How To E-Verify Income Tax Return: A Comprehensive Guide?

E-verifying your income tax return is essential to complete the filing process. Without timely verification, your Income Tax Return (ITR) is considered invalid, but How To E Verify Income Tax Return effectively? At income-partners.net, we provide the resources and strategies to ensure your tax processes are streamlined and compliant, helping you focus on growing your income through strategic partnerships and financial planning. Our goal is to provide you with clear, actionable insights so you can navigate the complexities of tax verification while maximizing your business opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods of e-verification and offer guidance on how to ensure your returns are accurately and promptly verified, paving the way for financial success and strategic partnerships. This article includes LSI keywords like tax compliance, digital verification, and income tax e-filing.

1. Why Is E-Verification Necessary for Your Income Tax Return?

E-verification is essential to finalize your income tax return, and without it, the return is invalid. E-verification offers a swift and convenient method to validate your ITR. Completing this process ensures your return is officially acknowledged by the Income Tax Department, preventing potential penalties and delays.

Understanding the Importance of E-Verification

E-verification is a critical step because it confirms that the return you filed is indeed yours and that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge. By completing this process, you’re essentially digitally signing your tax return, which carries the same legal weight as a physical signature on a paper return.

What Happens If You Don’t E-Verify?

Failing to e-verify your income tax return within the specified timeframe has significant consequences. According to tax regulations, an unverified ITR is considered invalid. This means that, as far as the Income Tax Department is concerned, you haven’t filed your return at all. This can lead to several adverse outcomes, including:

• Late Filing Penalties: You may be subject to penalties for late filing of your income tax return.
• Interest on Unpaid Taxes: If you have any outstanding tax liabilities, interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid amount.
• Loss of Carry Forward Benefits: You may lose the ability to carry forward losses to future assessment years, which can impact your tax planning and financial strategies.

E-Verification for Various Requests and Services

Beyond just filing your income tax returns, e-verification is also crucial for several other requests and services. This includes verifying income tax forms, handling e-proceedings, processing refund reissue requests, and submitting rectification requests. It also applies to condoning delays in filing ITR, managing service requests, and uploading ITR in bulk.

2. What Are the Different Online Methods to E-Verify Your Income Tax Return?

E-verifying your income tax return online is a simple process, with multiple options available for your convenience. You can use methods such as OTP via Aadhaar-registered mobile, EVC through pre-validated bank or demat accounts, net banking, or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Each method offers a secure and efficient way to complete your tax filing.

Detailed Look at E-Verification Methods

Each method has its specific requirements and steps, but all aim to provide a secure way to verify your identity and confirm your tax return.

• OTP on Aadhaar-Registered Mobile Number: This is one of the simplest methods, where a one-time password (OTP) is sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. You simply enter this OTP on the e-filing portal to verify your return.
• EVC Generated Through Pre-Validated Bank Account: An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) can be generated through your bank account, provided it is pre-validated with the Income Tax Department. This involves logging into your net banking portal and generating the EVC from there.
• EVC Generated Through Pre-Validated Demat Account: Similar to the bank account method, you can generate an EVC through your pre-validated demat account. This also involves logging into your demat account and generating the EVC.
• Net Banking: You can directly e-verify through net banking by logging into your bank account and navigating to the e-verification option. The bank will authenticate your details, and you can complete the e-verification process.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A DSC is a secure digital key that certifies the identity of the holder. If you have a DSC, you can use it to e-verify your income tax return by uploading it to the e-filing portal.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and the resources you have available. For example, if you have your Aadhaar card linked to your mobile number, the OTP method might be the easiest. If you prefer using your bank account, the EVC through pre-validated bank account method could be a good choice.

Ensuring a Smooth Verification Process

To ensure a smooth e-verification process, it’s essential to keep your contact information updated with Aadhaar, your bank, and your demat account. This will help you receive the necessary OTPs and EVCs without any delays. Also, make sure that your bank and demat accounts are pre-validated on the e-filing portal.

