You filed your income tax return, received an acknowledgement number and closed the browser. A few weeks later, the refund hasn't arrived. When you check the portal, the return is still pending for verification.
This happens because uploading an ITR and verifying it are two separate steps. Verification is the electronic or physical signature that completes the filing process. Without it, the return can become invalid, and the department ordinarily will not process it for a refund.
Quick answer: Open the official Income Tax e-Filing portal Official ↗, sign in, then go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → e-Verify Return. Choose Aadhaar OTP, a bank/demat EVC, net banking or another permitted method, complete authentication and save the transaction ID. For returns filed under the current rules, do this within 30 days of uploading the ITR. Official e-Verify user manual Official ↗.
Six electronic methods + one paper alternative: The Income Tax Department lists six electronic verification methods. Posting a signed ITR-V is a separate, manual verification route. The original version of this guide incorrectly counted postal ITR-V as one of the six digital methods.
How to e-Verify your ITR in 2 minutes: the quickest route
Verify an already-filed return
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Log in
Visit incometax.gov.in Official ↗ and sign in with your PAN/user ID and password.
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Find the return
Open e-File → Income Tax Returns → e-Verify Return, then select the return awaiting verification.
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Choose a method
Select Aadhaar OTP if your Aadhaar-linked phone is accessible, or use another method shown for your account.
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Authenticate
Enter the OTP or EVC, complete net-banking authentication, or digitally sign as applicable.
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Save proof
Confirm the success screen, note the transaction ID and check View Filed Returns.
You can also choose e-Verify Now immediately after submitting a return. If you chose e-Verify Later, use the route above. Some returns can also be verified without logging in by entering the acknowledgement details and completing the required authentication; follow the current portal prompts.
Six electronic methods to verify an income tax return
| Electronic method | Main prerequisite | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
1. Aadhaar OTP | PAN–Aadhaar linkage and access to Aadhaar-linked mobile | Convenient for many individual taxpayers |
2. Net banking | Bank participating in e-Filing authentication and activated net banking | When Aadhaar OTP is unavailable |
3. Bank-account EVC | Active, pre-validated, EVC-enabled bank account | Alternative to Aadhaar OTP |
4. Demat-account EVC | Active, pre-validated, EVC-enabled demat account | Investors who have an eligible demat account |
5. Bank ATM EVC | Supported ATM/bank and registered authentication details | Generate a code at a participating ATM, then use it online |
6. Digital Signature Certificate | Valid registered DSC, token and signing utility | Mandatory for some taxpayer categories, including companies |
A seventh, non-electronic route: Print, sign and post Form ITR-V so it reaches CPC Bengaluru within the permitted time. The department's e-Verify FAQ Official ↗ and ITR-V FAQ Official ↗ explain these distinctions.
1. Aadhaar OTP: step-by-step
This is usually the simplest choice when you can receive SMS on the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Select OTP on mobile number registered with Aadhaar from the e-Verify screen.
- Give the requested Aadhaar-data validation consent and generate the OTP.
- Enter the six-digit OTP received on the Aadhaar-linked phone, not necessarily the number saved in the Income Tax profile.
- Submit/validate. Save the transaction ID and check for confirmation.
The official manual states that an Aadhaar OTP is generally valid for 15 minutes, with three entry attempts. Never forward the OTP to a filing agent or any caller claiming to be from the department. Use the portal yourself. Source: Income Tax Department e-Verify manual Official ↗.
2. Net banking: verify without an Aadhaar OTP
- Choose the Net Banking option from your e-Filing verification choices.
- Select a participating bank and continue to its authentication page.
- Authenticate using the bank's supported net-banking process.
- Follow the redirection to e-Filing and complete verification.
- Check for the successful e-Verification message and transaction ID.
Only use the actual bank login reached from the trusted e-Filing workflow. Never type internet-banking credentials into a third-party website. The available bank flow varies.
3. EVC through a pre-validated bank account
- Sign in to e-Filing and open My Profile → My Bank Account to check whether the account is pre-validated and EVC-enabled.
- Complete validation if required. The account must be active and meet the portal's eligibility conditions.
- Choose Generate EVC through Bank Account while verifying the return.
- Enter the Electronic Verification Code received through the registered channel.
- Save the successful confirmation.
A bank account pre-validated for refund receipt is not automatically guaranteed to be EVC-enabled: check the actual account status on the portal. The Income Tax Department describes an EVC as a 10-character alphanumeric code with a typical validity of 72 hours. Official FAQ Official ↗.
4. EVC through a demat account
The process resembles bank EVC, but the underlying account is a demat account. Pre-validate it and ensure EVC enabled is shown on the e-Filing portal. Then choose Generate EVC through Demat Account, enter the code and check confirmation.
Having a trading app is not by itself sufficient; an eligible demat account must be configured and verified on the tax portal.
