After filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), it’s mandatory to verify it. If you don’t verify your ITR, it will be considered incomplete, and your efforts may go to waste.
This verification must be done within 30 days of filing. This rule has been effective since 1 August 2022. Earlier, taxpayers had up to 120 days for this step.
Let’s understand how to verify ITR, what happens if it’s not verified, and how to check its status.
7 Easy Ways to Verify Your ITR
The Income Tax Department encourages e-verification for faster processing and to reduce paperwork, though physical verification is still an option. Here are 7 methods to verify your return:
Aadhaar OTP – An OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Bank EVC – An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) generated from your pre-validated bank account.
Demat EVC – EVC can also be generated from a validated demat account.
ATM EVC – Some banks allow EVC generation through their ATM cards.
Net Banking – Generate EVC using the net banking portal of authorized banks.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Required in specific cases; returns can be verified using DSC.
Physical Verification – If e-verification isn’t possible, print the ITR-V form, sign it with a blue pen, and send it to the CPC office in Bengaluru within 30 days.
What Happens If You Don’t Verify Your ITR?
If not verified on time, your ITR will be treated as invalid, meaning it’s considered as not filed.
You may face a late fee of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
You might also have to pay 1% monthly interest on any unpaid taxes.
Risk of Refund Delay and Interest Charges
If the ITR remains unverified, tax refunds may be delayed or held back.
If you miss the 30-day deadline, you can apply for a ‘Condonation of Delay’, but this needs approval from the Income Tax Department and is not guaranteed.
How to Know If ITR Is Verified?
After e-verification, a success message and transaction ID will appear on your screen.
A confirmation is also sent to your registered email.
For physical verification, you can check the status in the ‘View Returns/Forms’ section on the e-filing portal.
Can Someone Else Verify on Your Behalf?
Yes, a representative like a family member or chartered accountant can verify your ITR. They can use Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or Bank/Demat EVC, but the OTP/EVC will be sent to their registered mobile/email.
