ITR filing isn’t complete until you verify it: Here are all the ways to do it

After you have filed your Income Tax Return, one final step stands between you and a fully processed submission; verification. Skip it or miss the deadline, and the Income Tax Department may simply disregard your return entirely, no matter how accurately it was filled out.

Here’s everything you need to know about verifying your ITR digitally, including every available method and how to use each one.

What does e-verification actually mean?

E-verification is the digital equivalent of signing your return. Once you have filed your ITR, this step confirms to the Income Tax Department that the submission genuinely came from you, removing the need to post any physical paperwork.

The deadline is strict: you have 30 days from the date of filing to complete verification. Miss that window, and your return risks being treated as if it was never filed.

If you do miss the deadline, you are not entirely out of options. You can submit a condonation of delay request along with a valid reason. That said, your verification only becomes effective if and when the department approves that request, so it’s far better not to let it come to that.

All the ways you can verify your ITR

The portal offers six different routes:

• Aadhaar OTP
• Net banking
• Electronic Verification Code (EVC) via a pre-validated bank account
• EVC via a pre-validated demat account
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
• EVC generated at a supported bank’s ATM

What to have ready before you start

Depending on which method you choose, you’ll need:

• PAN linked to Aadhaar if you plan to use Aadhaar OTP
• Income Tax e-filing portal login credentials
• Your acknowledgement number, if verifying without logging in
• A pre-validated bank or demat account for EVC methods
• Net banking access, if choosing that route
• A valid DSC and the emSigner utility for digital signature verification

Verifying via Aadhaar OTP

This is the quickest method for most individuals.

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal after submitting your ITR
2. Navigate to the e-Verify Return option
3. Select Verify via Aadhaar OTP
4. Confirm your Aadhaar details and request an OTP
5. Enter the six-digit OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
6. Click Validate
7. A confirmation message will appear with a Transaction ID — you’ll also receive confirmation on your registered mobile number and email address

Other verification methods

Via net banking

1. Choose Net Banking as your preferred method
2. Pick your bank and sign in using your net banking credentials
3. Access the Income Tax e-filing portal through your bank’s interface
4. Locate your pending return and click e-Verify

Via bank account EVC

1. Select Bank Account EVC
2. Generate an Electronic Verification Code
3. Enter the EVC sent to your registered mobile number or email address
4. Click e-Verify

Your bank account must be pre-validated and EVC-enabled before using this method.Via demat account EVC

1. Choose Demat Account EVC
2. Generate the EVC
3. Enter the code received on your registered mobile number or email
4. Submit to complete the process

Your demat account must likewise be pre-validated and EVC-enabled.Via Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

1. Select Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
2. Install and launch the emSigner utility if you haven’t already
3. Plug in your DSC USB token
4. Select the correct certificate, enter your password, and click Sign

Via bank ATM EVC

1. Visit an ATM belonging to a participating bank
2. Insert your debit card and enter your PIN
3. Select the option to Generate EVC for Income Tax Filing
4. An EVC will be dispatched to your registered mobile number and email
5. Log in to the e-filing portal, choose Existing EVC, enter the code, and finalise verification.

Can someone verify on your behalf?

Yes. If you have officially authorised a signatory or representative assessee, they can carry out the e-verification for you. They may use Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or an EVC generated through a pre-validated bank or demat account. The OTP or EVC will be directed to the contact details registered for that authorised individual, either on the e-filing portal or with Aadhaar, depending on the method selected.