Filing your ITR is only half the job. An unverified return is treated as if it was never filed at all - and every year, lakhs of taxpayers miss this final step. Here's how to e-verify in under two minutes, and what happens if you don't.
Why e-Verification Is Mandatory
Once you submit your Income Tax Return online, it is not considered "filed" in the eyes of the law until it is verified. Verification confirms that the return was indeed filed by you (or your authorised representative) and authenticates its contents. Without verification, the Income Tax Department does not process the return - no refund is issued, and the return may be treated as invalid/not filed.
The 30-Day Deadline
You have 30 days from the date of filing to verify your ITR (electronically or by sending a signed physical ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru). If you miss this window, your return is treated as
not filed, which can mean: loss of the ability to carry forward losses, applicability of late filing fees under Section 234F (if the original due date has also passed), and potential best-judgment assessment by the department.
Methods of e-Verification
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|
| Aadhaar OTP | OTP sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar | Most taxpayers - fastest method, instant |
| Net Banking EVC | Login to your bank's net banking, navigate to the income tax e-filing link | Taxpayers with net banking access at an authorised bank |
| Bank Account EVC | Generate an Electronic Verification Code via your pre-validated bank account | Those without Aadhaar-linked mobile but with a validated bank account |
| Demat Account EVC | Generate EVC through a pre-validated demat account | Active stock market investors |
| Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) | Sign digitally using a registered DSC | Mandatory for certain taxpayers (e.g., companies, audit cases) |
| Physical ITR-V | Print, sign in blue ink, and post to CPC, Bengaluru | If none of the e-verification methods are usable |
Step-by-Step: e-Verify via Aadhaar OTP
- Log in to the e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in)
- Go to "e-File" → "Income Tax Returns" → "e-Verify Return"
- Select your filed return and choose "e-Verify"
- Choose "I would like to verify using OTP on mobile number registered with Aadhaar"
- Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile within the time limit (typically 15 minutes)
- On success, you'll receive an acknowledgement confirming successful e-verification
Pro tipIf your mobile number isn't linked to Aadhaar, link it via the UIDAI portal or an Aadhaar Seva Kendra before filing season - this is the fastest verification route and avoids any postal delays.
What If You Don't Verify in Time?
If 30 days pass without verification:
- The return is treated as if it was never filed.
- If the original due date has passed, you may need to file a belated return (with late fees under Section 234F, where applicable) and verify that instead.
- You can request condonation of delay in verification by submitting a request on the e-filing portal explaining the genuine reason for delay - the department may accept this at its discretion, especially for genuine hardship cases.
How to Check Verification Status
Log in to the e-filing portal, go to "e-File" → "Income Tax Returns" → "View Filed Returns". The status will show as "Successfully e-Verified" once complete. You'll also receive an email/SMS confirmation from the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I e-verify my ITR after the 30-day window has passed? ▼
Not automatically. After 30 days, your return is treated as not filed. You can submit a condonation of delay request on the e-filing portal explaining your reason; if accepted, the department may allow verification. Otherwise, you may need to file a belated or updated return instead.
Is sending the physical ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru still accepted? ▼
Yes, this remains a valid verification method for those unable to use electronic methods. The signed ITR-V (in blue ink) must be sent by ordinary or speed post to 'Centralized Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru - 560500' within 30 days of e-filing.
Do I need to e-verify even if my return shows zero tax payable and zero refund? ▼
Yes. Every filed ITR must be verified regardless of the tax outcome. An unverified return - even one with nil tax liability - is treated as not filed and is not processed by the department.