How to E-Verify Your Income Tax Return Online: A Complete Guide
- Rashmita Choudhary
- 6 hours ago
- 8 min read
E-verification is the final and most critical step after filing your Income Tax Return (ITR). Without it, the return remains invalid under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) mandates that every return must be verified within 30 days from the date of submission. This process confirms the authenticity of your filing, ensuring that it reaches the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) for assessment. With the updated 2025 e-filing system, taxpayers can complete verification online in just minutes using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
Table of Contents
What Does E-Verification of Income Tax Return Mean?
E-verification is the process of confirming the authenticity of an Income Tax Return (ITR) filed online. It serves as digital confirmation that the return was submitted by the taxpayer and not by someone else. Once an ITR is e-verified, it reaches the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru for processing. This step is mandatory under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Without e-verification, the return is treated as invalid, even if successfully uploaded on the e-filing portal. Taxpayers can complete this verification using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Bank or Demat EVC, or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Time Limit and Rules for E-Verification
The Income Tax Department mandates that an ITR must be verified within 30 days from the date of filing, as per Notification No. 2/2024 dated 31.03.2024. If verified within 30 days, the date of filing remains the same as the upload date. However, if verified after 30 days, the date of verification becomes the actual date of filing, which may attract late filing fees under Section 234F and interest under Section 234A. In such cases, the taxpayer may need to request condonation of delay to validate the return. Completing e-verification on time ensures smooth processing and prevents any future compliance complications.
Methods to E-Verify Your Income Tax Return Online
Taxpayers can choose from multiple digital verification methods based on convenience and accessibility. The following five options are available for e-verification:
Aadhaar OTP: A one-time password sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number for instant verification.
Net Banking: Accessing the “e-Verify” option via the taxpayer’s bank account portal.
Bank Account EVC: Generating an Electronic Verification Code through a pre-validated bank account.
Demat Account EVC: Using a validated Demat account to generate the verification code.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A USB-based digital signature used mainly by companies, LLPs, and professionals.
Each method serves different user groups—Aadhaar OTP for individual taxpayers, EVC for investors, and DSC for registered entities.
Step-by-Step Process: How to E-Verify Using Aadhaar OTP
The Aadhaar OTP method is the most convenient and commonly used approach. Follow these steps:
Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
Log in using your PAN ID and password.
Go to ‘e-File → Income Tax Returns → e-Verify Return.’
Choose ‘I would like to verify using OTP on mobile number registered with Aadhaar.’
Agree to validate Aadhaar details and click ‘Generate Aadhaar OTP.’
Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your registered mobile number and click ‘Validate.’
A success message along with a Transaction ID will appear, confirming completion of e-verification.
This method takes less than five minutes and instantly validates your return.
Other E-Verification Methods Explained
Using Net Banking: Log in to your bank’s Net Banking dashboard, navigate to “Income Tax Services,” and select “e-Verify Return.” You’ll be redirected to the income tax portal, where verification is automatically completed.
Using Bank Account EVC: Ensure your bank account is pre-validated and linked to your PAN. Generate an EVC through the bank portal and enter it on the e-filing portal to confirm your ITR.
Using Demat Account EVC: If you have a verified Demat account linked with your PAN, you can generate an EVC code through your Depository Participant’s platform and use it to complete verification.
Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Connect your DSC USB token to the system, choose your certificate on the e-filing portal, and complete the e-verification. DSC is compulsory for companies, LLPs, and professionals filing audit reports.
What Happens if You Miss the 30-Day Deadline for E-Verification?
If an ITR is not verified within 30 days, it becomes invalid. This means it will be treated as if it was never filed. To restore it, the taxpayer must either re-file the return or submit a Condonation Request through the e-filing portal, providing valid reasons for the delay. In such cases, the date of verification is considered the actual date of filing, and penalties under Section 234F may apply. Filing delays can also impact refund processing, carry-forward of losses, and eligibility for deductions.
Common Issues and Solutions During E-Verification
Aadhaar not linked to PAN: Link PAN and Aadhaar on the e-filing portal before verification.
OTP not received: Ensure the mobile number linked to Aadhaar is active and has network coverage.
Bank account not pre-validated: Update bank details and reattempt verification using EVC.
Technical errors on portal: Try a different browser, clear cache, or perform verification during non-peak hours.
DSC not recognized: Reinstall DSC drivers and confirm the certificate’s validity.
Following these troubleshooting steps ensures timely verification and avoids re-filing hassles.
Practical Tips for Smooth E-Verification
Always link Aadhaar with PAN well before filing.
Pre-validate bank and Demat accounts to generate EVC codes quickly.
Keep your mobile number updated with Aadhaar and the Income Tax portal.
Save your Transaction ID and acknowledgement receipt after successful verification.
Check the e-filing dashboard for the status “Successfully e-verified.”
Being proactive ensures your return is processed without delays.
Summary Table: E-Verification Channels and Processing Time
Role of TaxBuddy in Simplifying E-Verification
TaxBuddy simplifies tax filing and verification by automating reminders, ensuring Aadhaar and PAN are linked, and guiding users through each verification method. The platform tracks filing progress and notifies users if verification is pending. Its AI-driven system also identifies the most suitable verification option based on user type. By integrating Aadhaar OTP and EVC validation within the platform, TaxBuddy makes the entire process faster, safer, and more efficient.
