Filed Your ITR? Don’t Forget This Crucial Step Within 30 Days – Or Your Return May Become Invalid!
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a crucial step in fulfilling your tax obligations—but did you know that your return isn’t considered complete until you verify it?
Yes, the Income Tax Department mandates that all assessees must e-verify their ITR within 30 days of filing. Failing to do so could result in your return being declared invalid, leading to loss of benefits, penalties, and even refund delays.
What Is ITR Verification?
When you file your income tax return online, the process doesn’t end there. You must verify the return to confirm that the information submitted is accurate and truly filed by you. This verification can be done electronically (e-verification) or by sending a physical copy of the signed ITR-V to the Income Tax Department’s Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru.
Why the 30-Day Deadline Matters
The Income Tax Department has clearly stated that e-verification must be completed within 30 days of filing your return. If you miss this deadline:
Your return will be treated as not filed at all.
Any refund due will be held up.
You may be liable for interest or late filing fees.
You lose timely compliance benefits.
How to e-Verify Your ITR Online
You can e-verify your return easily through the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Option 1: Without Logging In
Visit the portal and click ‘e-Verify Return’.
Enter your PAN, Assessment Year (2025–26), and Acknowledgement Number.
Choose your preferred method of verification:
I already have an EVC.
Generate EVC now.
Use Aadhaar OTP.
Option 2: After Logging In
Log in using your PAN and password.
Go to ‘My Account’ > ‘e-Verify Return’.
Select the return pending for verification.
Choose one of the following verification options:
Aadhaar OTP (linked mobile required)
Net Banking
EVC via Pre-validated Bank Account or Demat Account
Once verified, an acknowledgment will be generated and sent to your registered email.
Other Ways to e-Verify Your Return
If you don’t prefer Aadhaar OTP, you can e-verify using:
Net Banking: Log in to your bank’s net banking platform and use the “e-Verify ITR” service.
Pre-validated Bank Account: Generate an EVC through a validated bank account.
Demat Account: EVC can also be generated through a demat account that is pre-validated and EVC-enabled.
Prefer the Offline Method?
If you’re unable to e-verify online, you can send a signed physical copy of your ITR-V form to:
Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka
Make sure:
It is signed and in the prescribed format.
Sent via speed post or ordinary post.
Received within 30 days from the date of ITR filing.
The date of receipt at CPC is treated as the date of verification.
Can Someone Else Verify on Your Behalf?
Yes. An authorised representative or signatory can e-verify your return using any of the valid methods (Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, EVC through validated bank or demat account).
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If the return is e-verified after 30 days:
The return will be treated as filed on the date of verification, not the original filing date.
Late filing consequences will apply—interest under Section 234A, late fees under Section 234F, and loss of carry forward benefits.
If not verified at all, the return will be considered invalid, as if it was never filed.
Final Takeaway
Filing your ITR is only half the job done. Don’t forget to e-verify it within 30 days to complete the process. Choose the mode most convenient to you—Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, EVC—or send a signed ITR-V via post.
Timely verification ensures:
Faster refunds,
Valid return filing status,
Peace of mind!
Related Post
ITR-1 vs ITR-2 vs ITR-4 for AY 2026-27: How to Choose the Right Income Tax Return Form
Who Qualifies as a Relative Under the Income-tax Act, 1961?
GST at 9: Nine Years of India’s Biggest Tax Reform – Achievements, Challenges & The Road Ahead
Book A One To One Consultation Now For FREE
How can we help? *
