How To E-Verify Your Income Tax Returns?

As per the recent amendment, whoever files their income tax returns on or after 1 August 2022 and as per the amendment, the timeframe for verifying your Income Tax Return (ITR) has been revised. According to the latest rule, now you have 30 days to complete the verification process after submitting your ITR to the Income Tax Department which was earlier 120 days. For individuals who filed their income tax returns by July 31, 2022, the time limit for e-verification remains unchanged at 120 days.

To streamline and expedite the verification process, the Income Tax Department has introduced a simple and easy method to e-verify your tax returns. This process will eliminate the requirement to log in to the income tax portal, which was a time-consuming procedure. By removing this requirement, the department aims to simplify the verification process and enhance the user experience for taxpayers.

Why do I need to e-verify my income tax return?

Verifying your income tax return is an important step to complete the return filing process. Failure to verify your ITR within the specified timeframe can result in your return being considered invalid. Thankfully, e-Verification offers a convenient and immediate solution for verifying your ITR.

Moreover, e-Verification can be used to successfully verify other requests, responses, and services, ensuring a smooth completion of various processes. These include:

1. Verification of Income Tax Forms: Whether you choose to use the online portal or an offline utility, e-Verification allows you to verify your Income Tax Forms seamlessly.
2. e-Proceedings: If you have any e-Proceedings pending, e-Verification can help you complete the verification process efficiently.
3. Refund Reissue Requests: When you request a refund reissue, e-Verification ensures the smooth and prompt verification of your request.
4. Rectification Requests: If you need to make corrections to your filed ITR, e-Verification enables the verification of your rectification request, making the process more efficient.
5. Condonation of Delay in Filing ITR after the due date: In case you have a delayed filing of your ITR and require condonation, e-Verification facilitates the verification of your request.
6. Service Requests (submitted by ERIs): For Enhanced Relationship Institutes (ERIs), e-Verification allows for the verification of service requests, streamlining the overall process.
7. Uploading ITR in bulk (by ERIs): ERIs can take advantage of e-Verification to verify bulk uploads of ITRs, saving time and effort.

By utilizing e-Verification for these different requests and services, you can ensure the successful completion of various processes related to your Income Tax Returns conveniently and efficiently.

Steps to e-verify Tax Returns

1. Aadhaar OTP: To e-verify your tax returns using Aadhaar OTP (One-Time Password), follow these steps:

a. Visit the official income tax e-filing portal and log in using your credentials.

b. Click on the "e-Verify Return" option from the dashboard.

c. Choose the "Aadhaar OTP" method for verification.

d. Ensure that your Aadhaar is linked with your PAN (Permanent Account Number).

e. Select the "Generate Aadhaar OTP" option.

f. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.

g. Enter the OTP in the designated field on the portal.

h. Click on the "Submit" button to successfully e-verify your tax return.

2. Existing EVC: If you have an existing Electronic Verification Code (EVC) available, you can use it to e-verify your tax returns. Here are the steps:

a. Log in to the income tax e-filing portal.

b. Access the "e-Verify Return" option on the dashboard.

c. Select the "EVC" method for verification.

d. Enter the EVC in the provided field.

e. Click on the "Submit" button to complete the e-verification process.

3. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): To e-verify your tax returns using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), follow these steps:

a. Sign the tax return using a valid DSC.

b. Save the signed XML file generated after signing.

c. Visit the income tax e-filing portal and log in.

d. Select the "e-Verify Return" option from the dashboard.

e. Choose the "DSC" method for verification.

f. Click on the "Choose file" button and upload the signed XML file.

g. Click on the "Submit" button to complete the e-verification process.

4. Generate EVC through a bank account: If you wish to generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through your bank account, follow these steps:

a. Log in to the income tax e-filing portal.

b. Access the "e-Verify Return" option on the dashboard.

c. Choose the "Generate EVC through Bank Account" method.

d. Provide the necessary details such as your bank name, account number, and registered mobile number.

e. Click on the "Generate EVC" button and you will receive an EVC on your registered mobile number.

f. Enter the EVC in the designated field on the portal and click on the "Submit" button to successfully e-verify your tax return.

5. Generate EVC through Net Banking: To generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through Net Banking, follow these steps:

a. Log in to your net banking account using your credentials.

b. Search for the "Income Tax E-Filing" or "E-Verify Return" section in the dashboard.

c. Choose the option to generate an EVC and select the relevant bank account linked to your PAN.

d. You will receive an EVC on your registered mobile number or through a secure token.

e. Go back to the income tax e-filing portal and access the "e-Verify Return" option.

f. Select the "EVC" method for verification.

g. Enter the EVC in the provided field and click on the "Submit" button to complete the e-verification process.

