ITR Verification Pending? Here’s What You Should Do
- Nimisha Panda
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
If your Income Tax Return (ITR) verification is still pending, your filing isn’t complete yet. The Income Tax Department treats an unverified return as invalid, meaning it’s as if the return was never filed. This can cause refund delays, interest on taxes, or even notices from the department. The verification step confirms that the details you filed are accurate and genuine. Fortunately, completing ITR verification takes just a few minutes through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other e-verification modes.
Table of Contents
Why ITR Verification Matters Under the Income Tax Act
Under Section 139 of the Income Tax Act, filing an ITR is only complete when it is verified. Verification acts as the taxpayer’s declaration that the information submitted is accurate and complete. The Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru processes only verified returns. If the return remains unverified, it is treated as invalid and considered as if it was never filed. This could lead to penalties under Section 234F, loss of interest on refunds, and even future compliance issues. Therefore, completing verification within the prescribed time frame—30 days from filing—is essential for ensuring your return’s validity.
How to Verify Your ITR Online
The Income Tax Department offers several convenient methods for taxpayers to verify their ITR online.
E-Verification Using Aadhaar OTP: The fastest method for most taxpayers. Once your Aadhaar is linked to your PAN, you can generate an OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP on the e-filing portal to complete verification instantly.
E-Verification Through Net Banking and EVC: You can log in via your bank’s net banking account and choose the e-verify option. Alternatively, you can generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through your bank account, demat account, or ATM. Entering this code on the portal completes the process securely.
Sending Physical ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru: If digital methods are not feasible, print the ITR-V acknowledgment, sign it in blue ink, and send it via speed post to CPC Bengaluru within 30 days of filing. However, this is slower and prone to postal delays, so e-verification is generally preferred.
What Happens If ITR Verification Remains Pending
If your ITR remains unverified, it is treated as invalid, and the return will not be processed. This can lead to the following consequences:
The ITR will be considered as not filed, resulting in non-compliance.
Refund claims will be forfeited.
You may incur penalties or interest on unpaid taxes.
The department may issue notices or demand explanations for non-verification.
You might need to refile your ITR as a belated or revised return, losing certain benefits and deductions.
How to Fix ITR Verification Pending Status
If your ITR verification is still pending, it’s important to act quickly to avoid your return being marked as invalid. The Income Tax Department allows multiple ways to resolve this issue, and understanding each step can help ensure your return is processed without delays.
The first step is to check your return status on the Income Tax e-filing portal. Log in using your PAN and password, and go to the “View Filed Returns” section. Here, you’ll see whether your return status is marked as “Verified” or “Return Filed but Not Verified.” If it shows the latter, it means your ITR has been submitted but not yet confirmed. Without verification, the Income Tax Department will not process your return or release any refund.
Once you’ve identified that your return is pending verification, complete the e-verification process immediately. There are multiple digital options available for this step. You can verify using Aadhaar OTP if your PAN and Aadhaar are linked; the OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Alternatively, you can log in through your bank’s net banking facility and choose the “e-Verify” option under income tax services. Another method is to use an Electronic Verification Code (EVC), which can be generated through your bank account, demat account, or ATM. These electronic modes are quick and ensure instant confirmation.
If you have missed the 30-day window after filing your ITR, you will need to request condonation of delay. The Income Tax Department provides a facility to submit this request online. You must log in to the e-filing portal, navigate to the “Condonation Request” section, and explain the reason for the delay—such as a technical error, oversight, or health-related issue. Once your request is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) or the jurisdictional Assessing Officer. If approved, your ITR will be treated as valid after you complete the verification.
In cases where you opted for physical verification and your ITR-V acknowledgment has been rejected or not received by CPC Bengaluru, you should resend it promptly. Common reasons for rejection include missing signatures, damaged forms, or postal delays. Download a new ITR-V form from the portal, sign it clearly in blue ink, and send it again via speed post to “CPC, Post Box No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka.” Ensure that the envelope is properly sealed and sent within the extended verification timeline. Alternatively, you can complete the process instantly by switching to an e-verification mode, which eliminates postal dependencies and provides immediate acknowledgment.
By following these steps, you can fix your ITR verification pending status and prevent complications like refund delays, invalidation of returns, or non-compliance notices. Taking timely action ensures your ITR is successfully processed and accepted by the Income Tax Department.
One-Time Relaxation for Pending ITR Verification
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) occasionally grants one-time relaxation for taxpayers who missed verifying their ITR within the deadline for specific assessment years. This allows them to verify their returns even after the expiry of 30 days without the return being marked invalid. Such relief measures aim to help genuine taxpayers regularize their filings and avoid penalties. To benefit, taxpayers must follow the instructions in the CBDT circular and complete verification through any valid mode before the notified date.
