Introduction
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a crucial annual ritual for every responsible taxpayer in India. Many individuals rely on professional tax consultants or Chartered Accountants (CAs) to help file returns accurately. However, a critical post-filing step often gets overlooked — e-verification of the ITR.
If you assume your tax consultant automatically completed the e-verification process, think again. Without e-verification, your ITR is considered incomplete. This can result in your return being invalidated by the Income Tax Department, leading to penalties or delayed refunds.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check if your tax consultant e-verified your return properly, why this verification is essential, and how to take corrective action if needed. References have been made to trusted financial publications such as Moneycontrol, The Financial Express, and Live Mint to ensure authoritativeness.
What is E-Verification of ITR?
E-verification is the process of confirming the authenticity of your filed income tax return. It’s like signing your return digitally. According to the Income Tax Department of India, an ITR is considered valid only if it’s verified — either electronically (e-verified) or by sending a signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru.
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Why Is E-Verification Necessary?
- Without it, the ITR is not processed.
- Refunds are not issued unless the return is verified.
- Unverified ITRs are treated as not filed, which could attract penalties under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act.
- Timely verification ensures your tax compliance record remains clean.
Common Misconception: “My CA Filed My Return, So It’s Done”
This is where many salaried professionals go wrong. Filing and verification are two separate steps:
- Filing is uploading your ITR to the portal.
- Verification is either through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or sending a physical signed copy.
Unless the consultant specifically confirms that the e-verification was completed (and ideally shares a confirmation or screenshot), there is always a chance that it wasn’t done.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check if Your Tax Return Was E-Verified
Here’s how you can check your ITR verification status in minutes through the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal
- Visit: https://www.incometax.gov.in
- Use your PAN number as the user ID
- Authenticate using your password and OTP
Step 2: Go to ‘View Filed Returns’
- After logging in, navigate to:
e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns
Step 3: Check Status of Your Return
- You’ll see a list of all ITRs filed.
- Look for the column titled ‘Status’
- If it says “Successfully e-Verified”, you’re good.
- If it says “Pending for e-verification” or “ITR not verified”, then action is needed.
Step 4: Download the Acknowledgement (ITR-V)
You can also download the ITR-V (Verification Form) and check the last page. If it says “This return has been electronically verified”, then no further action is required.
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What to Do If It’s Not Verified?
If your ITR is still not verified, you have two options:
1. E-Verify Online
You can do this using:
- Aadhaar OTP (linked mobile number required)
- Net Banking (login and authorize from the bank’s portal)
- EVC via Bank Account/Demat Account
This takes only a few minutes and updates instantly on the portal.
2. Send ITR-V via Post
If you’re not comfortable with e-verification, print the ITR-V form, sign it manually, and send it to:
Centralized Processing Centre (CPC), Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500
Use ordinary post or speed post only — courier services are not accepted.
Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss
The I-T Department allows 30 days from the date of filing to complete verification. If the deadline is missed:
- Your return will be treated as never filed.
- You may face a penalty under Section 234F.
- Any refunds due will be withheld until proper re-filing and verification.
How to Ensure Your Tax Consultant is Accountable
While delegating your tax work is convenient, the responsibility ultimately lies with you.
Tips:
- Ask for confirmation via email or WhatsApp that your return has been e-verified.
- Request a copy of the acknowledgment or screenshot from the portal.
- Log in to the portal yourself and check status (as explained above).
As per The Financial Express, many cases of refund delays in FY2023-24 were due to non-verification — even by reputed CAs and firms.
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Signs That Your ITR Might Not Be Verified
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
| Red Flag | What It Could Mean |
|---|---|
| No email confirmation from the Income Tax Department | Likely not e-verified |
| Refund not received even after 2-3 months | Check if verified |
| Consultant not responding after filing | Follow up immediately |
| ITR-V acknowledgment not received | Download and check manually |
What if the Deadline is Missed?
If more than 30 days have passed and your return is not verified:
- The return becomes invalid.
- You need to refile your ITR under ‘Belated Return’, which may attract a fine.
- You can also apply for condonation of delay under Section 119(2)(b), but approval is not guaranteed.
According to Live Mint and Moneycontrol, the condonation process can be time-consuming and may involve submitting a written application to the jurisdictional Assessing Officer.
Final Checklist for Taxpayers
Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your tax return is properly filed and verified:
✅ ITR filed before the deadline
✅ Acknowledgement received from the Income Tax Portal
✅ Status shows “Successfully e-Verified”
✅ Refund (if any) processed or in progress
✅ Consultant provided confirmation with proof
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can my tax consultant e-verify my return on my behalf?
A: Yes, if you’ve authorized them and shared the necessary OTPs or credentials. However, they can’t use their own Aadhaar or bank credentials for your return. So, e-verification usually requires your involvement.
Q2. What is the fastest way to e-verify my return?
A: Using Aadhaar-linked mobile OTP is the quickest and most convenient method.
Q3. What happens if I don’t verify my return?
A: Your return will be considered invalid, you may lose your refund, and could face penalties under Indian tax laws.
Q4. Can I check the e-verification status without logging in?
A: No. You must log in using your PAN and password to check the status securely.
Conclusion
Whether you file your ITR independently or through a tax consultant, it’s vital to ensure that your return is e-verified within the 30-day deadline. With the Income Tax Department moving towards complete digitization, taxpayers are now more empowered than ever to monitor their own compliance.
Remember, the filing is just half the battle — e-verification seals the deal. Don’t rely entirely on your consultant. Make it a habit to double-check your ITR verification status personally. Doing so ensures peace of mind, timely refunds, and clean financial records.
