The deadline for filing income tax returns is fast approaching, with 31 July just a week away. Taxpayers who have not yet filed or completed e‑verification need to act quickly.
Filing your income tax returns (ITRs) is only one part of the tax compliance process— it is considered complete only after successful verification.
Taxpayers must verify their ITR within 30 days of filing. If not, the Income Tax Department will treat the return as invalid and it will not be processed.
Why is ITR verification mandatory?
The IT Department begins processing returns only after verification. Since 1 August 2022, taxpayers have been required to complete verification within a 30‑day window, replacing the earlier 120‑day period.
E-verification remains the most preferred option because it is seamless, quick, and hassle-free and it eliminates the need to send physical documents. Once the e-verification is completed successfully, taxpayers receive a transaction ID and an on-screen confirmation.
A confirmation email is also sent to the taxpayer's registered email address, confirming that the verification process has been completed successfully.
5 ways to e-verify your income tax return
The IT Department offers taxpayers multiple online verification options, allowing them to opt for the method that best suits them.
Taxpayers who do not wish to or are not eligible for e-verification can also complete physical verification by printing the ITR-V acknowledgement form, signing it as per the instructions, and sending it to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru, within 30 days of filing.
Therefore, ITR verification is the final step that validates your income tax return and enables the tax department to begin processing it. While several methods are available for verification, e-verification remains the quickest, most seamless and most convenient option.
If you carry out e-verification within 30 days of filing and complete all steps on your end, it facilitates the quick disbursal of refunds.
