How to e-Verify Your Income Tax Return
e-Verify your ITR within 30 days of filing — Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank EVC, Demat EVC, and the offline ITR-V route. An unverified return is treated as not filed.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- incometax.gov.in ↗
- Application Mode
- Online
- Validity
- N/A
- Issuing Authority
- Income Tax Department
- Online
- Available
- Offline
- Available
E-verification is the silent step that catches a lot of first-time filers. You file your ITR, see "Successfully Submitted," and walk away — but the return doesn't reach the CPC until you e-verify within 30 days.
The fastest path is Aadhaar OTP — if your mobile is linked to Aadhaar, it takes a minute. If not, net banking is the next-fastest route (you get logged into the e-Filing portal pre-verified).
The postal ITR-V route still exists but takes weeks and depends on Speed Post delivery to CPC, Bengaluru. Use it only when no online channel is available.
If you miss the 30-day window, your return is treated as not filed, and you may have to file again — potentially with late filing fees under Section 234F.
Eligibility
- You have filed an Income Tax Return (any ITR form) and have an Acknowledgement Number.
- It is within 30 days of filing the return.
- You have access to at least one of the e-verification channels: Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank EVC, Demat EVC, or you can sign + post ITR-V.
Required documents
PAN and password
RequiredCredential to access the e-Filing portal and initiate e-verification.
To log in to the e-Filing portal.
OriginalAcknowledgement Number of the filed ITR
OptionalUnique identifier for the return awaiting verification.
Auto-fetched on login; not needed manually if you e-verify immediately after filing.
PDFEmailAadhaar-linked mobile (recommended)
OptionalReceives OTP for Aadhaar-based e-verification.
Used for the fastest e-verification path — Aadhaar OTP.
Mobile
Step-by-step process
- 1
- 2
Open e-Verify Return
Choose 'e-File → Income Tax Returns → e-Verify Return'.
- 3
Pick the unverified return
The portal lists returns awaiting verification.
- 4
Choose the verification method
Pick one — Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank EVC (pre-validated bank account), Demat EVC, or send signed ITR-V by post.
- 5
Aadhaar OTP path
Receive OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile, enter it on the portal, and submit. Done.
- 6
Net banking path
Choose your bank, log in to net banking, click the 'Income Tax e-Filing' redirect link. You'll be logged in to the e-Filing portal pre-verified, and the return is auto-verified.
- 7
Bank or Demat EVC path
Generate an EVC (10-digit code) from your pre-validated bank or Demat account, enter it on the e-Filing portal.
- 8
Offline ITR-V (last resort)
Download the signed ITR-V, sign it physically in blue ink, and post via speed post to CPC, Bengaluru within 30 days. Slowest route but works if no online channel is available.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
incometax.gov.in
Who issues this?
- Issuing Office
- Income Tax Department, Government of India — Centralised Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru
- Approving Officer
- CPC Processing Unit
- For Offline Applications
- CPC, Income Tax Department, Post Box No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru – 560100 (for ITR-V by speed post)
What happens after applying
- 1
ITR filed online
You complete and submit the ITR on the e-Filing portal. An Acknowledgement Number is generated.
- 2
e-Verification within 30 days
Verify the return using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank EVC, Demat EVC, or by posting the signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru.
- 3
CPC receives verified return
After successful e-verification, CPC receives the return and begins processing.
- 4
Acknowledgement and processing
CPC sends an email/SMS confirming receipt of the verified return. Processing status is visible on the e-Filing portal.
Common mistakes & rejection reasons
Missing the 30-day e-verification window
Why: A return that is not e-verified within 30 days of filing is treated as not filed. No refund is processed, and you may have to file again with late fees.
Fix: E-verify immediately after filing, ideally in the same session using Aadhaar OTP. Do not wait.
Aadhaar mobile not updated — OTP not received
Why: Aadhaar OTP is sent to the mobile number registered in the UIDAI database. If your mobile has changed and you haven't updated it in Aadhaar, the OTP will not reach you.
Fix: Update your mobile in Aadhaar via an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, then use Aadhaar OTP for e-verification. Alternatively, use net banking or bank EVC as a fallback.
Posting ITR-V in a regular envelope instead of speed post
Why: CPC only accepts ITR-V sent by speed post. Courier or regular post is not accepted.
Fix: If using the offline route, send the signed ITR-V exclusively via speed post to CPC, Bengaluru.
Signing ITR-V in black ink instead of blue
Why: The physical ITR-V must be signed in blue ink. Signatures in black ink may be rejected by CPC.
Fix: Print and sign the ITR-V in blue ink only. Ensure the signature matches the one in income tax records.
