Five ways to E-Verify your Income Tax Return

Everything You Need to Know About Income Tax E-verification (EVC)
Filing your income tax returns is an essential task, but what comes next can often be confusing. One of the key steps in completing your tax filing is the e-verification process. If you’ve filed your returns online, you’ll need to verify your submission electronically. This verification process ensures your tax return is processed without delay.
If you’re wondering what exactly e-verification is and how it works, don’t worry — here’s a simple breakdown.
What is E-verification?
E-verification (Electronic Verification Code or EVC) is a method introduced by the Income Tax Department of India to authenticate and verify your income tax return filing online. Instead of manually signing a physical copy of your tax return and sending it to the Income Tax Department, e-verification allows you to confirm your returns via digital means. It’s quick, easy, and ensures everything is above board.
Why Do You Need E-verification?
E-verification is a critical step that makes sure your return is accepted by the government. Without it, your return is considered incomplete, and it won’t be processed. Whether you’re filing your taxes directly on the government portal or through other platforms, this verification step is non-negotiable if you want your return to be validated.
How Does EVC Work?
Once you file your income tax return online, you will need to authenticate your identity. This can be done in a few different ways. Here are the common methods:
1. Aadhaar OTP (One-Time Password):
• Login to www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
• Fill the required details like PAN, Assessment Year & Acknowledgement Number in the specified places.
• Enter the Aadhaar linked mobile number. Then click on the option “Continue”.
• After Aadhar is authenticated an OTP will be sent to the taxpayer’s mobile number. Then this OTP can be used to E-Verify the tax return.
• This OTP is valid for 10 minutes. After completing this e-verification method, you can download the acknowledgement from registered email address.

2. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) :

• Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal and Log in by filling User ID (PAN/Aadhaar), password, and captcha.
• After logging in, navigate to My Account → E-Verify Return
• In the verification options, select “I would like to verify using Digital Signature
Certificate (DSC).”
• Download and install the utility required for using DSC. You can find it on the Income Tax e-Filing website.
• Insert the DSC token into your computer, Click proceed and enter the PIN/password associated with your DSC.
• The system will authenticate your DSC and proceed with the e-verification.

3. E-verification Through Bank ATM:
• Some banks are registered with the IT department for providing e-verification facility. Check with your bank before proceeding. The individual should have provided his PAN and get his bank account linked.
• EVC can be generated by swiping your ATM card in your bank ATM and by selecting an option of PIN for e-filing.
• Then EVC will be received on your registered mobile number which can be used to verify your income tax returns on government portal.
• This method is useful if you are unable to login to your net banking account to generate EVC.

4. E-Verification Through Demat Account:
• Before using this method, you need to provide your depository details on government e-filing portal which should be confirmed by the depository.
• Then select Profile Settings on the portal and pre-validate your Demat account.
• Choose verification mode as EVC using a Demat account. You will receive EVC on your registered mobile number & E-mail ID.
• Enter this EVC on e-filing portal to complete the verification process.

5. E-Verification Through Net Banking Facility :
• Login to your Net Banking Account and check whether they are authorised by the income tax department to provide e-verification facilities. Also, your PAN should be validated via KYC before using this method.
• Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal and Log in by filling User ID (PAN/Aadhaar), password, and captcha.
• After logging in, navigate to My Account → E-Verify Return
• In the verification options, select “Through Net Banking”
• Select the bank through which you want to E-Verify and click Continue
• Log in to your Net Banking using your Net Banking user ID and password
• Click the link to log in to e-Filing from your bank’s website. You will be logged out of internet banking, and logged in to the e-Filing portal
• On successful login, you will be taken to the e-Filing Dashboard. Go to the respective ITR and click E-Verify.

What Happens After E-verification?
Once you successfully E-Verify your tax return, the Income Tax Department processes your returns. If everything checks out, your return will be considered filed, and any refunds due will be processed promptly.
Keep in mind, if you miss verifying your return within 30 days of filing, the system won’t accept it, and you’ll need to re-submit it for verification. So, make sure you complete the process on time.

Conclusion
E-verification makes the entire tax filing process simpler and more efficient. By using methods like Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or digital signatures, you can ensure that your tax return is filed without hassle. Plus, the added benefit of quicker processing times and fewer errors makes it a step worth following. So, make sure you don’t skip this step and verify your returns as soon as possible after filing.