How to Pre-validate Bank Account on the ITR portal to receive an Income Tax refund?

Why is it required to prevalidate my bank account?

For electronic credit service i.e., receiving your refund through ECS directly in your bank account, pre-validation is a must.

What are the benefits of bank account pre-validation?

Validating your bank account has the following benefits

• Credit of Income Tax Refund directly into your bank account through ECS facility
• Online e-verification of your income tax return through EVC (Electronic Verification Code)
• Provides greater security to your income tax account

Which bank account can be prevalidated?

Any of your savings, current, NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary), cash credit and overdraft accounts can be pre-validated.

What are the prerequisites for successful pre-validation?

For your bank account pre-validation to be successful, your PAN details should be updated in the bank database. Also, your name as mentioned on the PAN card and in the bank account should be the same.

What is the process to pre-validate my bank account on the Income Tax portal?

Step 1: Visit the income tax e-filing portal at www.incometax.gov.in. Login to the portal.

Step 2: Select “My Profile”,from the dashboard.

Step 3: On My Bank Accounts page, the Added, Failed and Removed Bank Accounts tabs will be displayed.

Step 4: On the My Bank Accounts page, click Add Bank Account.

Step 5: Enter the Bank Account Number, select Account Type and Holder Type, and enter IFSC. Bank Name and Branch get auto-populated based on IFSC.

Step 6: A successful message will display once the validation option is selected. You will also receive a message on your mobile number and email ID registered on the e-Filing portal.

If a bank account is pre-validated will it also be EVC enabled?

No, Only the pre-validated bank account having same contact details i.e. mobile number in

• Bank account and
• Income Tax Account

can be EVC enabled.

Can I enable more than one pre-validated bank account for EVC?

No, only one bank account can be enabled by EVC (electronic verification code). If any one of your accounts is already, EVC enabled, you won’t be able to enable any other account for EVC at the same time.

Important points

1. For successful pre-validation, you must have a valid PAN registered with e-Filing, and an active bank account linked with the PAN.
2. If you wish to EVC-enable that bank account, you will need to update your contact details on the e-Filing portal to match your details registered with the bank or update the mobile/email at the bank’s end, same as your e-filing registered primary mobile/email. Once details are updated, revalidate your bank account.
3. The pre-validation process is automatic. Once your request is submitted, it is sent to your bank. The validation status is updated in your e-Filing account within 10 - 12 working days.