ITR E-Verification Methods for 2025: Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking & More
- PRITI SIRDESHMUKH
- 6 hours ago
- 8 min read
E-verification is the final and most crucial step after filing your Income Tax Return (ITR). Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, the return remains unprocessed until it is verified by the taxpayer. For the financial year 2025, the Income Tax Department has introduced simplified and secure methods to complete this process online. Taxpayers can choose from multiple modes such as Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Bank EVC, Demat account, or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). These options ensure every return is validated quickly and securely within 30 days of filing, as directed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
Table of Contents
Understanding ITR E-Verification in 2025
E-verification is the final confirmation step that authenticates an Income Tax Return (ITR) filed under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Once an ITR is submitted online, it is not considered valid until it is verified. This verification confirms that the return has been filed by the rightful taxpayer and that all details provided are genuine. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) mandates that taxpayers must complete e-verification within 30 days from the date of filing. Failure to verify within this period results in the return being treated as invalid. E-verification ensures faster processing, reduces manual intervention, and eliminates the need to send physical documents to the department.
ITR E-Verification Methods for 2025
For the assessment year 2025–26, the Income Tax Department offers multiple secure options for completing e-verification. These include Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Bank Account EVC, Demat Account EVC, and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Each method is designed to suit different types of taxpayers—individuals, salaried professionals, and businesses. Taxpayers can select a mode based on their convenience, availability of linked accounts, or access to digital credentials. Platforms like TaxBuddy further simplify the process by integrating these methods directly into their guided tax-filing flow, ensuring users complete both filing and verification effortlessly.
E-Verification via Aadhaar OTP
This is the most popular and convenient e-verification method for individual taxpayers. To use it, the Aadhaar must be linked with PAN. The process involves logging in to the official Income Tax portal, selecting the return to verify, and choosing the Aadhaar OTP option. A one-time password is sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Upon entering the OTP, the return is instantly verified, and a success message along with a transaction ID is displayed. This paperless process is quick, requires no additional login credentials, and can also be completed via the department’s mobile app.
ITR E-Verification via Net Banking
Net Banking is another secure and commonly used method. Taxpayers can log in through their bank’s Net Banking portal—available for major banks such as SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, and PNB—and access the Income Tax e-Filing portal directly. After logging in, users can navigate to the “e-Verify Return” option, select their return, and confirm verification. This method eliminates the need for OTPs and ensures enhanced security through encrypted connections. It is especially suitable for users who prefer to keep all verifications within their banking ecosystem.
Verifying ITR via Bank Account EVC
The Electronic Verification Code (EVC) method allows taxpayers to verify their returns through a pre-validated bank account. To generate an EVC, users can log in to the e-filing portal, go to “My Account,” and select “Generate EVC.” The system then sends a verification code to the registered mobile number and email address. Entering this code completes the verification process. Many banks also allow EVC generation through ATM services for added flexibility. The process is simple, secure, and requires minimal manual steps.
E-Verification through Demat Account
Taxpayers who have a Demat account linked with their PAN can also generate an EVC through this account. Similar to the bank-based method, the Demat account must be pre-validated before generating the code. Once pre-validation is done, taxpayers can log in to the e-filing portal, choose “Generate EVC through Demat Account,” and enter the code sent to their registered email or mobile number. This option is often preferred by investors and traders who already have verified Demat credentials.
ITR Verification Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
The Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) method is mandatory for companies, LLPs, and individuals required to audit their accounts. To use DSC for verification, the registered USB token containing the signature must be connected to the system. The taxpayer selects the “Verify using DSC” option on the e-filing portal, chooses the stored certificate, and completes the signing process. This method ensures high-level authentication and non-repudiation, making it suitable for professional and corporate filings.
Offline ITR Verification through ITR-V Form
For those unable to verify online, the Income Tax Department allows verification through the ITR-V acknowledgment form. Taxpayers can download the ITR-V, print it, sign it in blue ink, and send it via ordinary or speed post to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru within 30 days of filing. Once received, the CPC processes and acknowledges the form through an email confirmation. While this method is still valid, digital e-verification options are now preferred due to their speed and reliability.
Key Points and Deadlines for E-Verification
The Income Tax Department enforces a strict 30-day deadline for completing e-verification from the date of filing. Missing this deadline renders the return invalid, requiring re-filing. EVC codes are valid for a limited duration, generally up to 72 hours, and can be regenerated at any time through the portal. Taxpayers are advised to ensure their Aadhaar-PAN linking, mobile number registration, and bank account validation are completed beforehand to avoid any last-minute issues. Staying within deadlines ensures smooth processing and timely refunds.
Common Issues During ITR E-Verification
Taxpayers may occasionally face issues during verification, such as non-receipt or expiration of Aadhaar OTPs, unvalidated bank accounts, or portal access errors due to incorrect credentials. Connectivity problems or browser cache issues may also interrupt the process. These can be resolved by re-validating the bank or Demat account, updating Aadhaar details, clearing browser cache, or using alternate verification modes. TaxBuddy users can access step-by-step guidance through the platform, minimizing errors and ensuring that verification is completed successfully.
