How to e-Verify Your Income Tax Return

E-verifying your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a crucial step to completing your tax filing process in India. It not only ensures compliance with tax laws but also helps streamline refund processing and validates the authenticity of your submitted data. While Aadhaar OTP is a popular method for e-verification, alternative methods like Net Banking, Demat Account, and Bank ATM provide more flexibility. Let’s explore these options in detail.

Why Should You e-Verify Your ITR?

E-verification is essential because:

1. Legal Mandate: As per the Income Tax Department’s rules, failure to verify your ITR within 30 days of filing renders it invalid.

2. Simplified Processing: Verified ITRs enable the department to process returns and issue refunds quickly.

3. Fraud Prevention: It confirms the authenticity of the information provided, reducing the likelihood of fraudulent filings.

4. Convenience: E-verification eliminates the need for physical documents, making the process seamless and efficient.

What Are the Methods to E-Verify Your ITR?

There are several methods to e-verify your ITR. Below is a step-by-step guide for each method:

1. e-Verify ITR Using Aadhaar OTP

This is one of the simplest methods for e-verifying your ITR. Here's how you can do it:

1. Log in to the Income Tax Portal: Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal and log in with your credentials.

2. Navigate to e-Verify: Go to the 'e-File' section and select 'Income Tax Returns,' then choose 'e-Verify Return.'

3. Choose Aadhaar OTP: Select the option to verify using OTP sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. Ensure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar.

4. Generate OTP: Tick the declaration box and click ‘Generate Aadhaar OTP.’ You’ll receive the OTP on your registered mobile.

5. Enter OTP: Input the OTP and click ‘Submit.’ A confirmation message will appear, and your return will be successfully verified.

2. e-Verify ITR Using Net Banking

Net Banking provides a secure way to e-verify your ITR. Here are the steps:

1. Log in to the Portal: Access the Income Tax e-filing portal and log in using your credentials.

2. Link Your Bank Account: Ensure your bank is approved by the Income Tax Department for e-verification and that your account is pre-validated.

3. Navigate to e-Verification: Click on the 'e-File' tab, then ‘e-Verify Return.’

4. Select EVC via Net Banking: Choose the option to generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through Net Banking.

5. Log in to Net Banking: Visit your bank’s Net Banking portal, navigate to the 'e-Filing' or 'Tax Services' section, and select ‘e-Verify.’ This will redirect you to the e-filing portal.

6. Enter EVC: Input the 10-digit EVC sent to your registered mobile number and email ID. Click ‘Submit’ to verify your ITR.

3. e-Verify ITR Using a Demat Account

You can also use your Demat Account for e-verification. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Income Tax Portal: Visit the e-filing portal and log in using your PAN and password.

2. Navigate to e-Verification: Go to the 'e-File' tab and select 'e-Verify Return.'

3. Generate EVC via Demat Account: Select the option to generate an EVC through your Demat account.

4. Prevalidate Your Demat Account: If your Demat account is not pre-validated, provide details such as Depository Type (CDSL or NSDL), mobile number, and email ID. Click ‘Prevalidate’ to send a validation request to the depository.

5. Enter EVC: Once the EVC is generated, input it in the portal and click 'Submit' to complete the verification.

Note: Pre-validation is a prerequisite for using the Demat account method.

4. e-Verify ITR Using Bank ATM

This method is convenient for taxpayers who prefer offline verification:

1. Visit a Bank ATM: Go to the nearest ATM of an approved bank. Insert your debit card and enter your PIN.

2. Generate EVC: Select the option to generate an EVC for ITR filing. The EVC will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID.

3. Log in to the Portal: Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal and navigate to the 'e-Verify Return' section.

4. Enter EVC: Input the 10-digit EVC received and click ‘Submit’ to verify your return.

Note: Approved banks for this method include Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, State Bank of India, and others.

5. How to E-Verify ITR by Sending ITR-V?

To verify your Income Tax Return (ITR) by sending ITR-V:

1. Download & Print: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal, download the ITR-V, and print it on A4-sized paper.

2. Sign: Sign the form in blue ink without folding or stapling.

3. Send: Mail it via Speed Post or Ordinary Post (courier not accepted) to: Centralized Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka.

4. Time Limit: Ensure it reaches CPC within 30 days of filing the return.

You’ll receive confirmation via email and SMS once it’s processed.

Common Issues During E-Verification during ITR Filing

1. Mismatch in Details: PAN card, Aadhaar card, or mobile number discrepancies can lead to verification failure. Ensure all details match official records.

2. OTP Not Received: Network issues, incorrect mobile/email details, or DND settings may delay OTP delivery. Check your registered contact information.

3. Technical Glitches: Portal downtime or browser incompatibility can interrupt the e-verification process. Use updated browsers and retry later.

4. Invalid Digital Signature: If using a digital signature, ensure it is valid and correctly registered on the portal.

5. Bank/Net Banking Issues: Errors in accessing the pre-validated bank account or delays in linking may hinder e-verification.

6. Aadhaar Linking Issues: Failure to link Aadhaar with PAN can block e-verification via Aadhaar OTP.

7. EVC Expiry: If using an Electronic Verification Code (EVC), remember it expires after a specific time and needs regeneration.

