How to Verify Income Tax Return Online After Filing
Filed your income tax return (ITR)? That’s only half the job. The next crucial step is to verify your income tax return online—without it, your filing is invalid under Section 139 of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Let’s break down the simplest, fastest, and most legally safe ways to e-verify your ITR on the new income tax portal.
Why Is ITR Verification Important?
- Mandatory under law: As per Rule 12 of the Income-tax Rules, every return must be verified within the stipulated period (currently 30 days).
- Needed for refund processing: The Income Tax Department won’t release your refund until your return is verified.
6 Easy Ways to Verify Your Income Tax Return Online
Here are the officially approved methods to verify income tax return online after filing, as per CBDT Notification No. 05/2022 dated 29.07.2022:
1. Aadhaar OTP
- Most popular and quickest method
- Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to PAN and mobile number
- OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile
Steps:
- Log in to incometax.gov.in
- Go to e-Verify Return
- Choose ‘Verify using Aadhaar OTP’
- Enter the OTP received
- Done!
2. Net Banking (Most Banks Supported)
- Safe if Aadhaar OTP is not an option
- Works via EVC (Electronic Verification Code)
Steps:
- Log in to your bank account
- Select Income Tax e-Filing login
- Choose e-Verify → Your return gets verified instantly
3. Demat Account EVC
- Useful for investors
- PAN must be linked to your demat account
4. Bank Account EVC
- Available if your account is pre-validated on the portal
- OTP is sent to your registered mobile
5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Mandatory for audit cases and companies
- Class 2 or Class 3 DSC required
- Must be registered on the portal
6. Offline: Send Signed ITR-V to CPC
- Only if online options don’t work
- Print, sign, and post ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru – 560500 within 30 days
- Use speed post only
Deadline to Verify ITR in AY 2025–26
- 30 days from the date of ITR filing (as per CBDT Circular No. 3/2022)
- Late verification = return treated as invalid under Section 139(9)
- No refund, and penalty may apply under Section 234F
Expert Tip: Use Aadhaar OTP if You Want Instant Refunds
Verification via Aadhaar OTP typically triggers faster refund processing.
Common Issues While Verifying ITR Online
| Problem | Likely Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar OTP not received | Mobile not linked with Aadhaar | Update mobile on UIDAI site |
| Net banking option missing | PAN not mapped to bank login | Try bank account EVC or DSC |
| EVC expired | Code is valid only for 72 hours | Generate a fresh EVC |
| DSC error | Driver not installed or expired token | Update DSC software and drivers |
What Happens If You Don’t Verify on Time?
- Return becomes invalid
- Treated as not filed at all
- May attract late fee under Section 234F
- Loss of refund or carry-forward of losses
How to Check If ITR Is Verified?
Go to:
Login → e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns
If status shows ‘Successfully e-verified’, you’re good.
FAQs on Verifying Income Tax Return Online
Q1. Can I verify ITR after 30 days?
No. You’ll have to file a revised return if deadline is missed.
Q2. Is Aadhaar OTP method safe?
Yes. It’s Aadhaar-based and encrypted under UIDAI protocols.
Q3. Can I use someone else’s bank account to verify?
No. Bank/Demat account must be in your own name and PAN-linked.
Final Thoughts
Verifying your ITR online is just as important as filing it. Without verification, the Income Tax Department won’t process your return or issue refunds. Use Aadhaar OTP or net banking for instant results. And if in doubt, let Efiletax handle it for you.
Need help with ITR filing or e-verification?
Efiletax can do it for you — fast, compliant, and stress-free.
Summary
Verify your income tax return online within 30 days of filing using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC to avoid penalties. Learn 6 methods and common issues in our step-by-step guide.