After uploading the income tax return (ITR) on the
I-T e-filing portal, there is still one additional step remaining. The income tax e-filing process is considered as complete only upon verification by the assessee. The verification might be carried out physically i.e. by post or electronically by following methods:
1. Physical Verification
One needs to take a printout of the ITR-V (Income Tax verification form) that is generated subsequent to uploading the ITR on the Income tax website.
After signing the document, the assessee needs to post the ITR-V to the Income Tax Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) at the following address: CPC, Post Box No – 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bangalore – 560100, Karnataka, India.
It is mandatory that that signed ITR-V is sent to the CPC within 120 days of filing the IT return. Any delay would render the IT return as invalid. It must be remembered that one does not need to send any supporting documents.
2. E-verification of return via net-banking
Another option is to e-verify the ITR by the net-banking route. After filing the returns, the assesse is provided the option to e-verify it through her bank’s net-banking facility. The following is the summary of steps involved:
1. Login to e-filing portal through net banking
2. Under the My Account menu, select generate electronic verification code (EVC)
3. The EVC generated would be sent to the registered email ID and mobile number.
4. One can e-verify the I-T return by using the EVC.
Or
2. On the left hand side, there are quick links. Click on e-Verify Return
3. On the next page click on e-filing login through net-banking. This will give a list of banks. Select your bank.
4. Login to your bank’s website account and check income tax e-filing tab
5. Select the ‘View Returns/ Forms’ option to see e-filed tax returns
6. Click to view your ITRs that are pending for e-verification
7. Select e-verify
8. Here you need to generate one time passcode (OTP) or EVC through net-banking
9. Enter the OTP or EVC. Once successful, you will get confirmation message
3. E-verification through Bank ATM
The Income Tax Department also permits e-verification through Bank ATM. The following are the steps involved:
Upon swiping the debit card at a bank ATM, the option to Generate PIN for e-Filing is available.
Upon selection, an EVC would be generated and sent to the registered mobile number.
One needs to log in to the Income Tax Department e-filing website and opt for ‘e-verify using Bank ATM.’
One would then need to enter the EVC to complete the e-verification
4. E-verification using bank account number
To avail this channel, one needs to validate one’s bank account in the profile section in the Income Tax e-filing website. Subsequently, upon selecting ‘verify with bank account number’ option, an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number (registered with one’s bank). Upon entering the OTP on the e-filing portal, the e-verification is complete. One may opt for refund credit to the same pre-validated bank account.
5. E-verification using demat account
To use this route, one needs to validate one’s demat account in the profile section of the Income Tax e-filing website. Subsequently, one needs to click on ‘verify with demat account number’ option. An OTP would be sent to the verified mobile number (registered with one’s demat account), which may be used to e-verify the return.
6. E-verification using Aadhaar OTP
This is a very common method of e-verifying one’s Income Tax Return. To exercise this option, one’s Aadhar needs to be mandatorily linked to the PAN.
One needs to opt for ‘e-Verify using Aadhaar OTP’ on the Income Tax online filing portal. The OTP sent to the registered mobile number (Mobile number linked with Aadhar) can be used for completion of the ITR e-verification by submitting the EVC.
Post Verification steps:
Post verification, one can download the acknowledgement, which may be retained for record purposes. No further action is needed by the assessee.
Assessee filing Paper Return:
Alternatively, in cases where one is permitted to file a paper return (i.e. not mandatory to file online return), one may sign the IT return as verification and submit the signed return at the jurisdictional IT office.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, one can exercise any of the above six options to verify one’s Income Tax Return. Verification of the Income Tax return is a mandatory requirement.
Further, the verification process may be completed at any time subsequent to filing the IT return. However, the verification must be completed before the due date of filing the I-T return i.e. 31 August 2019 for individuals.
Additionally, in case of e-verification, there is no requirement to send ITR-V or any document by post. It is recommended to carry out e-verification as the IT return processing would be more prompt compared to other modes.