3. What if You Missed the Initial Deadline for E-Verification?

Even if you’ve missed the standard e-verification deadline, you still have options. You can submit a request for condonation of delay, explaining the reason for the delay. Once approved by the Income Tax Department, your return will be considered verified.

Condonation of Delay Explained

The condonation of delay is a provision that allows taxpayers to explain why they couldn’t verify their income tax return within the stipulated time. This request is submitted to the Income Tax Department, which then reviews the reasons provided and decides whether to approve the request.

How to Submit a Condonation Request

Submitting a condonation request involves a few key steps:

1. Access the E-Filing Portal: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal using your credentials.
2. Navigate to Service Request: Go to the “Services” tab and select “Condonation Request.”
3. Provide Details: Fill in the required details, such as the assessment year, ITR type, and the reason for the delay.
4. Attach Supporting Documents: If you have any documents that support your reason for the delay, attach them to the request.
5. Submit the Request: Review all the information and submit the request.

Reasons for Delay That Are Typically Accepted

While the Income Tax Department assesses each condonation request on a case-by-case basis, some reasons for delay are more likely to be accepted than others. These include:

• Medical Emergency: If you or a close family member experienced a medical emergency that prevented you from e-verifying your return on time.
• Unavoidable Circumstances: Any other unavoidable circumstances that prevented you from completing the verification process.

What Happens After Submitting the Request?

After you submit the condonation request, the Income Tax Department will review your request and the reasons provided. If the request is approved, your return will be considered verified. If the request is rejected, you may need to file a revised return and verify it within the new deadline.

4. Can an Authorized Signatory E-Verify on Your Behalf?

Yes, an authorized signatory or representative assessee can e-verify the return on your behalf, using methods like Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank/demat account EVC. The OTP or EVC will be sent to the mobile number and email ID registered with the e-filing portal.

Who Is an Authorized Signatory?

An authorized signatory is a person who has been legally authorized to act on behalf of another individual or entity. This could be a legal guardian, a trustee, or an accountant authorized to handle tax matters.

How to Authorize a Signatory

To authorize a signatory, you typically need to fill out a specific form provided by the Income Tax Department and submit it through the e-filing portal. This form requires details of both the assessee (the person whose tax return is being filed) and the authorized signatory.

Methods for Authorized Signatories to E-Verify

• Aadhaar OTP: The OTP will be sent to the authorized signatory’s mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
• Net Banking: The EVC generated through net banking will be sent to the authorized signatory’s mobile number and email ID registered with the e-filing portal.
• Bank Account / Demat Account EVC: The EVC generated through the pre-validated and EVC-enabled bank account / demat account will be sent to the authorized signatory’s mobile number and email ID registered with the e-filing portal.

Important Considerations

• Registration: The authorized signatory must be registered on the e-filing portal with their own login credentials.
• Verification: The signatory must ensure that their contact details (mobile number and email ID) are updated with Aadhaar, bank, and demat accounts.
• Legal Responsibility: The authorized signatory is legally responsible for the accuracy of the information provided in the tax return.

5. How Do You Know When Your E-Verification Is Complete?

Once you’ve e-verified your return, you’ll see a success message with a Transaction ID, and you’ll receive an email confirmation. If an authorized signatory verified on your behalf, both you and the signatory will receive email confirmations.

What to Look for After E-Verification

• Success Message: Immediately after e-verifying your return, a success message will be displayed on the screen. This message confirms that your e-verification was successful and includes a Transaction ID.
• Email Confirmation: An email will be sent to your registered email ID with the e-filing portal. This email serves as an official confirmation of your e-verification.
• Check E-Filing Dashboard: You can also check the status of your e-verification on the e-filing dashboard. The dashboard will show the status of your return as “Verified.”

