After filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), verifying it is mandatory. If you don’t verify your ITR, it will be treated as incomplete, and your efforts could go to waste.
You must verify your ITR within 30 days of filing it. This rule has been in effect since 1 August 2022. Earlier, taxpayers had 120 days to complete the verification.
Let’s look at how to verify your ITR, what happens if you don’t verify it, and how to check its status.
7 Simple Ways to Verify Your ITR
The Income Tax Department promotes e-verification for faster processing, but physical verification is also allowed. Here are the seven ways to verify your ITR:
Aadhaar OTP – An OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Bank EVC – Generate an Electronic Verification Code from your pre-validated bank account.
Demat EVC – You can also generate EVC using your validated demat account.
ATM EVC – Some banks allow EVC generation through their ATM services.
Net Banking – Use the net banking portal of authorized banks to generate EVC.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – This is required in specific cases and can be used to verify returns.
Physical Verification – If online methods aren’t possible, print the ITR-V form, sign it with a blue pen, and post it to the CPC office in Bengaluru within 30 days.
What If You Don’t Verify Your ITR?
If your ITR is not verified within 30 days:
It will be considered invalid, just like it was never filed.
You could be charged a late fee up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
If any tax is unpaid, you may have to pay 1% interest per month.
Risk of Refund Delays
Refunds can be delayed or not processed if your ITR is not verified.
If the 30-day deadline is missed, you can request a ‘Condonation of Delay’, but approval depends on the Income Tax Department and is not guaranteed.
How to Check If Your 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, check the status under the ‘View Returns/Forms’ section on the e-filing portal.
Can Someone Else Verify It for You?
Yes, a representative like a family member or a chartered accountant can verify your ITR on your behalf.
They can use Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or Bank/Demat EVC. However, the OTP/EVC will be sent to their registered mobile or email ID.