Conclusion
E-verification is a vital step to complete your tax filing. Missing this step makes the return invalid, even if uploaded correctly. Aadhaar OTP remains the easiest and fastest option for most individuals, while DSC verification is essential for registered entities. Completing e-verification within the 30-day window ensures your ITR is valid, processed promptly, and eligible for refunds. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download the TaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1. Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options?
TaxBuddy offers both self-filing and expert-assisted plans designed to suit different taxpayer needs. The self-filing plan is ideal for individuals who prefer filing independently but want AI-driven guidance to ensure accuracy. The expert-assisted plan provides direct support from qualified tax professionals who handle every stage of filing—from document verification to submission and e-verification. This dual option allows taxpayers to choose between convenience and expert involvement based on their comfort and complexity of return.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR?
The official Income Tax e-filing portal remains the government’s authorized platform for filing returns. However, for users looking for a guided and simplified experience, TaxBuddy is among the most trusted alternatives. It offers AI-assisted tax filing, automated document upload, instant error detection, and expert help for complex cases such as capital gains or business income. TaxBuddy’s platform ensures error-free, compliant filing that meets all current Income Tax Department requirements while saving time and effort.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return?
Income Tax Returns can be filed through the official government website www.incometax.gov.in. Alternatively, platforms like TaxBuddy provide a seamless, user-friendly interface for filing. Users can upload Form 16 or link PAN and Aadhaar directly, and the system auto-populates income details to avoid manual errors. This ensures that both salaried and self-employed taxpayers can complete their returns online in a few simple steps while meeting compliance requirements.
Q4. What happens if I forget to e-verify my return within 30 days?
If an ITR is not verified within 30 days from the date of filing, it becomes invalid under the Income Tax Act. This means the return will be treated as if it was never filed. To rectify this, the taxpayer must either re-file the return or submit a Condonation Request to the Assessing Officer, explaining the delay. The request, if accepted, allows the original ITR to be processed. Failing to verify in time may also lead to interest under Sections 234A and 234F and loss of refund eligibility.
Q5. Can I e-verify my ITR without Aadhaar?
Yes, Aadhaar is not the only option for e-verification. Taxpayers can verify their ITR using Net Banking, Bank Account EVC, Demat Account EVC, or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). For instance, if the Aadhaar-linked mobile number is inactive or not updated, generating an EVC through a pre-validated bank account offers a quick alternative. Business entities, LLPs, and professionals with audit requirements typically use DSC for compliance purposes.
Q6. How can I check if my ITR is successfully e-verified?
To check your verification status, log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal, select ‘View Returns/Forms’, and locate your return under the relevant assessment year. The status will display as ‘Successfully e-verified’ once the process is complete. You will also receive confirmation through email and SMS. It’s important to download the acknowledgement for future reference. If the status shows as ‘Pending for e-verification,’ complete the process immediately to avoid invalidation.
Q7. Is e-verification mandatory for belated and revised returns?
Yes, e-verification is mandatory for all types of returns—whether original, revised, or belated. The 30-day verification period applies uniformly. For instance, if a revised return is filed to correct errors in the original filing, it must also be verified within 30 days of submission. Failure to verify a revised or belated return within the prescribed time makes it invalid, even if the earlier return was verified successfully.
Q8. Can businesses use Aadhaar OTP for e-verification?
No. Companies, LLPs, and other registered business entities cannot use Aadhaar OTP for verification. Instead, they are required to verify returns using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) registered on the e-filing portal. This ensures the authenticity of the entity’s submission and is legally recognized for compliance. Only individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are eligible to use Aadhaar-based verification methods like OTP or EVC.
Q9. What is an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) and how is it generated?
An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code used to authenticate an ITR electronically. It can be generated through a pre-validated bank account, Demat account, or Net Banking. Once generated, the EVC is sent via SMS or email to the registered contact details and must be entered on the e-filing portal to complete verification. Each EVC is unique and valid for a short duration, ensuring secure, one-time authorization of the return.
Q10. Can I send a physical ITR-V instead of e-verifying online?
Yes, taxpayers who cannot e-verify digitally can send a signed physical copy of ITR-V (Acknowledgement Form) to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru. The form must reach CPC within 30 days of filing. The address to send is mentioned on the ITR-V form itself, and it must be sent via ordinary or speed post. Once received and scanned by CPC, an email confirmation is sent to the taxpayer. However, online e-verification remains faster and more convenient.
Q11. What are the common reasons for failed e-verification attempts?
E-verification may fail due to various reasons such as:
Aadhaar not linked with PAN
Incorrect or expired OTP entry
Inactive or unverified bank/Demat account
Technical glitches on the e-filing portal
Expired or unregistered DSC token
Network delays causing OTP expiry
Before attempting again, taxpayers should ensure all details are accurate, accounts are pre-validated, and mobile numbers are active. In most cases, retrying with updated details resolves the issue instantly.
Q12. How can TaxBuddy assist in ensuring timely e-verification and filing compliance?
TaxBuddy provides a complete tax filing ecosystem that automates tracking, filing, and e-verification. The platform alerts users when e-verification is pending, offers one-click Aadhaar OTP or EVC verification, and ensures that every return is validated within the 30-day deadline. For expert-assisted plans, TaxBuddy’s professionals handle e-verification and follow up until the return shows “Successfully e-verified.” This eliminates manual effort, minimizes errors, and ensures full compliance with the latest Income Tax Department notifications.
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