For Authorized Signatories

If you’re an authorized signatory e-verifying on behalf of someone else, the process is slightly different:

• Success Message: A success message will be displayed on the screen with a Transaction ID.
• Email Confirmations: Email confirmations will be sent to both the authorized signatory’s primary email ID and the assessee’s email ID registered with the e-filing portal.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you don’t receive a confirmation email or see a success message, there might be an issue with your e-verification. Here are some steps you can take:

• Check Your Email: Make sure the email hasn’t landed in your spam or junk folder.
• Check E-Filing Dashboard: Log in to the e-filing portal and check the status of your return on the dashboard.
• Contact Customer Support: If you’re still unsure, contact the Income Tax Department’s customer support for assistance.

6. When Should You Apply for Condonation of Delay?

It’s best to apply for condonation of delay as soon as you realize you haven’t verified your return within the stipulated timeframe, whether it’s 30 or 120 days after filing. This proactive approach can help mitigate potential penalties and complications.

Understanding the Timeframe

As per Notification No. 5/2022, effective from August 1, 2022, the time limit for e-verification or submission of ITR-V is 30 days from the date of filing the return of income. However, if the return was filed on or before July 31, 2022, the earlier time limit of 120 days continues to apply.

Why Apply Early?

Applying for condonation of delay as soon as possible has several advantages:

• Reduces Potential Penalties: The sooner you apply, the lower the chances of incurring penalties for late filing.
• Prevents Further Complications: Delaying the application can lead to additional complications and scrutiny from the Income Tax Department.
• Shows Good Faith: Applying promptly demonstrates that you’re taking the matter seriously and are committed to resolving the issue.

Steps to Take Immediately

1. Check Your Filing Status: Verify whether your return has been e-verified or if the ITR-V has been received by CPC, Bangalore.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all the documents you’ll need for the condonation request, such as a copy of your ITR, proof of filing date, and any evidence supporting your reason for the delay.
3. Prepare Your Explanation: Write a clear and concise explanation of why you couldn’t verify your return on time.

Common Reasons for Delay

Some common reasons for delay include:

• Lack of Awareness: You were not aware of the e-verification requirement or the deadline.
• Technical Issues: You experienced technical issues with the e-filing portal or the e-verification process.
• Personal Circumstances: You were unable to verify your return due to personal circumstances such as illness, travel, or family emergencies.

7. What If Your Mobile Number Isn’t Registered With Aadhaar?

If your mobile number isn’t registered with Aadhaar, you can’t use Aadhaar OTP for e-verification. You’ll need to use other methods like EVC through bank account, demat account, net banking, or DSC.

Why Aadhaar Registration Is Important

Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Indian government, and it is linked to various services, including income tax e-filing. Registering your mobile number with Aadhaar allows you to use the OTP-based e-verification method, which is one of the easiest and fastest ways to verify your return.

Steps to Register Your Mobile Number With Aadhaar

1. Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Center: Locate the nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center.
2. Fill Out the Form: Fill out the Aadhaar update form with your details.
3. Submit the Form and Biometrics: Submit the form along with your biometric data (fingerprint and iris scan).
4. Receive Acknowledgement Slip: You will receive an acknowledgement slip with an update request number.
5. Check the Status: You can check the status of your Aadhaar update online using the update request number.

Alternative E-Verification Methods

If you can’t register your mobile number with Aadhaar immediately, you can use alternative e-verification methods:

• EVC Through Bank Account: Generate an EVC through your pre-validated bank account.
• EVC Through Demat Account: Generate an EVC through your pre-validated demat account.
• Net Banking: E-verify your return through your net banking portal.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Use a DSC to e-verify your return.

Pre-Validating Bank and Demat Accounts

To use the EVC through bank or demat account method, you need to pre-validate your bank and demat accounts on the e-filing portal. Here’s how:

1. Log in to the E-Filing Portal: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal.
2. Go to Profile Settings: Navigate to the “Profile Settings” section.
3. Select Pre-Validate Bank Account or Pre-Validate Demat Account: Choose the option to pre-validate either your bank account or demat account.
4. Enter Details: Enter the required details, such as your account number, IFSC code, and other relevant information.
5. Verify Details: The Income Tax Department will verify the details with your bank or demat account provider.
6. Confirmation: Once the details are verified, your account will be pre-validated.

