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How to E-verify Income Tax Return for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25): Online ITR Verification

Updated on: 14 Mar, 2024 03:51 PM

Have you done with filing the ITR? Wait, the ITR won't be considered valid until the e-verification of your Income Tax Return is done.

Online ITR verification is a very important step in completing the ITR filing process. It must be done within 30 days from the date of filing the ITR, or else the income tax department will deem your return invalid.
The income tax department has launched an “e-verify return” feature on its home page, enabling taxpayers to e-verify their income tax returns without logging into the e-filing portal. In this guide, we have explained the meaning of ITR verification, methods, and stepwise procedure to e-verify ITR in detail.

What is ITR Verification?

When you file ITR, the income tax department receives your tax return but does not start processing it (or checking). The processing starts only after the return has been verified. This process is called the verification of ITR.

The time limit for ITR verification online is 30 days from submitting the ITR as per the new rule. Previously, this time limit was 120 days. This new rule is applicable for returns on or after 1st August 2022. For taxpayers who filed their income tax returns up to 31st July 2022, the time limit for e-verification of ITR remains the same-120 days.

The Income Tax Department has introduced a quick way to e-verify income tax returns. In this new process, you are not required to log in to your income tax portal. Previously, taxpayers needed to log in to the e-filing portal to e-verify their returns, which took some time. To know more about it, read below:-


How to ‘e-verify’ the ITR without logging into the e-filing portal?

Steps for e-Verifying the return without login to the e-Filing portal (with images)

First visit the e-filing site https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/

Step 1: Click e-Verify Return on the home page of the e-filing portal

visit the e-filing site

Step 2: On the e-Verify Return page:

  • Enter the PAN,
  • Select the relevant Assessment Year (note that e-verification of ITR on the new portal can be done for the returns relating to the Assessment Year 2019-20 and onwards),
  • Enter the Acknowledgment Number of the ITR filed and
  • Enter the Mobile Number and click Continue.
e-Verify Return page

Step 3: Enter the 6-digit Mobile OTP received on the mobile number entered in Step 2 and click on the ‘Submit’ button.

Note the following:

  • The OTP remains valid for 15 minutes only.
  • 3 attempts are provided to enter the correct OTP.
  • The expiry countdown timer on the screen tells by when the OTP will expire and become invalid.
  • A new OTP will be sent when you request for 'Resend OTP.'
If you are e-Verifying the ITR after 30 days of filing Refer Step-4 & 5 below (for submission of the ‘Condonation of Delay’ request)
If you are e-Verifying the ITR within 30 days of filing Refer Step-6 directly
Enter the 6-digit Mobile OTP

Step 4: If you are e-verifying the ITR after 30 days of filing, click ‘OK.’

e-Verifying

Step 5: To submit a condonation delay request, select the Reason of Delay from the dropdown and click Continue. The dropdown consists of the following options:

  • ITR-V was sent earlier by post but not received by CPC
  • Not aware that the ITR-V sent to CPC was rejected for technical reasons
  • Not aware of the e-Verification process
  • Not aware that the signed ITR-V to be sent to CPC
  • Others (enter the reason for the delay in the ‘Remarks’ textbox)
select the Reason of Delay

Step 6: Select the e-Verification mode to proceed further. The steps for different e-verification modes are enlisted below. After completing the ITR verification online, a success message page displays ‘Successfully verified and the date of verification alongside. A Transaction ID and EVC (only where the preferred option selected for verification is through EVC) are also displayed. It is advisable to note the Transaction ID and EVC for future reference. A confirmation message shall also be sent to your e-mail ID and the mobile number registered on the e-filing portal.

You can read more here.


How to E-verify ITR after log-in to the Income Tax Portal?

Income Tax Department provides many ways for a taxpayer to verify their Income Tax Return. That can be broadly classified into two major categories, i.e., online and offline.


Online Mode

Process 1: E-Verify Return using Aadhaar OTP

Step 1: Log on to the e-filing website
Go to the ‘e-file’ tab on the dashboard >> select ‘Income Tax Returns’ >> then select ‘e-verify return.’

e-file
e-file
e-file

Step 2: ‘I would like to e-verify using OTP on the mobile number registered with Aadhaar‘. Select this option to verify ITR online through Aadhaar OTP. The condition is that your mobile number must be linked to your Aadhaar, and also your PAN-Aadhaar must be linked.

e-verify using OTP

Step 3: Click on “ I agree to validate my Aadhaar Details, and generate Aadhar OTP (this OTP will be valid for 15 minutes only)

validate my Aadhaar Details

Step 4: The last step is to submit the OTP number. A successful message will be received:” Return has been successfully verified.

An acknowledgment will come that you can download it, also it will also be sent to your mail address.

submit the OTP number

Process 2: E-Verify Return using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

DSC consists of the following:-

  • Name of the owner
  • Public key of the owner with the expiration date
  • Issuing Certification Authority name
  • Serial Number
  • Digital Signature of the issuer

Step 1: Once you are done filing the ITR, select “I would like to verify using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)”.