5. EVC through a bank ATM
At a participating bank's ATM, select the supported Generate EVC for Income Tax option and complete authentication. The EVC is then sent through the applicable registered communication channel. Return to e-Filing, select the existing EVC option and enter the code.
Not all ATMs support this facility. If the option is absent, use an available digital alternative. Do not make repeated ATM visits solely because a guide claims every bank provides EVC.
6. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
For taxpayers required to digitally sign, use a valid DSC registered on the e-Filing portal. Install the department's signing utility/required drivers, connect the token, choose DSC verification where available and complete the signing process.
Who needs DSC? The Income Tax Department lists DSC as mandatory for certain categories, including company returns. But an individual or HUF liable to tax audit is not necessarily restricted to DSC: the department's AY 2024–25 filing FAQ notes that amended Rule 12 permits EVC or DSC for such individuals/HUFs. Check the filing instructions for the relevant category and year. DSC FAQ Official ↗.
The 30-day ITR verification rule: how the filing date changes
Under CBDT Notification No. 2/2024 dated 31 March 2024, the general period for e-verification or receipt of a signed ITR-V is 30 days after uploading the return.
- Verified within 30 days: The original upload date is treated as the filing date.
- Verified beyond 30 days: The verification/ITR-V receipt date may be treated as the filing date, with applicable late-filing consequences.
- Not verified: The uploaded return can be treated as invalid. A legitimate delay may be considered through a condonation request, but approval is not automatic.
These rules concern the verification clock, which is separate from the deadline for filing an ITR for a particular assessment year or tax year. Official 30-day FAQ Official ↗.
Example: verification on time versus late
Suppose a taxpayer uploads an original return on 5 July 2026, and the normal filing deadline applicable to that taxpayer is later that month.
| Scenario | Date verified | Filing-date treatment |
|---|---|---|
Verified on time | 12 July 2026 | 5 July 2026 remains the filing date |
Verified after 30 days | 10 August 2026 | 10 August 2026 can become the relevant filing date; consequences depend on the applicable return deadline and any condonation decision |
No verification | Never | Return may be invalid until an available legal remedy succeeds |
Illustrative dates, not a personalised filing deadline. Check due-date extensions and any department communication for your filing category.
Do not interpret “verified late” as “definitely accepted.” A condonation request may be required and is subject to the department's decision. If the new filing date falls after the applicable due date, late filing fees, interest or loss of certain benefits may arise, depending on the circumstances.
How to send ITR-V by post if you cannot verify online
ITR-V is the Income Tax Return Verification acknowledgement. Posting it is a paper alternative to online e-verification, not another digital verification method.
- Sign in to incometax.gov.in Official ↗ and open e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.
- Download the ITR-V for the correct acknowledgement number and filing year.
- Print and sign the form as directed. Use a clear signature; a blue-ink pen is a practical convention, but follow the current form instructions.
- Send it by ordinary or speed post to the address shown in the Income Tax Department's current ITR-V FAQ:
Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka.
- Preserve the post receipt and tracking information if you use speed post.
- Check the portal until the ITR-V receipt and verification are recorded.
The date of receipt at CPC—not the date you posted it—is used for the 30-day test. The current official FAQ uses PIN 560500. Avoid copying older addresses from outdated instructions. Official postal verification FAQ Official ↗.
ITR e-Verification status: how to check whether it worked
Check after logging in
- Open incometax.gov.in Official ↗ and sign in.
- Choose e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.
- Locate the relevant year and acknowledgement number.
- Inspect the displayed status and download the acknowledgement or other available documents.
Check without logging in
Use the portal's View ITR Status service, enter the acknowledgement number and a valid mobile number, and complete the verification prompted there. The department's FAQ confirms that the pre-login status facility does not require the mobile number registered with the e-Filing profile, but it does require the correct acknowledgement number. Official ITR status FAQ Official ↗.
| Status or message | What it generally means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
Pending for e-Verification | Return uploaded but not verified | Use e-Verify Return promptly |
Successfully e-Verified | Verification recorded | Save proof; wait for processing |
ITR-V received | CPC received the paper form | Check for completion or any rejection |
Under processing | The verified return is being examined/processed | Track status; respond to official communication if received |
Processed | Processing completed; intimation may be available | Read the intimation, tax/refund outcome |
Verification rejected/invalid | Authentication, paper form or deadline problem | Read the precise reason; act on permitted correction or condonation route |
An e-Verified return is not necessarily processed, and it does not guarantee immediate refund. Processing, refund validation and any adjustments are separate steps.