8. What if Your Demat or Bank Account Is Inactive?

An inactive demat or bank account cannot be used for e-verification. Ensure your account is active, pre-validated, and EVC-enabled on the e-filing portal to proceed with this method.

Why Active Accounts Are Necessary

For e-verification to work seamlessly, your demat and bank accounts must be in an active status. This means that the accounts are operational and capable of conducting transactions. Inactive accounts, on the other hand, may have been frozen due to various reasons, such as lack of activity or non-compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) norms.

Reactivating Inactive Accounts

If your demat or bank account is inactive, you’ll need to reactivate it before you can use it for e-verification. Here’s how:

1. Contact Your Bank or Depository Participant: Reach out to your bank or depository participant (DP) to inquire about the reactivation process.
2. Submit Required Documents: You may need to submit certain documents, such as your KYC documents (PAN card, Aadhaar card, etc.) and a reactivation request form.
3. Complete Verification: The bank or DP will verify your documents and reactivate your account.

Pre-Validating and EVC-Enabling Your Accounts

Once your account is active, you need to pre-validate it on the e-filing portal and ensure it is EVC-enabled. Here’s how:

1. Log in to the E-Filing Portal: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal using your credentials.
2. Navigate to Profile Settings: Go to the “Profile Settings” section.
3. Select Pre-Validate Bank Account or Pre-Validate Demat Account: Choose the option to pre-validate either your bank account or demat account.
4. Enter Details: Enter the required details, such as your account number, IFSC code, and other relevant information.
5. Verify Details: The Income Tax Department will verify the details with your bank or demat account provider.
6. EVC-Enabling: Ensure that your account is EVC-enabled. This may require you to contact your bank or DP and request them to enable EVC for your account.

Alternative E-Verification Methods

If you’re unable to reactivate your demat or bank account, you can use alternative e-verification methods:

• Aadhaar OTP: Use the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
• Net Banking: E-verify your return through your net banking portal.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Use a DSC to e-verify your return.

9. Will Delay in E-Verification Attract Any Penalty?

Delay in e-verification can result in your return being treated as not filed, leading to penalties and other consequences under the Income Tax Act, 1961. However, you can request condonation of delay by providing a valid reason.

Consequences of Not Filing ITR

According to the Income Tax Act, 1961, not filing your income tax return can lead to several adverse consequences:

• Late Filing Fees: You may be required to pay late filing fees under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act.
• Interest on Unpaid Taxes: If you have any outstanding tax liabilities, interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid amount.
• Prosecution: In certain cases, you may face prosecution for not filing your return.
• Loss of Carry Forward Benefits: You may lose the ability to carry forward losses to future assessment years.

How to Request Condonation of Delay

If you’ve missed the deadline for e-verification, you can request condonation of delay by following these steps:

1. Log in to the E-Filing Portal: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal using your credentials.
2. Navigate to Service Request: Go to the “Services” tab and select “Condonation Request.”
3. Provide Details: Fill in the required details, such as the assessment year, ITR type, and the reason for the delay.
4. Attach Supporting Documents: If you have any documents that support your reason for the delay, attach them to the request.
5. Submit the Request: Review all the information and submit the request.

Approval of Condonation Request

The Income Tax Department will review your condonation request and the reasons provided. If the request is approved, your return will be considered verified. If the request is rejected, you may need to file a revised return and verify it within the new deadline.

Preventing Delays in the Future

To avoid delays in e-verification in the future, make sure to:

• File Your Return Early: File your income tax return well before the deadline to allow ample time for e-verification.
• Keep Contact Information Updated: Keep your contact information updated with Aadhaar, your bank, and your demat account.
• Monitor Your E-Filing Account: Regularly check your e-filing account for any notifications or updates.