How TaxBuddy Simplifies ITR E-Verification
TaxBuddy provides a seamless experience for both filing and e-verification through its AI-driven system. The platform automatically checks for PAN-Aadhaar linkage, pre-validated bank accounts, and eligibility for each verification method before submission. Whether through Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or DSC, users are guided with prompts at every step. This automation reduces human error, speeds up verification, and ensures that all returns are validated on time. TaxBuddy also provides expert-backed support for users facing technical or compliance challenges.
Conclusion
Completing the e-verification process is mandatory for every taxpayer to validate their Income Tax Return under the Income Tax Act, 1961. With several digital options now available, including Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, and Bank or Demat-based EVCs, the 2025 system makes tax compliance faster and easier than ever. Using an automated filing platform like TaxBuddy ensures that filing, verification, and post-filing support happen within one secure interface, saving time and reducing errors. 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 to cater to different user preferences. The self-filing option allows individuals to file their returns independently through a guided online interface, while the expert-assisted plan connects users with certified tax professionals who handle the entire filing process on their behalf. This flexibility ensures that both experienced and first-time filers can complete their returns confidently and accurately.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR?
The official Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal remains the primary and authorized site for filing income tax returns in India. However, for users looking for a more user-friendly experience with automated checks and real-time support, platforms like TaxBuddy are preferred. TaxBuddy provides a smoother experience by simplifying complex tax forms, checking for possible deductions, and ensuring every return is verified properly before submission.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return?
Income tax returns can be filed online on the official e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department or through authorized third-party platforms such as TaxBuddy. While the government portal is ideal for direct filings, TaxBuddy offers additional advantages such as AI-based accuracy reviews, automatic data import from Form 16, and instant verification through Aadhaar OTP or Net Banking. The process is digital, secure, and accessible from both desktop and mobile devices.
Q4. What happens if I don’t e-verify my ITR within 30 days?
If an ITR is not e-verified within 30 days of filing, it will be treated as invalid under the Income Tax Act, 1961. This means the return will not be processed, and any refund due will not be issued. The taxpayer will have to file the return again and complete the verification within the stipulated time. E-verification ensures that the return is acknowledged officially by the Income Tax Department, allowing processing to begin immediately.
Q5. Can I e-verify my ITR without linking Aadhaar?
Yes, Aadhaar linking is not mandatory for e-verification if alternative methods are available. Taxpayers can verify their returns using Net Banking, Bank Account EVC, Demat Account EVC, or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Each of these methods provides a secure and valid way to authenticate a filed return. For example, a taxpayer without an Aadhaar-linked mobile number can generate an EVC through their pre-validated bank or Demat account instead.
Q6. How do I know if my e-verification is successful?
Once an ITR is successfully verified, the Income Tax Department immediately displays a confirmation message along with a Transaction ID on the screen. This message is also sent to the taxpayer’s registered mobile number and email ID. The verification status can later be checked by logging in to the e-filing portal and navigating to “My Account → e-Verify Return.” A status of “Successfully e-verified” confirms completion.
Q7. Can I use multiple methods for the same return?
A taxpayer can only use one method to complete the verification of a specific return. However, if one method fails—for instance, if the Aadhaar OTP expires or a Net Banking session times out—the taxpayer can switch to another mode, such as Bank EVC or DSC, to complete the verification. Once verification is done through one method, it cannot be repeated or changed for that same return.
Q8. What is an EVC and how long is it valid?
An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code sent to the taxpayer’s registered mobile number and email for validating an ITR. It serves as a digital signature alternative for individuals not required to use DSC. EVCs are typically valid for 72 hours from the time of generation. If an EVC expires before being used, taxpayers can generate a fresh code from their pre-validated bank or Demat account through the e-filing portal.
Q9. Can business entities use Aadhaar OTP for verification?
No, Aadhaar OTP verification is available only to individual taxpayers. Business entities such as companies, LLPs, and firms must verify their returns using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). The DSC acts as a digital equivalent of a physical signature and ensures the authenticity of the organization’s filings. It is mandatory for entities required to maintain audited financial statements or for professionals filing under specific tax audit provisions.
Q10. Is offline verification still accepted?
Yes, offline verification is still an accepted method for those unable to complete the process digitally. Taxpayers can download the ITR-V acknowledgement form after filing, print it, sign it in blue ink, and send it via ordinary or speed post to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru within 30 days. Once received, CPC sends an acknowledgment email confirming successful verification. Although valid, this method is gradually being replaced by faster online alternatives like Aadhaar OTP and Bank EVC.
Q11. How does TaxBuddy ensure error-free verification?
TaxBuddy ensures error-free verification through an automated system that pre-validates critical details such as Aadhaar-PAN linkage, bank account status, and mobile number registration before submission. The platform also guides users step-by-step, helping them choose the right verification method based on their profile. Its integrated error detection minimizes failed verification attempts and ensures compliance with CBDT’s 30-day rule, reducing delays in return processing and refunds.
Q12. What if my bank account is not pre-validated?
If your bank account is not pre-validated, e-verification through EVC cannot proceed. To fix this, log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal and navigate to “Profile Settings → Bank Accounts.” Select the account you wish to use and click “Pre-validate.” The system verifies details with your bank in real time, and once approved, the account becomes eligible for EVC generation. TaxBuddy also provides reminders and step-by-step instructions for completing pre-validation to avoid any disruptions during the e-verification process.
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