How TaxBuddy Simplifies ITR Filing and Verification
TaxBuddy simplifies the entire ITR filing process, from data import to e-verification, through an AI-driven and user-friendly platform. Its automated tools ensure that your ITR is not only filed accurately but also verified within minutes using the preferred mode—Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC. For complex returns, expert-assisted plans are available where tax professionals handle everything from verification to compliance follow-ups. TaxBuddy’s mobile app makes it even easier, allowing users to complete the process seamlessly without logging into multiple portals.
Conclusion
ITR verification is as important as filing the return itself. Failing to verify within the deadline can make your return invalid and delay refunds. Always ensure your return is verified promptly using Aadhaar OTP or net banking for instant confirmation. Timely action keeps your compliance record clean and helps avoid unnecessary penalties or notices.
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 provides both self-filing and expert-assisted options to suit different user preferences. The self-filing plan uses an AI-guided interface that automates data entry, validates deductions, and ensures error-free filing within minutes. For individuals who prefer professional support, the expert-assisted plan connects users with qualified tax experts who handle everything—from document verification to return filing and post-filing queries. This dual offering ensures flexibility for all types of taxpayers.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR? The official Income Tax Department e-filing portal is the primary government platform for filing returns. However, private e-filing platforms like TaxBuddy are preferred by many taxpayers for their simplified process and automated data fetching. TaxBuddy ensures an AI-driven, step-by-step filing experience with inbuilt error checks, refund optimization, and expert guidance. This makes it one of the most reliable and efficient platforms for filing ITR in India.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return? You can file your income tax return online through the Income Tax Department’s official website (www.incometax.gov.in) or through trusted third-party e-filing platforms such as TaxBuddy. Filing online is faster, paperless, and provides immediate acknowledgment. For those seeking assistance, TaxBuddy’s mobile app allows users to file returns conveniently without navigating complex tax forms or manual entries.
Q4. What happens if I don’t verify my ITR within 30 days? If your ITR remains unverified for over 30 days, it will be treated as invalid under the Income Tax Act. This means the return is considered as not filed at all, and you may lose your refund eligibility. Additionally, penalties and interest could be imposed on unpaid taxes. To rectify this, you must request a condonation of delay from the Income Tax Department, explaining the reason for missing the deadline. Only after approval will your ITR be processed.
Q5. Can I verify my ITR using Aadhaar OTP after the due date? No, the Aadhaar OTP method can be used only within 30 days from the date of filing your return. If the deadline has passed, the OTP will no longer work for verification. In such cases, you must apply for condonation of delay on the e-filing portal. Once approved, you can proceed to verify your return using Aadhaar OTP or other available digital methods.
Q6. How can I check if my ITR is verified or still pending? You can check your ITR verification status by logging into the Income Tax e-filing portal. Under the “View Filed Returns” section, your ITR status will appear as “Verified” or “Pending for Verification.” If it shows “Pending,” complete the verification immediately through Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or net banking to avoid invalidation of your return. TaxBuddy also provides automated alerts and guidance for tracking your ITR verification status easily.
Q7. What is condonation of delay in ITR verification? Condonation of delay is a special relief granted by the Income Tax Department to taxpayers who fail to verify their ITR within the prescribed 30-day period. It allows late verification after submitting a valid reason—such as technical issues or unintentional oversight—through the portal. Once approved, the ITR is treated as valid and processed normally. However, condonation is granted at the discretion of the assessing officer or the CPC based on the merits of each case.
Q8. Can I send my ITR-V through normal post? No, the Income Tax Department accepts only speed post for sending the physical ITR-V acknowledgment form to the CPC, Bengaluru. Normal or registered post is not accepted. The envelope should be clearly labeled “To: CPC, Post Box No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka.” Make sure the form is signed in blue ink and sent within 30 days of filing the return.
Q9. Is physical submission required after e-verification? Once your ITR is e-verified digitally using Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or net banking, there is no need to send a physical ITR-V form to the CPC. The system automatically registers your verification electronically. Physical submission is only required for those who are unable to complete the e-verification process due to technical or eligibility constraints.
Q10. What if my ITR-V acknowledgment gets rejected by CPC? If the CPC rejects your ITR-V, check the rejection reason on the e-filing portal. Common issues include missing signatures, delays in postal delivery, or mismatched data. In such cases, download a fresh copy of the ITR-V acknowledgment, sign it properly, and resend it via speed post. Alternatively, switch to e-verification through Aadhaar OTP or EVC to instantly confirm receipt and avoid postal issues.
Q11. How does TaxBuddy help in completing ITR verification easily? TaxBuddy simplifies ITR verification through automated steps built into its filing process. Once the return is filed, users can verify instantly using Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or net banking from within the app. The platform also sends timely reminders and verification status updates to ensure compliance. For expert-assisted users, TaxBuddy’s tax professionals handle verification on the client’s behalf, ensuring that no return remains pending.
Q12. Can I revise my return if my ITR verification is delayed or rejected? Yes, if your ITR was filed but not verified within the due period, you can revise and refile your return after obtaining condonation approval. However, the revised return must be verified within 30 days of refiling. TaxBuddy’s platform automatically tracks your verification deadlines and helps you refile or revise your return correctly to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
