Not sure how to e-verify your ITR? Here are 5 easy ways to do it
Think filing your ITR means the job is done? Not quite. Many taxpayers do not realise that after submitting their return, they must also e-verify it. The good part is that you can choose from five different methods, depending on what feels easiest for you.
The filing process for Assessment Year (AY) 2026–27 is now underway, and many taxpayers are getting ready to submit their Income Tax Returns (ITRs). But while most people focus on filing their return before the deadline, not everyone realises that the process does not end there.
After filing an ITR, taxpayers must also e-verify it for the return to be treated as complete. The good part is that there is not just one way to do it. In fact, there are five different ways to e-verify your ITR, allowing taxpayers to choose whichever option feels easiest and most convenient.
For salaried taxpayers who are not required to undergo an audit, the deadline to file returns for the financial year 2025–26 is generally July 31, 2026, though timelines may differ depending on the category of taxpayer.
Why E-Verification Is Important
Many people believe that once the ‘submit’ button is clicked, the tax filing process is over. However, the Income Tax Department requires taxpayers to verify their returns after filing.
Without e-verification, the ITR may be treated as incomplete, which could delay refunds or even create compliance-related issues later. In simple terms, filing the return is only half the work — verification is what completes the process.
AADHAAR OTP: A QUICK AND POPULAR OPTION
One of the easiest ways to e-verify an ITR is through Aadhaar OTP. Taxpayers can choose this option if their Aadhaar is linked with their PAN and registered mobile number.
After selecting the Aadhaar OTP option on the income tax portal, a one-time password is sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Entering the OTP completes the verification in just a few minutes.
VERIFICATION THROUGH BANK OR DEMAT ACCOUNT
Taxpayers can also choose to verify their return through a bank account or demat account.
For this, the account must first be pre-validated on the income tax portal. Once selected, an OTP is sent to the registered mobile number or email linked to the account, helping complete the verification smoothly.
DIGITAL SIGNATURE FOR CERTAIN TAXPAYERS
Some taxpayers, especially businesses or those whose accounts need an audit, may be required to use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
In such cases, attaching a digital signature acts as proof and completes the verification process securely.
NET BANKING CAN MAKE IT HASSLE-FREE
Another simple method is through net banking. Many banks allow users to verify their ITR directly through their online banking account.
After logging in, taxpayers can look for the tax filing or e-verification section, which redirects them to the income tax portal to complete the process instantly.
PHYSICAL ITR-V STILL WORKS
Those who are unable to use online verification methods can still choose the offline route.
Taxpayers can download the ITR-V acknowledgement form, sign it and send it to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru. However, this needs to be done within 30 days of filing the return.
A Few Important Things To Remember
Taxpayers should ensure that their mobile number and email address are updated on the income tax portal because OTP-based verification depends on these details.
It is also important to remember that refunds are processed only after the ITR has been verified. To stay safe, taxpayers should use only the official income tax portal or authorised banking channels and avoid clicking on suspicious links or messages.
E-verifying an ITR usually takes only a few minutes, but missing this final step can turn into an unnecessary problem later.