6. Generate EVC through DEMAT account: If you want to generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through your DEMAT account, follow these steps:

a. Log in to the income tax e-filing portal.

b. Access the "e-Verify Return" option on the dashboard.

c. Choose the "Generate EVC through DEMAT Account" method.

d. Provide your DEMAT account details, including your DP ID and Client ID.

e. Click on the "Generate EVC" button.

f. You will receive an EVC on your registered mobile number.

g. Enter the EVC in the designated field on the portal.

h. Click on the "Submit" button to successfully e-verify your tax return.

7. Generate EVC through the bank ATM option (offline): To generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through the bank ATM option (offline), follow these steps:

a. Visit your bank's ATM and insert your debit card.

b. Select the "PIN for Income Tax Filing" or a similar option on the screen.

c. You will receive an EVC on your registered mobile number.

d. Go back to the income tax e-filing portal and access the "e-Verify Return" option.

f. Choose the "EVC" method for verification.

g. Enter the EVC in the provided field. h. Click on the "Submit" button to complete the e-verification process.

How to know your e-verification is complete?

When e-verifying your tax return, there are specific indicators that confirm the successful verification process. If you are personally e-verifying your return, you can look out for the following signs:

1. Success message and Transaction ID: Upon successful verification, you will see a success message displayed on the e-filing portal. This message serves as confirmation that your return has been verified. Moreover, a unique Transaction ID will be provided that serves as a reference for the verification process.
2. Email confirmation: An email will be sent to the email address registered with the e-filing portal. This email serves as an official confirmation that your tax return has been successfully verified.

On the other hand, if an Authorized Signatory or Representative Assessee is e-verifying on your behalf, the following indicators will confirm the verification process:

1. Success message and Transaction ID: Similar to personal verification, a success message will be displayed on the e-filing portal, indicating that the return has been successfully verified. A Transaction ID will also be provided as a reference for the verification process.
2. Email confirmation: After successful verification, an email is sent to the primary email ID of the Authorized Signatory and your registered email ID. It is an official confirmation that your ITR is successfully verified by the Authorized Signatory.

These indicators, whether through success messages, Transaction IDs, or email confirmations, provide you with assurance that your tax return has undergone the necessary verification process and has been successfully verified, ensuring compliance with the filing requirements.

FAQs
When am I required to file/apply for a condonation of delay?

The requirement to file or apply for condonation of delay arises when you have missed the deadline for a particular action or submission prescribed by the income tax authorities. This provision allows taxpayers to seek permission for late filing or submission by providing a valid reason for the delay.

The need to file or apply for condonation of delay may vary depending on your country's specific circumstances and applicable tax laws. Some common instances where this requirement may arise include:

1. Late filing of Income Tax Returns (ITR): If you fail to file your ITR within the specified due date, you may need to apply for a condonation of delay to request permission for filing the return after the deadline.
2. Delayed submission of certain forms or documents: In certain cases, you may be required to submit specific forms, statements, or documents within a prescribed timeframe. If you are unable to meet this deadline, you may need to file for condonation of delay to seek permission for late submission.
3. Late payment of taxes: If you miss the deadline for tax payment, you might have to apply for condonation of delay to request permission for late payment along with any applicable interest or penalties.

Will delay in e-verification attract any penalty?

The delay in the e-verification of your tax return may attract penalties as per the guidelines set by the income tax authorities. It is crucial to complete the e-verification process within the stipulated time to avoid any potential consequences. However, the specific penalties and charges for delayed e-verification can vary depending on the applicable tax laws and regulations in your country.

To ensure compliance and avoid penalties, it is advisable to carefully review the deadline for e-verification specified by the tax authorities. Generally, the time limit for e-verification is mentioned in the guidelines provided by the income tax department or on the income tax e-filing portal.

Can I e-verify my returns with an inactive bank account?

It is not required to have an active bank or Demat account for pre-validation as EVC is enabled on the e-filing portal for digitally verifying income returns.

Can we edit the income tax return, which is e-verified?

Once an income tax return has been e-verified, it is generally not possible to make direct edits to the return. The purpose of e-verification is to confirm the accuracy and finality of the information provided in the return. However, there are provisions available to rectify any errors or make amendments to the return even after it has been e-verified.

If you discover any mistakes or omissions in your e-verified tax return, you can consider the following options:

1. Rectification request: You can file a rectification request with the income tax department to correct any errors in the return. This can be done by submitting Form ITR-V or by using the online rectification facility available on the income tax e-filing portal. The rectification request will be processed by the tax authorities, and if approved, the necessary corrections will be made to your return.
2. Revised return: In certain cases, if the mistake in your e-verified return is significant, you may have the option to file a revised return. This allows you to submit a corrected version of the return within the applicable deadline. However, it is important to note that revised returns are generally not allowed for all types of errors or under all circumstances. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional or refer to the official guidelines to determine whether filing a revised return is appropriate in your case.