8. Document Upload Delays: Uploading a signed ITR-V instead of using online methods may lead to delays or errors.

Key Points to Remember

• Pre-validation is Mandatory: Ensure that your bank account or Demat account is pre-validated before attempting verification.
• Time Limit: Verify your return within 30 days of filing to avoid the return being considered invalid.
• Multiple Methods: If one method is unavailable, you can choose an alternative such as Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or a Demat account.

What are the Benefits of e-Verification?

E-verifying your Income Tax Return (ITR) comes with several advantages, making it a preferred option for taxpayers. Here’s a detailed look at its key benefits:

1. Paperless Process

E-verification eliminates the need for sending physical documents like the ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru. This transition to a completely digital process has multiple advantages:

• Time-Saving: No need to prepare, print, and post documents. The entire process is completed online in a matter of minutes.

• Eco-Friendly: By reducing reliance on paper, e-verification contributes to environmental conservation. It supports the government's push toward a greener, more sustainable digital ecosystem.

• Convenience: Since the process is entirely online, taxpayers can verify their returns from anywhere, without visiting post offices or dealing with courier services.

2. Instant Confirmation

Once the e-verification process is completed, you receive immediate acknowledgment from the Income Tax Department. This instant feedback ensures transparency and gives taxpayers confidence that their ITR has been successfully verified.

• Real-Time Updates: As soon as the verification is completed, you get a confirmation message on the portal and an email acknowledgment.
• Faster Processing: The prompt acknowledgment accelerates the next steps in the ITR processing, such as determining refunds or addressing discrepancies.
• No Guesswork: Unlike physical submissions, where delays can occur, e-verification ensures instant visibility into the status of your submission.

3. Flexibility

E-verification provides taxpayers with the flexibility to choose a method that suits their needs and circumstances. This adaptability ensures inclusivity and convenience for all types of users.

• Multiple Methods: Whether you prefer Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Demat Account, or Bank ATM, there’s a method tailored for everyone.
• Accessibility: Taxpayers without access to Aadhaar OTP or online banking can still verify their returns using alternative methods, such as sending a physical ITR-V form.
• Ease of Use: Each method is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that individuals with varying technical proficiency can easily navigate the process.

4. Enhanced Security

E-verification is not only convenient but also secure. It ensures that only the authorized individual—using valid credentials—can validate the ITR.

• Identity Verification: Methods like Aadhaar OTP and EVC use mobile numbers, Aadhaar linkage, and pre-validated accounts to ensure that the taxpayer’s identity is verified.
• Fraud Prevention: By requiring personal credentials and verification codes, e-verification minimizes the risk of fraudulent filings or unauthorized access.
• Encrypted Communication: The e-filing portal and associated systems use encryption to protect sensitive taxpayer data during the verification process.

Streamlining Compliance with ZOOP API

While e-verifying your income tax return is crucial for individuals, businesses often face additional compliance requirements. For example, verifying if an individual or entity is compliant with Section 206AB of the Income Tax Act can be complex. This is where ZOOP's PAN 206AB Verification API comes in, offering a seamless way to determine income tax compliance. With accurate and real-time insights, businesses can simplify their compliance checks and ensure smooth operations.

FAQs

1. What is e-verification of ITR?

E-verification is the electronic process of validating your Income Tax Return through various methods, such as Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or EVC, to confirm its authenticity and accuracy.

2. Why should I e-verify my ITR?

E-verification is a mandatory step to ensure your return is processed by the Income Tax Department. Without verification, your filing remains incomplete, and refunds, if any, will not be issued.

3. What is Aadhaar OTP?

Aadhaar OTP is a unique One-Time Password sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar card. It serves as a secure method to authenticate your identity during the e-verification process.

4. What should I do if I don’t receive the OTP?

First, verify that your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar. If you still don't receive the OTP, you can opt for alternative methods such as Net Banking, Bank Account, or Demat Account for e-verification.

5. Is e-verification using Aadhaar OTP secure?

Yes, it is highly secure. Aadhaar OTP ensures the validation of your identity by sending the password only to the registered mobile number, protecting the process against unauthorized access.

6. What is an EVC?

An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code sent to your registered mobile number and email address. It is used to verify your ITR electronically and remains valid for 72 hours after generation.

7. Can I e-verify my return after 120 days?

Yes, but only by filing a condonation request for the delay, as per the guidelines of the Income Tax Department. The return will be considered verified only after approval of the condonation request.

8. What happens if my ITR-V is rejected?

If your ITR-V is rejected, the reasons will be displayed on your e-filing dashboard. You can correct the issues and resubmit the ITR-V or opt for an alternative e-verification method online.

9. Is it mandatory to e-verify the ITR?

Yes, as per the latest guidelines, e-verification must be completed within 30 days of filing your return.

10. What is the penalty for not e-verifying the ITR?

Failure to e-verify your ITR within the specified period can result in a penalty of ₹5,000, as per current Income Tax rules.

11. When is the ideal time to file ITR?

Although the due date for filing ITR is typically July 31, the best time to file is between May 31 and the due date. Filing early allows you to claim benefits such as loss set-offs and rebates without last-minute stress.

12. What types of income are tax-exempt in India?

Certain categories of income are exempt from tax, including:

• Income up to ₹2.5 lakh for individuals below 60 years.
• Income up to ₹3 lakh for senior citizens aged 60 to 80 years.
• Income up to ₹5 lakh for super senior citizens aged 80 and above.

13. Are any specific items exempt from income tax?

Yes, specific sources such as pensions, insurance payouts, and contributions to provident funds are exempt from income tax under the provisions of Indian tax laws.