10. What Exactly Is an Electronic Verification Code (EVC)?

An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code sent to your registered mobile number and email ID during e-verification. It’s valid for 72 hours and is used to authenticate your identity.

How EVC Works

The EVC is a unique code generated by the Income Tax Department to verify the identity of the taxpayer during the e-filing process. It serves as a digital signature, confirming that the return being filed is indeed yours.

Generating an EVC

You can generate an EVC through various methods:

• Pre-Validated Bank Account: Log in to your net banking portal and generate the EVC from there.
• Pre-Validated Demat Account: Log in to your demat account and generate the EVC.
• ATM: Some banks offer the option to generate an EVC through their ATMs.

Using an EVC

Once you’ve generated the EVC, you need to enter it on the e-filing portal to complete the e-verification process. The portal will verify the EVC and authenticate your identity.

Validity of EVC

The EVC is valid for 72 hours from the time it is generated. If you don’t use the EVC within this timeframe, it will expire, and you’ll need to generate a new one.

Keeping Your Contact Information Updated

To ensure that you receive the EVC without any delays, it’s essential to keep your contact information updated with the e-filing portal, your bank, and your demat account.

11. What Should You Do If Your ITR-V Is Rejected?

If your ITR-V is rejected, check your e-filing dashboard for the reason. You can either resend the ITR-V or e-verify the ITR online to resolve the issue.

Reasons for Rejection of ITR-V

The ITR-V (Income Tax Return Verification) form is the physical acknowledgment of your filed income tax return. It is sent to the Central Processing Center (CPC) in Bangalore for verification. However, there are several reasons why your ITR-V might be rejected:

• Incorrect Information: The information provided on the ITR-V does not match the information provided in your income tax return.
• Signature Mismatch: The signature on the ITR-V does not match the signature on file with the Income Tax Department.
• Incomplete Form: The ITR-V form is incomplete or contains missing information.
• Late Submission: The ITR-V form was submitted after the due date.

Steps to Take When Your ITR-V Is Rejected

1. Check Your E-Filing Dashboard: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal and check your dashboard for the reason for rejection.
2. Resend the ITR-V: If the reason for rejection is due to incorrect information, signature mismatch, or incomplete form, you can correct the errors and resend the ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore.
3. E-Verify the ITR Online: Alternatively, you can e-verify the ITR online using one of the methods discussed earlier in this article.

Resending the ITR-V

When resending the ITR-V, make sure to:

• Correct the Errors: Carefully review the reason for rejection and correct any errors on the form.

• Sign the Form: Sign the form in blue ink and ensure that your signature matches the signature on file with the Income Tax Department.

• Send to the Correct Address: Send the ITR-V to the following address:

  CPC, Bangalore
  Income Tax Department
  Post Bag No. 1
  Electronic City Post Office
  Bangalore – 560100
  India

• Keep a Copy: Keep a copy of the ITR-V and the postage receipt for your records.

Choosing E-Verification Over Resending ITR-V

E-verification is often a more convenient and faster option than resending the ITR-V. It eliminates the need to send a physical copy of the form and reduces the chances of errors or delays.

12. What Are the Advantages of E-Verification?

E-verification offers numerous benefits, including eliminating the need to send physical documents, instant verification, and the convenience of various verification methods like Aadhaar OTP, EVC, net banking, and DSC.