Aadhaar OTP not received? Troubleshooting checklist
| Problem | Likely reason | Practical fix |
|---|---|---|
Aadhaar OTP does not arrive | Wrong/outdated Aadhaar-linked mobile or network delay | Confirm mobile linkage with UIDAI; use net banking/EVC if eligible |
PAN–Aadhaar verification fails | PAN linkage/inoperative-PAN issue | Check and resolve the PAN–Aadhaar status before retrying |
Bank EVC option unavailable | Account not pre-validated or not EVC enabled | Verify My Bank Account status; use another supported method |
Demat EVC unavailable | Validation or contact-detail mismatch | Recheck eligible demat details and portal status |
ATM does not show EVC | Bank/ATM does not support the feature | Use a different electronic verification option |
DSC signing fails | Token, driver, utility, certificate or authorisation issue | Check DSC validity and registration, then test the signing utility |
Return not found | Wrong year, PAN or acknowledgement | Locate the correct acknowledgement in View Filed Returns |
Verification appears successful but portal still says pending | Synchronisation or submission issue | Keep transaction ID; recheck, then use official helpdesk/service request |
Avoid submitting OTPs on links sent through unexpected messages. Access the portal directly and never share your Aadhaar OTP, EVC, e-Filing password or DSC PIN with an unauthorised person.
Missed the 30-day verification deadline? What to do next
If you discover that the return remains unverified after 30 days, first determine whether you can still access its verification screen and whether the portal requires condonation of delay.
Handling an overdue verification
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Locate the ITR
Sign in and locate the unverified return and its actual upload date.
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Open verification or condonation
Follow the portal's option for late verification or go to Services → Condonation Request.
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Explain the delay
Select the relevant return, give a genuine reason and provide any requested details or supporting material.
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Submit and track
Keep the acknowledgement, track the request and complete available verification steps as instructed.
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Confirm acceptance
Do not assume the return is valid unless the required condonation/verification is accepted and reflected in its status.
The department's Service Request user manual Official ↗ covers Services → Condonation Request → Delay in submission of ITR-V. If this option is not shown or your return is time-barred, use the official support channel and seek advice based on the filing year.
What if you filed before the due date but verified after it?
There are two dates to examine: the original ITR filing deadline and the 30-day verification period. Missing the latter can change the treated filing date and may attract consequences tied to the former. It is not correct to assume that a return uploaded before the original deadline will necessarily preserve that date after overdue verification.
Is ITR-U a replacement for an unverified return?
Not automatically. An updated return has independent eligibility, time-limit and additional-tax conditions. It cannot generally be used just to claim or increase a refund or decrease overall tax liability. Consider condonation, permissible refiling and updated-return provisions separately, based on the year and nature of the error. Income Tax Department return FAQ Official ↗.
The department also has a Discard Return function for specified unverified original/belated/revised returns, but discarding an on-time return and filing again after the deadline can create late-filing consequences. Do not discard casually. Official discard-return guidance Official ↗.
Does the Income-tax Act, 2025 change ITR verification?
The Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from 1 April 2026. Returns for AY 2026–27 (FY 2025–26) continue under the earlier Act's relevant filing framework, whereas Tax Year 2026–27 falls under the 2025 Act.
The Income Tax Department's transition FAQ states that there is no substantive change to the manner of verification or who is authorised to verify a return. Section 265 of the 2025 Act addresses the persons authorised to verify returns. Portal directions and eligible verification modes should still be checked at the time of filing. Official transition FAQ Official ↗.
A final checklist before you close the e-Filing tab
- ○ I chose the correct return, year and acknowledgement number.
- ○ My Aadhaar OTP, EVC, net banking or DSC authentication completed successfully—or my signed ITR-V was delivered on time.
- ○ I noted or downloaded the transaction ID/confirmation.
- ○ View Filed Returns no longer shows verification pending.
- ○ My refund bank account is pre-validated if I expect a refund.
- ○ I have kept the filed ITR, acknowledgement and supporting tax records.
If your ITR is verified but you want to correct an error, read how to file a revised income tax return. If you are waiting for the refund, read income tax refund status.
When professional assistance is useful
Most individual returns can be verified within minutes. The situation becomes more delicate when the 30-day period has expired, a return is rejected, the wrong year was selected, a company cannot use its DSC, or a refund claim depends on restoring a previously invalid return.
TaxQue can help review return-filing and verification requirements, identify the correct official remedy and assist with the associated compliance process. See TaxQue's income tax return filing service.
Explore ITR filing and verification support
Official sources and further reading
- Income Tax Department — e-Verify user manual Official ↗
- Income Tax Department — e-Verify FAQs Official ↗
- Income Tax Department — ITR-V / 30-day verification FAQs Official ↗
- Income Tax Department — Condonation of delay / service requests Official ↗
- Income Tax Department — View ITR status FAQ Official ↗
- Income Tax Department — DSC registration guidance Official ↗
- Income Tax Department — Income-tax Act 2025 transition FAQs Official ↗
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026. This guide is general information; confirm the actual instructions, status and filing obligations on the government portal for your own case.
