Easily e-Verify your ITR without logging in using Aadhaar OTP or EVC. Follow this step-by-step guide to complete the process within the 30-day limit.
Verifying your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a mandatory step to finalize the filing process. The Income Tax Department has introduced measures to streamline tax compliance, including a ‘Quick Link’ feature on the portal homepage. This functionality allows taxpayers to e-verify their returns without the need to log directly into their e-filing accounts.
Why is ITR e-Verification Necessary?
Verification serves as the final validation of the tax filing process. Unless a return is verified, it is treated as invalid by the tax authorities. Consequently, completing this step within the designated timeframe is essential. The electronic verification (e-Verify) method offers a fast and convenient alternative to sending physical documents.
Beyond standard returns, authorized representatives or taxpayers can use this facility to verify various other service requests, including:
- Income Tax Statutory Forms
- Requests for refund re-issuance
- Applications for condonation of delay for late filings
- Electronic proceedings
- Requests for rectification
- Bulk ITR uploads by intermediaries
Taxpayers have the option to verify immediately upon filing (via Aadhaar OTP or pre-validated bank/demat accounts) or verify later within a 30-day window.
Methods Available for e-Verification
Taxpayers can utilize several channels to electronically verify their returns:
- Aadhaar OTP: Verification via a One-Time Password sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
- Bank Account EVC: Using an Electronic Verification Code generated through a pre-validated bank account.
- Demat Account EVC: Using an EVC generated via a pre-validated demat account.
- ATM EVC: Generating a code offline through bank ATMs.
- Net Banking: Logging in through your bank’s portal.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Using a registered digital signature.
Prerequisites for Various Verification Methods
| Method of e-Verification | Pre-requisite |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar OTP | PAN must be linked with Aadhaar. |
| Bank Account EVC | Bank account must be pre-validated and EVC-enabled. |
| Demat Account EVC | Demat account must be pre-validated and EVC-enabled. |
| Net Banking | PAN must be linked to the bank account, and net banking must be active. |
Conditions for e-Verifying Returns
To successfully use the verification facility without logging in, ensure the following:
- The ITR for the relevant Assessment Year (AY) has been submitted, and an ITR-V acknowledgement containing an acknowledgement number has been generated.
- For Aadhaar based verification, your PAN and Aadhaar must be linked, and the mobile number must be updated.
- For Bank/Demat EVC, the respective accounts must be pre-validated on the tax portal.
- The verification process must be completed within 30 days of filing the return.
- Ensure your contact details (mobile and email) are current to receive OTPs and EVCs.
Steps to e-Verify Without Logging In
Follow these steps to verify your return via the homepage quick link:
Step 1: Navigate to the official Income Tax e-filing portal. Locate the ‘e-Verify Return’ option under the ‘Quick Links’ section on the homepage.
Step 2: Enter the required details, including your PAN, the relevant Assessment Year, the Acknowledgement Number from your filed return, and your mobile number.
Step 3: A 6-digit OTP will be sent to your mobile. Enter this OTP to proceed.
Note on Delays: If you are attempting to verify a return filed more than 30 days ago, the system will prompt you to submit a ‘Condonation of Delay’ request. You must select a valid reason for the delay from the dropdown menu before proceeding.
Step 4: Once the initial OTP is validated (and condonation submitted if applicable), select your preferred verification mode:
- Generate Aadhaar OTP
- Use Existing Aadhaar OTP
- Use Existing EVC
- Generate EVC via Bank Account
- Generate EVC via Demat Account
- Use Offline EVC (from ATM)
Verification Process from AY 2019-20 Onwards
The homepage ‘e-verify’ feature is applicable for returns filed for Assessment Year 2019-20 and later. For these years, taxpayers have two primary choices:
- Log in: Sign in to the portal and select the specific return to verify.
- Quick Link: Use the ‘e-Verify Return’ link on the homepage without signing in, as described above.
Both methods provide access to the same verification options (Aadhaar OTP, Bank EVC, Demat EVC, etc.). Ensure you complete this step within the mandated 30-day period to avoid your return being declared invalid.
