How to E-Verify Your Income Tax Return: A Step-by-Step Guide

E-filing is the electronic submission of your income tax returns to the Income Tax Department. E-verification confirms the authenticity of your return online, speeding up processing.

What is E-Filing and E-Verification of Income Tax Return?

E-filing is the electronic submission of your income tax returns to the Income Tax Department. It is a secure and hassle-free method to file your returns online.

E-verification of your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a way to confirm that the information you provided is correct and genuine. Instead of sending a physical copy of your signed return to the tax office, you can verify it electronically. This online process makes it faster and easier. The tax department will only start processing your return after it has been successfully verified.

Benefits Of E-Verification Of the ITR.

1. Save Time And Effort

1. Eliminates the need for physical submission of documents, thereby saving your time and effort.
2. It Allows for a quick and hassle-free process of confirming the validity of your ITR.

2. Reduces Processing Time

1. E-Verification speeds up the process of ITR processing by the department.
2. Once e-verified the tax department can process the ITR promptly, resulting in faster refunds, if applicable. 

Methods of the E-verification of the ITR

1. Digital Signature Certificate 

• Valid and active DSC;
• Emsigner utility installed and running on your PC;
• Plugged-in DSC USB token in your PC;
• DSC USB token procured from a Certifying Authority Provider; and 
• The DSC USB token is a Class 2 or Class 3 certificate.

2. OTP on mobile number registered with Aadhaar

• PAN is linked with Aadhaar.
• The contact number provided for Aadhaar is valid and operating.

3. Net Banking

• PAN linked with your bank account
• Net banking should be enabled for the relevant bank account

4. Bank Account EVC/ Demat Account EVC

• Pre-validated and EVC-enabled bank/Demat account.

Steps to E-Verify Your Income Tax Return

Online Mode

Step 1 :   

Login to incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in with your credentials.

Step 2 : 

Select the ‘View Returns/Forms’ option to see e-filed tax returns

Step 3: 

Select the option ‘Click here to view your returns pending for e-verification’

Step 4 : 

Select the option ‘e-verify’

Step 5 : 

Click on Generate an EVC

Step 6 : 

Enter the EVC and submit.

Step 7 : 

A confirmation message will be displayed.

FAQs about How to e-verify your income tax return

1. How to e-verify ITR using Aadhaar?

• Step-by-Step Process:

1. Log in to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal.
2. Navigate to “e-File” > “Income Tax Return”.
3. Select the relevant assessment year and click on “e-Verify”.
4. Choose “Aadhaar OTP” from the available options.
5. Enter your Aadhaar number and click “Generate Aadhaar OTP”.
6. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
7. Enter the OTP and click “Submit” to complete the verification.

2. Can I e-verify my ITR without a PAN card?

A. No, you cannot e-verify your ITR without a PAN card, as PAN is mandatory for the e-filing process.

3. What is the deadline for e-verification of ITR?

A. The due date for e-verification of your Income Tax Return is usually July 31st of the assessment year. For instance, for AY 2023-24, the deadline is July 31, 2024.

4. How do I know if my ITR is successfully verified?

• Check the Status:

1. Log in to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal.
2. Go to “e-File” > “Income Tax Return”.
3. Check the status under “e-Verification Status”.
4. The status will show as “Verified” if your ITR is successfully verified.

5. Can I e-verify my ITR using my mobile number?

A. Yes, you can e-verify your ITR using your mobile number through the Aadhaar OTP method. Ensure your mobile number is registered with Aadhaar.

6. What to do if e-verification fails?

• Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Retry with a different e-verification method, such as Net Banking, Demat Account, or generating an EVC.
2. Check your internet connection and browser settings.
3. Ensure all details entered are correct.

• Contact Support: If the issue persists, contact the Income Tax Department's helpdesk or visit their official website for assistance.

7. How to generate EVC for ITR e-verification?

• Generating EVC:

1. Log in to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal.
2. Go to “e-File” > “Income Tax Return”.
3. Select “Generate EVC”.
4. Choose your preferred delivery method – SMS or Email.
5. Click “Generate EVC” and receive the code on your registered mobile number or email.

8. Is it mandatory to e-verify ITR?

A.  Yes, e-verification is mandatory to validate your Income Tax Return. Without e-verification, your return remains unconfirmed and may not be processed by the Income Tax Department.

9. Can I e-verify ITR after the due date?

• Late E-Verification:
• If you miss the deadline, you can still e-verify your return by generating an EVC or using other methods available on the portal. However, it is advisable to do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

10. What are the common errors in ITR e-verification?

• Common Issues:

1. Incorrect PAN details.
2. Mismatched Aadhaar details.
3. Invalid OTP or EVC.
4. Browser compatibility issues.

• Solutions:

1. Double-check your PAN and Aadhaar details.
2. Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar.
3. Use the latest browser version and clear cache before attempting verification.

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Author- Ayush Naik  

Ayush Naik is an expert in personal finance with an MBA in Finance. With over five years of experience working alongside stock market traders, Ayush has a deep understanding of market dynamics and investment strategies. His practical insights and analytical skills have helped many individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning and investment. Ayush’s professional background and commitment to educating others make him a valuable contributor to our personal finance blog.