why e-verification is crucial, how to e-verify your tax return, and what happens if you miss the e-verification deadline.
What is E-Verification of ITR?
E-verification is the process of digitally authenticating your Income Tax Return (ITR). It is the same as physically signing your return, except that it’s done electronically. E-verification confirms that you have filed your tax return and allows the Income Tax Department to process your return.
The Government of India has made e-verification a mandatory step for all taxpayers filing their ITRs. This process ensures that your return is genuine, and it helps avoid fraudulent filings. E-verification can be done using several methods such as Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank account number, or EVC (Electronic Verification Code).
Why Is E-Verification Important?
Validates Your ITR Submission: E-verification confirms that you are the one who filed the return and you approve of the details in it.
Prevents Rejection: If you fail to e-verify your return within 120 days of filing, the tax department will treat your return as invalid. This means that your return will not be processed, and you may have to file it again.
Avoids Penalties and Interest: An invalid return can lead to penalties and interest charges, especially if there’s any tax payable.
Reduces Paperwork: E-verification eliminates the need to send a physical signed copy of your ITR-V to the Income Tax Department, simplifying the process.
How to E-Verify Your Tax Return?
E-verification can be completed through different methods. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to e-verify your ITR:
Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
Enter your User ID, Password, and Captcha to log into your account.
Step 2: Navigate to the "My Account" Section
After logging in, click on “My Account” on the menu bar.
Select “e-Verify Return” from the drop-down list.
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred E-Verification Method
Once you select “e-Verify Return,” the system will present several options for e-verification:
Aadhaar OTP (For Aadhaar-linked accounts)
Click on "Aadhaar OTP".
You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Enter the OTP and click "Submit" to complete the e-verification.
Net Banking (For taxpayers with net banking facilities)
If your bank is enabled for e-verification, choose the "Net Banking" option.
Log in to your net banking account and confirm the e-verification.
Bank Account Number (For taxpayers without Aadhaar)
Choose "Bank Account Number" for e-verification.
A verification code will be sent to your registered bank account. Enter the code to e-verify your return.
EVC (Electronic Verification Code) (Alternative method)
You can generate an EVC using your bank details, or if you’ve filed a return previously, you can use the EVC generated through a pre-validated bank account.
Step 4: Submit the E-Verification
After selecting your preferred method and entering the necessary details, click “Submit” to e-verify your tax return.
Step 5: Confirmation
Once e-verification is successful, a message will appear confirming the successful submission. You will also receive an email and SMS from the Income Tax Department confirming the e-verification of your ITR.
What Happens If You Don’t E-Verify Your Return?
If you fail to e-verify your tax return within 120 days from the date of filing, the Income Tax Department will treat your return as invalid. In such cases:
Processing of Your ITR Will Be Delayed: Your ITR will not be processed until it is successfully verified.
You May Have to Re-file Your Return: If the return is rejected, you will need to file a fresh return.
You Will Miss Out on Refunds: If you are entitled to a refund, the processing will be delayed until you complete the e-verification.
Penalties or Interest Charges: If any taxes are due, failing to verify your return could result in additional penalties or interest charges.
E-Verification Deadline: Don’t Miss the Date!
Time Frame: You must e-verify your tax return within 120 days from the date of filing. Failing to do so will lead to an invalid return, which could cause delays and unnecessary complications.
Tip: Even if you’ve filed your return before the deadline, always make sure to complete the e-verification process immediately to avoid the risk of missing the 120-day window.
Other Methods to E-Verify Your ITR
By Sending ITR-V to CPC Bangalore (Last Resort)
If you are unable to e-verify through any of the above methods, you can still e-verify your return by sending a signed physical copy of the ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC), Bangalore, within 120 days of filing.
EVC through Bank ATM
You can generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) from your bank’s ATM if your bank is enabled for this service.
Conclusion
E-verifying your income tax return is a crucial step in the tax filing process. It ensures that your return is processed smoothly and helps you avoid penalties and unnecessary delays. With various options available for e-verification, you can choose the method that is most convenient for you.
Remember, the e-verification deadline is 120 days from the date of filing, so ensure that you complete the process on time. Take advantage of the easy-to-use options like Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank account number to complete your e-verification without hassle.
By ensuring a successful e-verification, you can rest assured that your tax filing process is complete, and you are in compliance with the Income Tax Department.
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