Digital Signature Certificate

Step 2: The next page will ask you to verify your identity page by “Click here to download emsigner utility”.

download emsigner utility

Step 3: Next, click on “I have downloaded and installed emsigner utility.”

installed emsigner utility

Step 4: On the next page, select provider, certificate, and provider password, and finally click on “Sign.”

A successful message will be displayed with the transaction ID. This transaction ID needs to be kept safe with you for future reference. The same will be provided via email, too.

successful message

Process 3: E-Verify Return using Electronic Verification Code (EVC)

There are 4 ways to generate an EVC to e-verify income tax return, which are as follows:


E-Verify Your Return using Net Banking

It is very easy to verify ITR using net banking facility. To know the whole process further in detail, click here.

  • Login to your Net Banking Account
  • Go To e-Filing portal
  • Click the E-Verify link on the uploaded return
  • e-Return Successfully verfied

E-Verify Through Net Banking :-

E-verification of ITR through net banking is a simple process.
Check how to e-verify ITR through -

  • SBI Net Banking
  • HDFC Net Banking
  • ICICI Net Banking
  • Axis Net Banking
  • Kotak Mahindra Net Banking
  • Yes Net Banking

E-Verify Return using Bank ATM

Follow these simple steps to e-verify using ATM, or you can click here to see the detailed steps.

  • Swipe your ATM Card in Bank ATM
  • Click on PIN for e-Filing
  • EVC Received on Registered Mobile Number
  • Login to the e-Filing Portal & Select the option to E-Verify Return using a Bank ATM
  • Enter your EVC on e-Filing Portal
  • e-Return Successfully verified

E-Verify through Bank Account Number

Follow these simple steps to e verify using ATM, or you can click here to see the detailed steps.

  • Go to e-Filing Portal
  • Pre-validate your Bank Account Number (if not validated)
  • Bank account details validated successfully. Click the e-verify link, select the option to e-Verify using Bank Account Details, and Generate OTP.
  • EVC Received on Registered Mobile Number
  • Enter your EVC on e-Filing Portal
  • e-Return Successfully verified

E-Verify through Demat Account Number

Follow the steps below to E-Verify using Demat Account Number. You can also click here to see the detailed steps.

  • Go to e-Filing Portal
  • Pre-validate your Demat Account Number (if not validated)
  • Demat Account details validated successfully. Click the e-verify link, select the option to E-Verify using Demat Account Details, and Generate OTP
  • EVC Received on Registered Mobile Number
  • Enter your EVC on the e-Filing Portal
  • e-Return Successfully verified

Offline Mode

To verify the income tax return offline, here is the process:-

Step 1: While filing your income tax return, you will see an option “complete your verification” once you have submitted your tax return. In this step, you will have to select the third option, i.e., verify via ITR-V.

income tax return

Step 2: Log in to your account again at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal.


Step 3: After logging in, click on the e-file tab >income tax returns >> view filed return, and you will see a window with your details.

click on the efile tab

Step 4: Click on the download button

Click on the download button

Step 5: After downloading the ITR-V, get a printout and fill it completely, followed by signing it with blue ink. Send the form to the Bangalore office to complete your verification ('CPC, Income Tax Department, Bangalore - 560500, Karnataka, India'). You can further understand the process here.

You deserve a break from the tedious and complex process of filing your ITR. That’s why we created our eCA service, which lets you file your ITR online in a snap. Join the 1 million+ taxpayers who have used our service and enjoy the benefits of e-filing. Book your eCA today!



Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is an Income Tax Return?

Income Tax Return is the details of all the income earned by a person in a particular financial year. When the Gross Total Income before deductions under Chapter VI A exceeds the basic exemption limit (Rs.250000/ Rs.300000/ Rs.500000), and other conditions as specified by the act, it becomes compulsory to file an income tax return. To learn about income tax returns in detail, refer to our guide.


Q- What is Income Tax Return Filing?

Filing IT returns means submitting all income details and the taxes leviable to the income tax department in the applicable ITR form.


Q- What is the e-verification of ITR?

E-verification of ITR is an integral part of the tax return filing process. Once the return has been filed or successfully submitted online, it needs to be verified by the assessee. After this, the income tax department considers it for further processing. If a return is not verified, it becomes invalid, as if no return was ever filed.

There are 2 ways to verify ITR: offline & online. When you verify a tax return using any online mode (by not posting ITR V to CPC, Bengaluru), it is called e-verification (or electronic verification) of income tax return (ITR), and when ITR V is posted to CPC Bengaluru, it is called offline verification.


Q- When & Why should I verify my ITR?

It is very important to verify income tax returns within 30 days of filing, as the processing of returns is started only when ITR is verified. If you fail to verify the return, then it will not be considered as filed & you will lose out on income tax refund (if any), etc. Also, you will have to file a new return from the beginning.


Q- What is the difference between verification & e-verification of Income Tax Returns?

Verification of ITR is done either online or offline. When ITR is verified online, that process is called e-verification of ITR, and when ITR V is sent through the post, that process is called verification.


