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In this Article, we will guide you through the essential process of verifying your Income Tax Return (ITR). Verification is a crucial step to ensure your return is processed correctly. If you do not complete the verification within the specified time, your return will be considered invalid, which can result in losing your refund and facing other consequences.

Why Verification Matters

Once you file your ITR, it must be verified within 30 days to be considered valid by the Income Tax Department. If this step is missed, it will be treated as if no ITR was filed, which can lead to complications. NRIs, in particular, may encounter challenges such as incompatible bank accounts, unvalidated accounts, or a lack of Aadhaar for e-verification.

How to E-Verify Your ITR

To verify your ITR, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Income Tax Portal:
• Visit the official Income Tax Department website: https://www.incometax.gov.in.
• Click the Login button at the top right corner.
• Enter your User ID (your PAN) and Password, then click Submit.
• Once logged in, go to the e-File tab, select Income Tax Returns, and click on E-Verify Return.

Methods for Verifying Your ITR

1. Using Aadhaar OTP: If you have an Aadhaar number linked to an active mobile number, you can use Aadhaar OTP for verification.
• On the E-Verify page, select "I would like to verify using OTP on mobile number registered with Aadhaar" and click Continue.
• Enter the OTP sent to your mobile and submit to complete the verification.
2. Using Net Banking: If your bank is supported by the Income Tax portal, you can use Net Banking to verify your ITR.
• On the E-Verify page, select "Through Net Banking" and click Continue.
• Choose your bank, click Continue, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
3. Using EVC from Bank Account: If your bank account is pre-validated with the Income Tax portal, you can generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) from your bank account.
• On the E-Verify page, select "Through Bank Account" and click Continue.
• The EVC will be sent to your mobile number. Enter the code to verify your return.

1. Using EVC from Demat Account: If you have a pre-validated and EVC-enabled Demat account, you can verify your ITR via this method.
• On the E-Verify page, select "Through Demat Account" and click Continue.
• The EVC will be sent to your registered mobile number and email address. Enter the EVC received and submit to verify your return.
2. Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): If other methods do not work for you, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) can be used to verify your ITR.
• Ensure your DSC is registered with the Income Tax Department and connected to your computer.
• On the E-Verify page, select "I would like to verify using DSC" and click Continue.
• Choose your DSC certificate and enter your DSC PIN. After authentication, your return will be securely submitted.
3. Physically Sending Signed ITR-V: If you cannot verify your ITR through electronic methods, you can physically send a signed copy of the ITR-V (Acknowledgment Receipt) to the Income Tax Department. The ITR-V must be signed in blue ink and sent via speed post or government post—courier services are not allowed.

Important Reminder: As of 1st August 2022, the deadline to verify your ITR (either electronically or by submitting the ITR-V) is 30 days from the date of filing the return. If the verification is not completed within this time frame, the return will be deemed invalid, and you will not receive your refund. Essentially, it will be treated as if no ITR has been filed for that financial year.

Final Thoughts

Verifying your tax return is a crucial step to ensure it is processed smoothly and to avoid any issues or delays. Whether you choose Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC, a digital signature, or submitting the ITR-V form, make sure you complete the verification within the 30-day window. This will help ensure that your tax return is valid and eligible for a refund without any complications.

Disclaimer: Aim of this article is to give basic knowledge about the topic to people who are not in touch with Indian tax norms. When anybody is dealing with these kinds of cases practically, he shall consider all relevant provisions of all applicable Laws like FEMA/Income Tax/RBI /Companies Act etc.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us via email at info@nricaservices.com or ushma@nricaservices.com. You can also contact us directly via WhatsApp or phone at +91 9910075924.

Stay informed, and don’t forget to verify your ITR on time!