Income Tax Return: A step-by-step guide on how to verify ITR online

While filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) on time is important, it is even more crucial to file it in the right manner. After filing the ITR, it is very important to verify it. The I-T department only processes the return if it is verified. The taxpayer only receives the due amount once the ITR is submitted and duly verified.

Here are the different ways to verify the ITR online:

1) Using Aadhaar OTP

2) Through Electronic Verification Code (EVC): EVC can be generated through net banking, bank account or Demat account.

3) Using Digital Signature Certificate

Let us talk about these methods in detail

1) Using Aadhaar OTP

·       For e-verification using Aadhaar, you must first ensure that the mobile number available to you is linked to the Aadhaar card and PAN card.

·       Open the website www.incometax.gov.in and go to 'e-file' tab

·       Select 'Income Tax Returns' and Click on 'e-Verify return'

·       If Aadhaar OTP is not available to you, click on 'I would like to e-verify using OTP on a mobile number registered with Aadhaar'

·       On the pop-up menu, tick the box saying 'I agree to validate my Aadhaar details' and click on 'Generate Aadhaar OTP'.

·       You will receive an OTP on the registered mobile number

·       Enter the OTP and click on 'Submit'. The ITR will be verified.

·       If Aadhaar OTP is already available, after selecting 'e-Verify return' click on 'I already have an OTP on Mobile number registered with Aadhar'

·       Enter the OTP in the boxes provided and click on 'Submit'

 2) Using EVC 

Generating EVC through Net Banking

·       For this, it is important to have a net banking facility in your bank account.

·       On the 'e-Verify' page, select 'Through Net Banking' under 'Generate EVC' and click on 'Continue'

·       Select the name of the desirable bank and click on 'Continue'

·       Now log in to your net banking account and under the 'tax' option, select on 'e-Verify'

·       Now on the ITR form, displayed on your screen, click on 'e-verify'.

 Generating EVC through Bank account

·       Under the EVC option, click on 'Through Bank Account' under 'Generate EVC' and click on 'Continue'

·       Now enter the EVC, received on your e-mail and mobile number, and click on 'e-verify'. 

Generating EVC through Demat account

·       Under the EVC option, click on 'Through Demat Account' under 'Generate EVC' and click on 'Continue'

·       EVC will be sent on the mobile number or e-mail ID, linked to your Demat account.

·       Enter the EVC and click on 'e-verify'. 

3) Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

·       For this step, the books of your business must be audited.

·       On the 'e-verify' page click on 'I would like to verify using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)'

·       Click on 'Click here to download emsinger utility'

·       Now install the emsinger utility and on the e-filing page, select 'I have downloaded and installed emsinger utility'

·       Click on the 'Continue' button.

·       On the next page, select 'provider' and 'certificate'.

·       Enter the password and click on the 'Sign' button.

·       You will receive a text on the email ID and mobile number to confirm the e-verification