Q- Is it mandatory to use e-verify?

It is not mandatory for taxpayers to e-verify ITR. Both options, whether offline or online, are available without any restrictions.


Q- What is EVC?

EVC, or electronic verification code, is the alphanumeric number used to verify the income tax return online.


Q- What Happens After the E-verification of ITR?

Once you successfully e verify the income tax return it is considered for further processing by the tax department.


Q- What is EVC verification?

When you e-verify ITR using an Electronic Verification Code (EVC), this process is called EVC verification.


Q- How can I get the EVC code?

There are 4 ways to generate an EVC to e-verify income tax return, which are as follows:

  • EVC Through Net Banking
  • EVC Generated at Bank ATMs*
  • EVC Through Bank Account Number*
  • EVC Through Demat Account Number*

(*) Available for selected banks only.

So simply choose an option that suits you the best, follow the detailed steps as shown above & e-verify ITR.


Q- Can ITR V be sent by speed post?

Yes, you can send ITR V to CPC, Bengaluru, using either Ordinary Post or Speed Post. The option to send via Courier is not allowed.


Q- What will happen if I do not e-verify my ITR V in 30 days?

After filing an Income Tax Return, it is mandatory for everyone to verify the return (either offline or online) within 30 days of filing. If the ITR V is not verified within 30 days, then your return will become invalid & you’ll have to file a fresh return from the beginning as if no return was filed. You shall also be liable to pay the late filing fee and other penalties if the deadline to file ITR passes before e-verification.


Q- Is there an option to e-verify ITR even after 30 days?

The income tax department gives an option to file a Condonation of delay request after the original time period of 30 days. While submitting the request, you are required to

  • Select the Reason for such delay (Reason for delay can be selected from the pre-specified drop-down list.) Also, if your reason is not listed, select others and enter the details in the remarks.
  • Specify Remarks (if any)
  • Enter the OTP received on the Aadhar-linked mobile number.

Submitting a successful condonation request does not warrant that the Income Tax Return will accept the same, and your return will be e-verified. The requisite authorities would judge the validity and genuineness of the request before accepting your request.


Q- How can we check whether CPC has received ITR V?

You will be notified by text SMS from the department once it is received.


Q- When will I receive an acknowledgment from CPC on submitting ITR V?

Acknowledgment of ITR V depends upon the method opted for ITR verification online.

  • If you have verified ITR online (Aadhaar OTP, EVC, etc.), then an acknowledgment form will be available as shown in the question “What do you mean by ITR V” above.
  • In case ITR V is sent offline (i.e., through the post), you will receive an acknowledgment (text message) in the form of a message (SMS) on the registered mobile number & email ID. Two messages will be sent to you, first when ITD receives your ITR V & second when ITR V is processed successfully.

Q- What if my ITR V is rejected?

If your ITR V receipt status shows as ITR-V Rejected, then in such case, click on the Acknowledgement Number & the reason for ITR V rejection will be shown.

ITR V can be rejected for various reasons, like you may have sent a return for verification after 30 days or ITR V was folded or stapled etc. Make sure you correct the mistake & resend ITR V (other than cases where the 30-day limit has been exceeded).


Q- I have e-verified my ITR. Should I also download the ITR V acknowledgment?

It is highly recommended that taxpayers download & save the ITR V acknowledgment. Although it is available every time on the income tax filing website, it is suggested to keep it handy & therefore download it now.


Q- Do I need to do anything else after the e-verification of ITR?

E-Verification of ITR is the final step for filing ITR. After e-verification rest will be done by CPC Bangalore. They will process the return, and the ITR status will change.


Q- Can we edit the income tax return, which is e-verified?

Return can not be edited whether the same is verified or not after filing. The option to edit the return is to file a revised return.


Q- Is there any need to send the ITR V form after e-verification?

There is no need to send the ITR V form after e-verification. E-verification of ITR means that your return has already been digitally verified.


Q- Do we need to e-verify the original and revised (filled online) ITR if a revised ITR has been filed and the corresponding original ITR was not e-verified?

It is advised to verify both the original and revised returns so that the income tax department will smoothly process the returns filed and no liability of interest and penalty would arise.


Q- Two months have passed since the e-verification of my ITR, but I have not received the Intimation 143(1). What should I do?

Intimation under section 143(1) is received when your return is processed. Firstly, you must log in to the income tax portal and check whether your return has been processed.


Q- What is meant by return submitted and not verified status for an ITR?

Return submitted and not verified means your return has been filed but not verified till now either digitally or by sending a copy of signed ITR V to CPC Bengaluru.


Q- My ITR status is shown as a return uploaded on the income tax website, but the Dept has not processed the ITR; how should I proceed?

Return uploaded means your return has been filed but has not been verified yet. You must e-verify your return digitally or send it by ITR V to CPC Bengaluru.


Q- Can I refile my taxes before e-verifying (ITR-V) my original returns?

A revised return is filed to rectify the mistake in the original return. Verify both (original and revised) returns either digitally or by sending ITR V to CPC Bengaluru.


CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.