Cleartax.in | Last Updated: July 18, 2015 15:10 (IST)
Not many taxpayers know that the process of filing tax returns is not complete until your return is verified. Till last year, most of the ITRs or income tax returns could be verified by signing and sending a physical document, an acknowledgement, called the ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore. Some returns could also be verified through digital signatures.
If you have ever missed this very crucial step of mailing your ITR-V to Bangalore and suffered, or wished there was no paperwork involved, there is a reason to rejoice. The Income Tax Department has released details of e-verification of your tax returns.
(Also read: How to self e-file your ITR)
Let's take a look at how this can be done. First, let's take a look at the various means by which you can complete verification of your income tax return:
1. Verification using EVC: An EVC or electronic verification code can be generated before you file your return or during the filing process, through the Income Tax Department's website. EVC is sent to your registered email id and mobile number. This is a new mechanism, introduced by the department this year, to verify your return. EVC is a 10-digit alphanumeric code. It is valid for 72 hours. It can be used to verify all the ITR forms except ITR-6. The EVC is unique for a PAN. Therefore, it will not be valid for any other PAN. One EVC validates one income tax return. So if you revise your return, you will need another EVC. And a separate EVC will be required for each assessment year. This code shall be valid for 72 hours. If you fail to use your EVC within 72 hours you can generate another EVC and you will again have a window to use it within 72 hours.
2. Verification using Aadhaar OTP: In order to use the Aadhaar OTP (one-time password) method, you have to link your account at incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in with your Aadhaar number. This can be done by logging on the e-filing website. Once you have linked your Aadhaar card, your return can be verified via an OTP sent to your registered mobile number. This is the first year in which verification via Aadhaar OTP has been introduced.
3. Verification through net banking account: Specified banks which have been registered with the I-T department for the purpose of e-filing may provide direct access to the e-filing website. The banks will be providing this service to their accountholders whose bank accounts have a validated PAN as part of KYC (know your client). The facility will be available using the existing internet banking website and the taxpayer can use this facility through their existing internet banking user ID, login password and transaction password. This method of e-verification has been introduced this year too.
Besides, there are two other existing methods of verifying your ITR:
4. Verification using DSC Digital Signature Certificate
5. Verification by sending your physical ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore
Let's go back to verification of the ITR using an EVC. Here are the various steps you need to take to e-verify your return on the government's website using this route:
- Log on to incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in by entering your user ID and password, and your date of birth.
- Click on 'e-File' and click on 'Generate EVC' within this menu
- You will receive an email - on your registered email account - from the I-T department with your EVC details which will also be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Click on 'e-File' on the main tab and then click on 'e-verify Return'. You will see four options:
- "I already have an EVC and I would like to Submit EVC"
- "I do not have an EVC and I would like to generate an EVC"
- "I would like to generate Aadhaar OTP to e-Verify my return"
- "I would like to e-Verify later/ I would like to send ITR-V"
- Select the first option. Provide the EVC in the text box. Click 'Submit'. Download the acknowledgement document. Your e-filing is complete. No further action is required from your end now.
In case you choose the option to send the ITR-V then download ITR-V and send it to CPC, Bangalore.
If you have picked the Aadhaar OTP route for verification of your ITR, here are the steps you need to take:
- Log on to incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in by entering your user ID and password, and your date of birth.
- After login, a pop-up appears asking you to link your Aadhaar number with you e-filing account.
- Make sure your PAN details are correct and then enter your Aadhaar number. Click 'Save'.
- Your Aadhaar number will be linked to your PAN after validation.
- After your Aadhaar number has been validated, enter the aadhaar OTP sent to your mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Submit to e-Verify return.
- Note that the Aadhaar OTP is valid only for 10 minutes.
- Download the acknowledgement document. You have successfully e-filed and e-verified your income tax return.
Here are the steps you need to take to e-verify your return through net banking:
- Log in to your net banking account.
- Select the I-T returns e-filing option from the options available to login to the I-T department's website.
- Upload return and click submit
- Select the option "I would like to e-verify my return now". Click 'Continue'.
- Download the acknowledgement document. You have successfully e-filed and e-verified your income tax return.