Detailed Benefits of E-Verification

• No Need to Send Physical Documents: E-verification eliminates the need to send a physical copy of your ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore. This saves you time, effort, and postage costs.
• Instant Verification: E-verification happens instantly, which saves you from the delay in transit of ITR-V. You receive immediate confirmation that your return has been successfully verified.
• Convenience: E-verification is extremely convenient, as you can do it from anywhere with an internet connection. You don’t need to visit a post office or courier service.
• Multiple Methods: You can e-verify using various methods such as Aadhaar OTP, EVC (using pre-validated bank/demat account), Net Banking, or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This gives you the flexibility to choose the method that works best for you.
• Environmentally Friendly: By eliminating the need to send physical documents, e-verification is an environmentally friendly option. It reduces paper consumption and carbon emissions associated with transportation.
• Secure: E-verification is a secure method of verifying your income tax return. The various methods used, such as OTP and DSC, ensure that your identity is authenticated and your information is protected.

How E-Verification Saves Time and Effort

Traditional methods of verifying income tax returns involved sending a physical copy of the ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore. This process could take several weeks, and there was always a risk of the document getting lost or delayed in transit. E-verification eliminates these issues, allowing you to verify your return instantly and securely.

Making the Most of E-Verification

To make the most of e-verification, make sure to:

• Keep Your Contact Information Updated: Keep your contact information updated with Aadhaar, your bank, and your demat account.
• Choose the Right Method: Choose the e-verification method that works best for you based on your preferences and the resources you have available.
• Verify Promptly: Verify your return as soon as possible after filing to avoid delays and potential penalties.

13. Is E-Verification Mandatory?

E-verification is not mandatory; you can still send a physical copy of your signed ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore. However, e-verification is the quicker and more convenient option.

Traditional Method: Sending ITR-V

Sending a physical copy of your ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore, involves printing the form, signing it, and mailing it to the specified address. This method can take several weeks for the ITR-V to reach CPC and be processed.

Why E-Verification Is Recommended

While sending the ITR-V is an option, e-verification is highly recommended due to its numerous advantages:

• Speed: E-verification is much faster than sending the ITR-V. Your return is verified instantly, and you receive immediate confirmation.
• Convenience: E-verification is more convenient as you can do it from anywhere with an internet connection. You don’t need to visit a post office or courier service.
• Cost-Effective: E-verification saves you postage costs and the effort of printing and mailing the ITR-V.
• Secure: E-verification is a secure method of verifying your income tax return. The various methods used, such as OTP and DSC, ensure that your identity is authenticated and your information is protected.

Choosing the Right Method for You

If you prefer the traditional method or don’t have access to the internet, you can still send the ITR-V. However, if you want to save time and effort, e-verification is the better option.

Steps to Ensure Successful Verification

Whether you choose e-verification or sending the ITR-V, make sure to:

• File Your Return Accurately: Ensure that the information provided in your income tax return is accurate and complete.
• Verify Promptly: Verify your return as soon as possible after filing to avoid delays and potential penalties.
• Keep Records: Keep a copy of your income tax return and verification confirmation for your records.

14. What If You Sent the ITR-V But Received a Non-Receipt Notification?

If you’ve sent the physical copy of ITR-V to CPC but received a notification that it hasn’t been received, you can e-verify your ITR online after submitting a condonation request.

Reasons for Non-Receipt of ITR-V

There are several reasons why CPC might not have received your ITR-V:

• Lost in Transit: The ITR-V might have been lost in transit due to postal delays or mishandling.
• Incorrect Address: The ITR-V might have been sent to the wrong address.
• Illegible Address: The address on the envelope might have been illegible, causing the postal service to misdirect the ITR-V.
• Delayed Processing: CPC might be experiencing delays in processing ITR-V forms due to high volumes.

Steps to Take When You Receive a Non-Receipt Notification

1. Submit a Condonation Request: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal and submit a condonation request, explaining that you had sent the ITR-V but received a non-receipt notification.
2. E-Verify Your ITR Online: After submitting the condonation request, e-verify your ITR online using one of the methods discussed earlier in this article.

