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 ↗
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
To log in to the e-Filing portal.
Acknowledgement Number of the filed ITR
Auto-fetched on login; not needed manually if you e-verify immediately after filing.
Aadhaar-linked mobile (recommended)
Used for the fastest e-verification path — Aadhaar OTP.
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
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to e-verify within 30 days — return becomes 'not filed', and the deadline for filing a new return may have passed.
- Using Aadhaar OTP without a linked mobile — OTP never arrives. Update your Aadhaar mobile first.
- Sending ITR-V to a different address — the only valid address is CPC, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru. Other postal addresses are not accepted.
- Confusing e-verification with submitting the return — submission is step 1, e-verification is step 2.
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.
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.