How to e-Verify Your Income Tax Return?
Updated: Aug 2
The process of filing your ITR is incomplete without its e-Verification. E-Verification of your ITR is a compulsive exercise, which assures the Income Tax Department about the authenticity of the return filed by you, thereby making the submission valid. The process of e-Verification is simple and can be done through various modes, especially designed to facilitate easy execution of the same. From Aadhaar OTP to Net Banking, EVC, Bank ATM, and Demat account, all sorts of ways through which this is done in a quick and safe manner. In this article, each of these methods will be explained in a step-by-step manner, common issues faced, and the reason why timely e-Verification is very important.
Table of content
e-Verify Your Income Tax Return: An Introduction
E-verification of your ITR is not a procedural formality but a compulsion for ensuring that your tax return gets processed by the Income Tax Department. If the ITR is not e-verified, then your ITR remains incomplete and may not be processed. You may be charged with penalties and interest on unpaid taxes or face losses in refunds. Timely e-verification enhances compliance with tax laws while keeping a clean record of your taxes.
Step-by-Step Guide to e-Verify Your ITR
Aadhaar OTP:
PAN Aadhaar Linking:
Visit the portal of Income Tax e-Filing.
Above the drop-down menu, click 'Link Aadhaar'.
Fill in PAN, fill in the Aadhaar number, and click 'Link Now'.
Your details like Name, Date of Birth, and Gender have to be the same in both PAN and Aadhaar data.
OTP Generation and Validation:
After logging on to the e-Filing portal, click the 'e-Verify' return mentioned on the left side under 'My Account'.
Select 'I would like to e-Verify using OTP to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.'
One Time Password (OTP) would be sent to your mobile number.
Enter the OTP on the portal and click 'Submit' to complete the e-verification.
Net Banking:
Log in to e-Filing Portal using Net Banking:
Log in to your Net Banking account. Ensure that your bank is empanelled for this facility.
Search for the 'Income Tax e-Filing' option in the services menu.
Click on the link to redirect to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Steps to e-Verify using Net Banking:
After redirection, you would have been automatically logged in to the e-Filing portal.
Click on 'My Account' and select 'e-Verify return'.
Click the option 'Through Net Banking' and follow the instructions for e-verification.
EVC (Electronic Verification Code):
Generating EVC through the Income Tax e-Filing Portal:
Step 1: Visit the e-Filing portal.
Step 2: Under 'My Account, click on 'Generate EVC'.
Step 3: You may select the option 'Three options to generate EVC with banking', and, accordingly, select the preferred option to receive the EVC through the bank account, Demat account or registered email and mobile number.
Entering EVC to Complete Verification:
Step 1: Select 'e-Verify return' under the 'My Account' menu.
Step 2: Select 'I already have an EVC to e-Verify my return'.
Enter your received EVC and click 'Submit' to verify.
Bank ATM:
Steps to Generate EVC through ATM:
Visit your Bank's ATM. Your bank should have this facility.
Insert your ATM card and input your PIN.
Now, choose the 'Generate EVC for Income Tax Filing' menu option.
An EVC will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Using the Generated EVC for e-Verification:
Log in to the 'Income Tax e-Filing' portal.
At Menu 'My Account', select 'e-Verify return'.
Select the 'I have already an EVC already generated to e-Verify my return' option.
Enter the received EVC and click 'Submit' for complete verification.
Demat Account:
Linking of Demat Account with PAN:
The Demat account has to be linked with the PAN.
One may check with the provider of the Demat account, if linking status is required.
Steps for e-Verify using Demat Account:
Log in to e-Filing portal.
Click on 'My Account' and select 'Generate EVC'.
Select 'Generate EVC through Demat Account Number'.
An EVC will be sent to your registered mobile number and email.
Now, log on to the e-filing portal and enter the EVC under the tab 'e-Verify return' and verify the same.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Mismatch of particulars in Aadhaar and PAN:
Issue: Your name has been misaligned with birth date or gender in Aadhaar and PAN.
Solution: Identify and update the information either in your Aadhaar or PAN so that both the records match. You can proceed to pan.nsdl.com for updating PAN details and uidai.gov.in for updating Aadhaar details.
OTP not Received:
Issue: The OTP for Aadhaar or EVC is not received on your registered mobile number.
Solution: Ensure that your mobile number is rightly registered with Aadhaar and your Bank/Demat Account. Check for network issues or contact Service Providers. In case the problem persists, you may generate the OTP again or use any other alternate e-verification method for generating the OTP.
Expired OTP/EVC:
Issue: The entered OTP or EVC has expired.
Solution: Generate a new OTP or EVC through the corresponding e-verification option and enter it within time to complete verification.
Technical Glitches:
Issue: The verification of e-verification runs into technical problems or the website is down.
Solution: Try clearing your browser cache or use another browser. After trying this, if you find the same problem, wait for some time and try again. You may also contact the helpdesk supporting the Income Tax Department for assistance.
Incorrect Bank Account/Demat Account Linking:
Issue: Bank account or Demat account not linked correctly with PAN or not authorized for e-verification.
Solution: Check the linking status of your bank/Demat account with your PAN. Check whether your bank is supporting this e-verification service. Update the linking, if required.