How to Submit a Condonation Request

• Access the E-Filing Portal: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal using your credentials.
• Navigate to Service Request: Go to the “Services” tab and select “Condonation Request.”
• Provide Details: Fill in the required details, such as the assessment year, ITR type, and the reason for the delay.
• Attach Supporting Documents: If you have any documents that support your reason for the delay, attach them to the request.
• Submit the Request: Review all the information and submit the request.

Preventing Non-Receipt Issues in the Future

To prevent non-receipt issues in the future, consider e-verifying your ITR online instead of sending the ITR-V. E-verification is faster, more convenient, and eliminates the risk of the document getting lost in transit.

15. What Is the Difference Between Pre-Login and Post-Login E-Verification?

The main difference is that pre-login e-verification requires you to provide ITR details (PAN, Assessment Year, Acknowledgment Number) before verifying, while post-login allows you to select the ITR record directly.

Pre-Login E-Verification

Pre-login e-verification is done before you log in to the e-filing portal. To use this method, you need to:

1. Visit the E-Filing Portal: Go to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal.
2. Select E-Verify Return: Click on the “E-Verify Return” link on the homepage.
3. Enter Details: Provide the details of your filed ITR, such as your PAN, Assessment Year, and Acknowledgment Number.
4. Choose E-Verification Method: Select your preferred e-verification method (Aadhaar OTP, EVC, Net Banking, DSC).
5. Complete Verification: Follow the instructions to complete the e-verification process.

Post-Login E-Verification

Post-login e-verification is done after you log in to the e-filing portal. To use this method, you need to:

1. Log in to the E-Filing Portal: Log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal using your credentials.
2. Navigate to E-Verify Return: Go to the “E-Verify Return” section on your dashboard.
3. Select ITR Record: Choose the respective record of ITR filed that you want to e-verify.
4. Choose E-Verification Method: Select your preferred e-verification method (Aadhaar OTP, EVC, Net Banking, DSC).
5. Complete Verification: Follow the instructions to complete the e-verification process.

Choosing Between Pre-Login and Post-Login

The choice between pre-login and post-login e-verification depends on your preference. If you prefer to provide your ITR details upfront, pre-login e-verification might be a good option. If you prefer to select the ITR record from your dashboard, post-login e-verification might be more convenient.

Ensuring a Smooth E-Verification Process

Whether you choose pre-login or post-login e-verification, make sure to:

• Have Your Details Ready: Keep your PAN, Assessment Year, and Acknowledgment Number handy.
• Choose a Reliable Method: Choose an e-verification method that you’re comfortable with and that is likely to work smoothly.
• Follow Instructions Carefully: Follow the instructions provided on the e-filing portal carefully to avoid errors.

16. Can You E-Verify Using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

Yes, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a valid method for e-verification, providing a secure way to authenticate your return immediately after filing.

What Is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key that certifies the identity of the holder. It is used to digitally sign documents and transactions, providing a high level of security and authenticity.

How to Obtain a DSC

To obtain a DSC, you need to:

1. Choose a Certifying Authority (CA): Select a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) in India.
2. Apply for a DSC: Fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
3. Complete Verification: The CA will verify your details and issue you a DSC.
4. Download and Install DSC: Download the DSC to your computer and install it.

Using DSC for E-Verification

To use a DSC for e-verification, you need to:

1. File Your ITR: File your income tax return on the e-filing portal.
2. Select DSC as E-Verification Method: Choose DSC as your preferred e-verification method.
3. Upload DSC: Upload your DSC to the e-filing portal.
4. Enter DSC PIN: Enter the PIN for your DSC.
5. Complete Verification: The e-filing portal will verify your DSC and complete the e-verification process.

When You Cannot Use DSC

If you selected the “e-Verify Later” option while submitting your income tax return, you will not be able to choose DSC as a preferred option to e-verify. In this case, you will need to use one of the other e-verification methods, such as Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or Net Banking.

Ensuring DSC Is Up-To-Date

To ensure that your DSC works correctly, make sure that it is up-to-date and valid. DSCs typically have a validity period of one or two years, so you will need to renew your DSC when