Filing ITR Without E-Verification: What Happens to Your Return?
- Bhavika Rajput
- 47 minutes ago
- 9 min read
TheIncome Tax Return (ITR) filing process involves several crucial steps to ensure that your tax filings are complete, accurate, and compliant with the law. One of the most important aspects of this process is the e-verification of your ITR. E-verification is a mandatory step that confirms the authenticity of your filed tax return and ensures that it is submitted to the Income Tax Department. Without e-verification, your ITR will be considered incomplete, which may lead to penalties, processing delays, or even rejection of your return. Let's explore the importance of e-verifying your ITR, the consequences of failing to do so, and how you can easily complete the e-verification process.
Table of Contents:
What Happens if You File ITR Without E-Verification?
Filing your ITR without e-verification can lead to several issues, the most significant being the invalidation of your return. The Income Tax Department requires e-verification as proof that the taxpayer has consented to the information provided in the return. If you file your ITR and fail to e-verify, your return will be treated as "not filed," and it will not be processed. This means that you will not be able to claim any refunds, and the department may initiate further scrutiny or penalties. In some cases, if the e-verification step is skipped, the department may issue a notice asking you to complete the process before the return is accepted.
E-Verification Requirement for Valid ITR Filing
E-verification is a mandatory requirement to validate your ITR filing. It serves as an electronic acknowledgement that you have reviewed and agreed with the information presented in your return. The Income Tax Department accepts e-verification through several methods, including Aadhaar OTP, EVC via bank account or demat account, or through physical verification using the ITR-V form. Once your ITR is e-verified, the department processes your return, and any refund, if applicable, will be issued to you. Without this verification, your return will be deemed incomplete, and you cannot proceed with further tax-related activities such as claiming a refund or responding to notices.
Consequences of Not E-Verifying Within 30 Days
If you fail to e-verify your ITR within 30 days of filing, the return will not be treated as filed by the Income Tax Department. This means that your return will be invalid, and it won’t be processed for further actions like assessment or refund processing. The department may also issue a notice for you to rectify the omission. Not only does this delay the process, but it could also result in penalties if the failure to e-verify causes delays in tax assessments or refunds. It's crucial to complete this step within the 30-day window to ensure your return is accepted and processed correctly.
How to E-Verify Your ITR
E-verification is a crucial step in the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing process. It is the process by which the Income Tax Department authenticates and confirms your filed ITR. E-verification is mandatory for completing the filing process and ensures that your return is accepted by the department without any issues. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to e-verify your ITR.
Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal
The first step in the e-verification process is logging into the Income Tax Department’s official portal. To do this:
Visit the Income Tax Department website.
Enter your PAN (Permanent Account Number), which serves as your user ID.
Enter your password associated with your account.
Complete the CAPTCHA (a security verification process to ensure you are not a robot) and click the "Login" button to access your account.
Step 2: Go to the E-Verify Tab
Once logged in, follow these steps to locate the e-verification option:
After successfully logging in, you will be directed to the dashboard.
On the top menu, navigate to the ‘e-File’ tab.
From the dropdown options, select ‘E-Verify Your Return’. This option will take you to the page where you can select how you want to verify your ITR.
Step 3: Choose the E-Verification Method
There are several methods through which you can e-verify your ITR. Choose the one that best suits your preferences or the one that is easiest for you. The available methods are:
Aadhaar OTP
This is the most popular and easiest method for e-verifying your ITR. It is available to taxpayers who have linked their Aadhaar number with their PAN and have their Aadhaar-linked mobile number updated. Here's how to do it:
Select Aadhaar OTP from the available e-verification methods.
You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number linked with your Aadhaar.
Enter the OTP and click the Submit button.
Your ITR will be successfully e-verified, and you will receive a confirmation on your screen.
Bank Account EVC (Electronic Verification Code)
If your Aadhaar is not linked or if you prefer another method, you can use the Bank Account EVC method. Here's how:
Select Bank Account EVC as the verification method.
Choose the bank account or demat account linked with your PAN.
If this method is enabled by your bank, an EVC will be generated, and it will be sent to your registered email or phone.
Enter the EVC and click on Submit.
Your ITR will be successfully e-verified, and a confirmation will be displayed on the screen.
ITR-V (Physical Verification)
For taxpayers who prefer physical verification, this method involves sending a signed copy of the ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) of the Income Tax Department in Bengaluru. This is usually done when the e-verification is not possible due to technical issues or personal preferences.
Select ITR-V from the e-verification options.
A PDF file of theITR-Vform will be generated.
Print out the ITR-V form and sign it.
Send the signed copy to the CPC office in Bengaluru at the following address: Income Tax Department, CPC, Bengaluru, E-filing Portal, Aayakar Bhawan, Bangalore – 560 100.
Ensure that the signed copy reaches the CPC office within 30 days from the date of filing your return.
This method, although slower, is still a valid option for e-verification if the digital methods are unavailable.
Step 4: Complete the E-Verification Process
Once you have chosen the e-verification method and followed the instructions for that method, you can finalize the e-verification process. Depending on the method selected:
For Aadhaar OTP or Bank Account EVC, your ITR will be successfully e-verified as soon as you submit the OTP or EVC. A confirmation message will appear on your screen.
For ITR-V, once the signed form is received by the CPC, they will process it and send you an acknowledgment of the successful e-verification. This may take a few days, but it is an acceptable method for filing your return.
Once the e-verification is completed successfully, your ITR will be considered filed and authenticated by the Income Tax Department, and you will receive an acknowledgment.
Why is E-Verification Important?
