Essential Guide to e-Verification of Your Income Tax Return
Understanding the Importance of e-Verification
Submitting your Income Tax Return (ITR) is just one step in the tax filing journey. To finalize the process, taxpayers must complete the e-Verification. This digital confirmation ensures that the submitted information is accurate and allows the Income Tax Department to start processing the return. If e-Verification is overlooked, the filed ITR will not be considered valid. Fortunately, the Income Tax Department provides various online verification methods, making it easier for taxpayers. Below is a comprehensive overview of the deadlines, available methods, and the necessary steps involved.
e-Verification serves as the online method to authenticate an Income Tax Return after submission. This process has replaced the previous requirement of mailing a signed physical copy of the ITR acknowledgment to the Income Tax Department. Taxpayers must complete the e-Verification within 30 days of filing their return. Failing to meet this deadline may lead to the return being deemed invalid, which means it won't be processed.
If you miss the verification deadline, you can still submit a request for condonation of delay, explaining the reasons for the delay. However, the verification will only take effect once the Income Tax Department approves the request.
Methods for e-Verification of Your ITR
The Income Tax Department provides several methods for e-Verification, allowing taxpayers to select the one that suits them best. The available options include:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net Banking
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC) via a pre-validated bank account
- EVC through a pre-validated demat account
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- EVC generated at a participating bank's ATM
Before starting the e-Verification process, ensure you have the necessary information. Depending on the chosen method, you may need your PAN linked with Aadhaar, login credentials for the Income Tax e-filing portal, access to a pre-validated bank or demat account, net banking access, or a valid Digital Signature Certificate with the emSigner utility installed.
Step-by-Step Guide to e-Verify Your ITR
Using Aadhaar OTP: After filing your ITR, log into the Income Tax e-filing portal and select the e-Verify option. Choose Aadhaar OTP as your verification method, confirm your Aadhaar details, and generate the OTP. Enter the six-digit code sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click 'Validate.' A confirmation message with a Transaction ID will appear, and a confirmation will also be sent to your registered email and mobile number.
Using Net Banking: Select Net Banking as your verification method. 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 to generate an Electronic Verification Code. Enter the code received on your registered mobile number or email to complete the verification. Ensure your bank account is 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 complete the verification.
Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): If you are using a Digital Signature Certificate, select the DSC option, run the emSigner utility if needed, connect the DSC USB token, choose the certificate, enter the password, and digitally sign the return.
Using ATM-generated EVC: Some banks allow taxpayers to generate an EVC through their ATMs. After generating the code, log into the Income Tax e-filing portal, select the Existing EVC option, enter the code, and complete the verification.
Can an Authorized Person e-Verify Your Return?
Yes, if you have designated an authorized signatory or representative assessee, they can perform the e-Verification on your behalf. They can utilize 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 authorized representative on the e-filing portal or Aadhaar records, depending on the verification method chosen.