Net Banking Access Issues:
Issue: Unable to access the e-Filing portal through Net Banking.
Solution: Ensure that your bank is an approved bank for e-verification. Check whether your Net Banking credentials are correct and the account is active. You may contact customer service of your bank for support, if necessary.
Multiple Attempts Error:
Issue: Failed attempts to e-verify ITR more than once.
Solution: Avoid repeated tries in a very short interval of time. After some time, you can try again. Ensure all the information you are entering is correct and follow the step-by-step process carefully.
Mismatch in EVC Delivery Channels
Issue: EVC not received due to incorrect email or mobile number.
Solution: Login and check whether your Email and Mobile Number are correctly registered in your e-Filing profile and with your Bank/Demat Account; Update, if necessary and generate/ request the EVC again.
Benefits of e-Verification of ITR
e-Verification of ITRs has many advantages for taxpayers:
Faster Processing of Return: Usually means quicker refunds and discrepancy resolution, if any.
Convenience: The facility of multiple e-verification methods has flexibility and ease, and thus you can even do this from the comfort of your home.
Security: e-verification is secure; all your personal and financial information gets transmitted on safe, encrypted channels.
Compliance: The scheme fully complies with the requirements of taxation laws to avoid penalties and prosecution under the Act.
Eco-friendly: Reduces physical documentation, thereby paperless and environmentally friendly.
How to e-Verify your ITR without Login to e-Filing Account?
You can e-verify your ITR without logging into your e-Filing account using methods such as Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, and ATM. Here is the step-by-step procedure for all the methods:
Bank ATM:
Pre-requisites:
Your Aadhaar number has to be linked with your PAN.
The mobile number of which should be registered with the Aadhaar.
Steps:
Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Click on the 'e-Verify Return' under Quick Links option available on the home page.
Enter PAN, Aadhaar number, and the captcha code below. Then click on 'Generate OTP'. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the space provided and click 'Submit'. ITR will be successfully e-Verified using Aadhaar OTP.
e-Verify ITR Using Net Banking:
Pre-requisites:
Your bank account for e-receipt of refund should be enabled.
Your PAN should be linked with your bank account.
Steps:
Login to your Net Banking Account.
Once you are in your account, through the 'My Account' tab, you may click to find the 'Generate link' option from the list.
Click on 'Generate link' and then e-Verify.
It will direct you to the e-Filing portal where your ITR will be automatically e-verified.
e-Verify ITR Using Bank ATM:
Pre-requisites:
Ensure that your bank is enabled for generating EVC through ATMs.
Your PAN should be linked with the bank account.
Steps:
Go to your bank ATM which has the EVC generation facility.
Insert your ATM card and enter your PIN.
Select the 'Generate EVC for Income Tax Filing' option.
An EVC will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Using the Generated EVC for e-Verification:
Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing website.
Click on the 'e-Verify Return' under the Quick Links option.
Now, enter the PAN, EVC received on your mobile, and the captcha code.
Afterwards, hit 'Submit'.
FAQ
Q1. What is e-Verification of Income Tax Return?
E-Verification means electronically verifying your filed ITR to provide confirmation about its authenticity. It ensures that it is accepted and processed by the Income Tax Department.
Q2. Why is e-Verification necessary?
E-Verification is necessary to complete the filing process. Your ITR is incomplete if it is not e-Verified, and hence, might not be processed, which may result in penalties or missed refunds.
Q3. What are the methods to e-Verify an ITR?
You can e-Verify your ITR using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Electronic Verification Code (EVC), Bank ATM, or through a Demat Account.
Q4. Can I e-Verify my ITR without logging to the e-Filing portal?
Yes, you can e-Verify through methods such as Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, and Bank ATM without logging into the e-Filing portal.
Q5. How to e-Verify returns through Aadhaar OTP?
Link your Aadhaar with PAN, enter your Aadhaar number and PAN on the e-Filing portal, generate the OTP sent to your registered mobile, and put it back on the portal to verify.
Q6. What is an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) and how do I use the same?
EVC is a 10-digit code sent to your registered mobile and email. It can be generated either on the e-Filing portal or through the bank account or through ATMs for e-Verifying the return.
Q7. Can I e-verify my return through Net Banking?
Yes, log in to your Net Banking account, go to 'Income Tax e-Filing', and later click on the tab. After which you can proceed by following the pop-up instructions to e-Verify your ITR without separately logging in to the e-Filing portal.
Q8. What do I do if I do not receive the OTP or EVC?
Ensure that your mobile number is correctly registered with Aadhaar or your bank. Check for network issues, regenerate the OTP/EVC, or use an alternative e-Verification method.
Q9. How do I e-Verify my ITR using a Bank ATM?
Use an ATM card in a bank ATM which is enabled for EVC generation. Log in to the 'Generate EVC for Income Tax Filing' option. Use the EVC sent on your mobile to e-Verify your ITR.
Q10. What happens if I don’t e-Verify my ITR?
If e-Verification of ITR is not done within 30 days of filing ITR, your return would be regarded as invalid. Consequently, it would then engage in penalties, interest on tax dues not being paid, and other due refunds.
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