E-verification is an essential step in the ITR filing process. Without completing this step, your return will not be processed by the Income Tax Department, and you will not receive any refunds. E-verification helps authenticate the return by verifying the taxpayer’s identity through Aadhaar, bank, or physical means. It is a quick and efficient way to confirm that the taxpayer is indeed submitting the return. In the absence of e-verification, the process can take longer, and you may face issues with your return being rejected or delayed.
What If You Miss the E-Verification Deadline?
If you miss the e-verification deadline, you can still complete the process by submitting your ITR-V (Verification Form). If you don’t complete the e-verification within the prescribed 30 days, the Income Tax Department may not process your ITR, which could delay refunds or tax assessments. If you miss the 30-day deadline but manage to send the signed ITR-V, your return will still be processed. However, this will only be accepted within 30 days of filing your return. Beyond that, you may have to file a revised return and complete the e-verification step in a timely manner to ensure compliance.
How TaxBuddy Can Help with E-Verification
TaxBuddy makes the entire e-verification process simple and seamless. With its user-friendly platform, TaxBuddy offers step-by-step guidance to help you e-verify your ITR efficiently. Whether you are using Aadhaar OTP, EVC via your bank account, or prefer the ITR-V method, TaxBuddy provides clear instructions and support to ensure that your return is e-verified without any issues. TaxBuddy also offers real-time updates on the status of your e-verification and provides expert assistance if you face any challenges during the process. With TaxBuddy, you can rest assured that your ITR is filed, e-verified, and processed without any delays.
Conclusion
E-verifying your ITR is a crucial step in ensuring that your tax return is valid and processed by the Income Tax Department. Failure to complete the e-verification process within 30 days can lead to delays, penalties, and complications in receiving refunds. By following the simple steps for e-verification, you can ensure your return is accepted on time. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing and e-verification, it is highly recommended to download theTaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1: What is e-verification, and why is it required for ITR filing?
E-verification is a crucial step in the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing process. It is an online authentication method that confirms the accuracy and authenticity of the details submitted in your ITR. Without e-verification, your ITR will not be processed, and you won’t be able to receive any refund. The e-verification acts as an electronic signature, helping the Income Tax Department confirm that the person filing the return is indeed the taxpayer.
Q2: How long do I have to e-verify my ITR?
Once you have filed your ITR, you must complete the e-verification process within 30 days. If you miss this deadline, you can still validate your return by submitting a signed copy of the ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru, but it must be done within 30 days of filing your return. Missing both deadlines may result in your ITR not being processed.
Q3: Can I e-verify my ITR using Aadhaar OTP?
Yes, you can use Aadhaar OTP for e-verification, provided that your Aadhaar number is linked to your PAN and registered mobile number. This is one of the simplest and most popular methods, as it allows you to verify your ITR in real-time, instantly completing the process.
Q4: What happens if I don’t e-verify my ITR?
If you fail to e-verify your ITR within the prescribed timeframe, it will remain unprocessed. Without e-verification, you will not be able to claim a refund, and the processing of your return will be delayed or rejected. To proceed, you must either complete the e-verification process or send the ITR-V form to the CPC.
Q5: How can I e-verify my ITR using my bank account?
If your bank account is linked to your PAN, and your bank allows it, you can generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) to e-verify your ITR. This method requires you to log into your bank’s internet banking portal, generate the EVC, and use it to authenticate your ITR. Once you enter the EVC, your ITR will be verified.
Q6: What is the ITR-V form?
The ITR-V (Income Tax Return Verification) form is a physical document used for verifying your ITR if you miss the e-verification process. After signing the form, you need to mail it to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru. The ITR-V form is used as an alternative to e-verification and must be submitted within 30 days from filing your return.
Q7: Can I still file my return if I miss the e-verification deadline?
Yes, if you miss the e-verification deadline, you can still file your return by mailing the signed ITR-V form to the CPC within 30 days of filing your ITR. However, failure to complete the verification within this timeframe may result in the rejection of your return, and you may have to file a revised return.
Q8: How long does it take for the e-verification process to complete?
The e-verification process is typically instant if you use methods like Aadhaar OTP or EVC. However, if you opt to mail the signed ITR-V form, the verification process can take a few days, depending on how quickly the CPC processes your form.
Q9: Can I revise my ITR after e-verification?
Yes, you can revise your ITR after it has been e-verified, as long as the revision is filed within the same assessment year. If you realize any errors or omissions in your original filing, you can submit a revised return using the appropriate form, and the Income Tax Department will process it accordingly.
Q10: Does TaxBuddy help with the e-verification process?
Yes, TaxBuddy provides step-by-step guidance on how to e-verify your ITR. The platform supports various e-verification methods, including Aadhaar OTP, EVC through your bank account, and physical submission of the ITR-V form. TaxBuddy ensures that you have access to the most convenient e-verification options and helps you complete the process smoothly.
Q11: What if I miss the 30-day e-verification deadline?
If you miss the 30-day e-verification deadline, you can still complete the verification by mailing the signed ITR-V form to the CPC. You have up to 30 days from the filing date to submit this form. If both the e-verification and ITR-V form submission deadlines are missed, you may have to file a revised return.
Q12: Can I e-verify using any method other than Aadhaar OTP?
Yes, in addition to Aadhaar OTP, there are multiple methods to e-verify your ITR, including:
EVC through bank account: Generated via your bank’s internet banking portal.
EVC via net banking: Some banks allow generating an EVC through their online platform.
ITR-V form submission: If you miss both the e-verification deadline and other methods, you can mail the signed ITR-V form to the CPC for manual verification.
By offering these options, taxpayers can choose the most convenient and accessible verification method based on their circumstances.
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