Using the EVC from a non-pre-validated bank account
Why: Bank EVC works only from a bank account that is pre-validated on the e-Filing portal. Attempting to generate EVC from an unlinked account will fail.
Fix: Pre-validate your bank account first under 'Profile → My Bank Account', then generate the EVC.
Special situations
Missed the 30-day window — return treated as not filed▾
You must file a condonation request to CPC explaining the delay. CPC may or may not approve it. If rejected, you may need to file a fresh belated return (under Section 139(4)) with applicable late fees.
E-verification attempted but portal shows error▾
Technical glitches on the e-Filing portal do occasionally occur. Take a screenshot of the error with the date and time, and raise a grievance via e-Nivaran immediately. CPC typically acknowledges bona fide technical failures.
DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) used for e-verification▾
DSC-based e-verification is an option for taxpayers who have a valid DSC registered on the e-Filing portal. This is most common for companies or tax professionals. The DSC must be valid and registered on the portal before filing.
Return filed by a CA on behalf of taxpayer▾
If your CA filed the ITR on your behalf using their credentials, you still need to e-verify it using your own Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC. The taxpayer's e-verification is always required.
Revised return filed — does it need separate e-verification?▾
Yes. A revised return (filed under Section 139(5)) is a fresh filing and must be e-verified independently within 30 days of the revised filing date.
Frequently asked questions
Is e-verification mandatory?▾
Yes. A return that is not e-verified within 30 days is treated as not filed.
What's the fastest way to e-verify?▾
Aadhaar OTP — takes seconds if your Aadhaar mobile is active.
Can I e-verify after the 30-day window?▾
Only with a condonation request to CPC, which may or may not be granted. Don't rely on it — verify immediately after filing.
Will I get a refund without e-verification?▾
No. A refund is processed only after the return is e-verified. An unverified return is treated as not filed.
What is EVC (Electronic Verification Code)?▾
EVC is a 10-digit alphanumeric code generated through your pre-validated bank account or Demat account. It is used to verify your identity and authenticate the ITR on the e-Filing portal without needing Aadhaar OTP.
Can I e-verify using net banking if I don't have Aadhaar linked?▾
Yes. Net banking is a valid e-verification method and does not require Aadhaar. Log in to your net banking portal, look for the 'Income Tax e-Filing' link, and you'll be redirected to the e-Filing portal pre-verified.
Which banks support EVC generation for ITR e-verification?▾
Most major banks — SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak, PNB, BOB, and others — support EVC generation via net banking. The full list is available on the e-Filing portal under 'e-Verify Return'.
What is ITR-V and when do I use it?▾
ITR-V (Income Tax Return Verification Form) is the paper acknowledgement generated when you file ITR online without e-verifying on the spot. You print it, sign it in blue ink, and send it via speed post to CPC Bengaluru within 30 days. It is the offline verification method of last resort.
What is the address to send ITR-V by post?▾
CPC, Income Tax Department, Post Box No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru – 560100. Send only via speed post, not courier or regular post.
After e-verification, how long does CPC take to process the return?▾
CPC processing time varies. Simple returns can be processed within weeks; complex ones or those flagged for scrutiny may take months. Track status via 'e-File → View Filed Returns' on the e-Filing portal.
Can I e-verify using a Demat account?▾
Yes. You can generate an EVC via your Demat account held with a registered depository participant (DP). The Demat account must be linked and pre-validated on the e-Filing portal.
If I change my mind about deductions after filing, can I still change them?▾
Yes, you can file a revised return under Section 139(5) before the deadline (31 December of the assessment year). The revised return must be e-verified separately.
Will I receive any confirmation after e-verification?▾
Yes. The e-Filing portal shows a success message and an EVC confirmation number immediately. CPC also sends a confirmation email and SMS to your registered contact details.
Does e-verification confirm my refund amount?▾
No. E-verification only confirms that your return has been received by CPC. The refund amount is determined after CPC processes and verifies your return and issues a Section 143(1) intimation.
What if two people try to e-verify the same return?▾
Only one e-verification is accepted per return. Once verified, the return is locked. Attempting to re-verify shows an error.
Official sources
- Income Tax e-Filing Portal ↗
eportal.incometax.gov.in
Primary portal for e-verifying returns using all online methods.
- CPC Bengaluru ITR-V Address ↗
incometax.gov.in
Official address for sending signed ITR-V via speed post for offline verification.
- UIDAI Aadhaar Mobile Update ↗
uidai.gov.in
For updating your mobile number in Aadhaar, required for OTP-based e-verification.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.