Income Tax Return (ITR) is an important financial document that every taxpayer needs to file annually. It is a declaration of a taxpayer’s income, deductions, and taxes paid in a financial year. After filing ITR, it is important to verify it to complete the process. In this article, we will discuss how to do ITR verification and the various methods available.
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC) Method: The EVC method is the easiest and most convenient way to verify your ITR. It is an electronic code that is generated and sent to your registered mobile number or email address. You can use this code to verify your ITR.
Steps to verify ITR using EVC method:
Step 1: Log in to your income tax e-filing account using your user ID and password.
Step 2: Select the ‘View Returns/Forms’ option from the dashboard and choose the relevant ITR form.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Generate EVC’ option and choose the mode of EVC generation (Aadhaar, Bank ATM, Demat account, etc.).
Step 4: Enter the relevant details and generate the EVC.
Step 5: Enter the EVC and click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the verification process.
- Aadhaar OTP Method: If your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar card, you can use the Aadhaar OTP method to verify your ITR. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number, which you can use to verify your ITR.
Steps to verify ITR using Aadhaar OTP method:
Step 1: Log in to your income tax e-filing account using your user ID and password.
Step 2: Select the ‘View Returns/Forms’ option from the dashboard and choose the relevant ITR form.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Generate Aadhaar OTP’ option.
Step 4: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the verification process.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Method: The DSC method is a more secure way of verifying your ITR. It involves the use of a digital signature certificate, which is issued by certifying authorities. The DSC ensures that the ITR is filed by the actual taxpayer and not by any third party.
Steps to verify ITR using DSC method:
Step 1: Log in to your income tax e-filing account using your user ID and password.
Step 2: Select the ‘View Returns/Forms’ option from the dashboard and choose the relevant ITR form.
Step 3: Click on the ‘e-Verify’ button and select the ‘Digital Signature Certificate’ option.
Step 4: Attach your DSC to the ITR file and click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the verification process.
- Manual Verification Method: If you are unable to verify your ITR electronically, you can choose the manual verification method. In this method, you need to send a signed copy of the ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) within 120 days of filing the ITR.
Steps to verify ITR using manual verification method:
Step 1: Download and print the ITR-V form from your income tax e-filing account.
Step 2: Sign the form using a blue ink pen and send it to the CPC address through ordinary or speed post.
Step 3: The CPC will verify the ITR-V form and send an acknowledgement receipt to your registered email address.
Timeline for ITR verification
The timeline for ITR verification depends on the method of verification chosen by the taxpayer. Here is a breakdown of the timelines for each verification method:
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC) Method: Once you generate the EVC and submit it, the ITR verification process is completed immediately.
- Aadhaar OTP Method: Once you receive the OTP on your registered mobile number and submit it, the ITR verification process is completed immediately.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Method: Once you attach the DSC to the ITR file and submit it, the ITR verification process is completed immediately.
- Manual Verification Method: If you choose the manual verification method, you need to send a signed copy of the ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) within 120 days of filing the ITR. Once the CPC receives the ITR-V form, it verifies it and sends an acknowledgement receipt to your registered email address within a few weeks.
It is important to note that the Income Tax Department considers ITR filing incomplete until the verification process is completed. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the verification process as soon as possible to avoid any penalties or legal consequences.
FAQs about ITR verification
A: Yes, it is mandatory to verify your ITR. The Income Tax Department considers ITR filing incomplete until the verification process is completed.
A: If you don’t verify your ITR within 120 days of filing it, it will be considered invalid. You will have to file a revised ITR and go through the entire process again.
A: No, you cannot change the verification method once you have filed your ITR. Therefore, it is important to choose the correct verification method at the time of filing your ITR.
A: No, only the taxpayer can verify the ITR. However, a tax professional or a legal representative can file the ITR on behalf of the taxpayer.
A: Once the ITR is verified successfully, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt on your registered email address. You can also check the status of your ITR verification on your income tax e-filing account.
A: If your ITR verification fails, you can try verifying it again using the same or a different method. If you are still unable to verify your ITR, you can file a revised ITR.
A: Yes, you need to verify your ITR within 120 days of filing it. If you fail to do so, your ITR will be considered invalid.
A: Yes, you can verify your ITR even after the deadline. However, you will have to file a revised ITR and go through the entire process again. It is recommended to complete the verification process within the deadline to avoid any penalties or legal consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, verifying your ITR is an important step in the income tax filing process. You can choose any of the above-mentioned methods to complete the verification process. It is important to ensure that you verify your