ITR e-Verification options: Aadhar OTP vs Net Banking vs EVC, What to Pick and Why

Many income tax returns remain incomplete every year because they are not e-verified. If an ITR is not verified within 30 days of filing, it is considered invalid or not filed. Refunds processing begins only after successful verification and processing by CPC (Centralised Processing Centre).

As tax filing season approaches, it is important to choose the correct e-verification method. The Income Tax portal offers options such as Aadhar OTP, Net Banking, and Electronic Verification Code (EVC). Each option suits a different situation. Here is a simple guide to help you pick the right one.

What to Note Before You Choose an ITR e-Verification Method?

Before selecting a verification option, check these basic details on the Income Tax portal:

• Is your PAN linked with Aadhaar?
• Is mobile no. linked with an active Aadhaar?
• Is your bank account pre-validated?
• Does your bank support Net Banking for e-Filing services?

If any of these are not updated, the e-verification of ITR may fail. It is better to confirm these details first and then select the method of e-verifying ITR that fits your situation.

What is the Time Limit to e-Verify ITR?

Your return must be e-verified within 30 days from the date of filing. If it is not verified within this period, the return is treated as not filed. Refunds are not processed until verification is completed.

What Are the Different Ways to e-Verify ITR?

The Income Tax portal provides multiple methods to e-verify your Income Tax Return. You can choose the option that matches your linked details and access.

1. e-Verification of ITR Using Aadhar OTP

This is the simplest way to e-verify your ITR.

Use this method if:

Your PAN is linked with Aadhar, and the mobile number linked with Aadhar is active.

Steps:

Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal

Step 2: Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → e-Verify Return

Step 3: Choose “I would like to e-Verify using OTP on mobile number registered with Aadhar”

Step 4: Click Continue and then tick the Aadhar consent checkbox

Step 5: Click “Generate Aadhar OTP”

Step 6: Enter the 6-digit OTP and click “Validate”

Step 7: A success message with a Transaction ID will appear. A confirmation email or SMS will also be sent.

If the OTP is not received or your Aadhar is not linked with PAN, this method will not work. In that case, choose another option.

2. e-Verification of ITR Through Net Banking

This method verifies your return through your bank account.

Use this method if:

You use Net Banking regularly, and your bank supports the e-Filing service. It is helpful if the Aadhar OTP is not working.

Steps:

Step 1: Log in to your bank’s Net Banking account.

Step 2: Go to Services/ Tax Services / Income Tax e-Filing (exact names may vary by the bank)

Step 3: Click on “Login to Income Tax e-Filing”. You will be automatically redirected to the Income Tax portal without entering credentials again.  

Step 4: Once redirected, go to: e-File → Income Tax Returns → e-Verify Return

Step 5: Select the relevant ITR that is pending verification.

Step 6: Choose “e-Verify through Net Banking”.

Step 7: Confirm the verification request.

Step 8: You will see a success message along with a Transaction ID.

You will also receive confirmation via SMS/email.

3. e-Verification of ITR Through Electronic Verification Code (EVC)

EVC is a 10-digit code used to verify your return. It can be generated through a pre-validated bank account, a demat account, or a selected bank ATM.

Use this method if:

Aadhar OTP is not working, or you prefer not to use Net Banking.

Option 1: Generate EVC through Bank Account

Before you start:

Ensure Your bank account is pre-validated and EVC enabled on the Income Tax Department portal.

Steps:

Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal

Step 2: Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → e-Verify Return

Step 3: Choose “Generate EVC through Bank Account.”

Step 4: EVC will be sent to the mobile/email ID registered with your bank

Step 5: Enter the 10 digit EVC in the provided field to verify your return

Option 2: Generate EVC through Demat Account

Before you start:

Your demat account must be pre-validated.

Steps:

Step 1: Log in to the e-Filing portal→Profile Settings→My Bank Account/My Demat Account(depending on UI update)

Step 2: Click “Enable EVC”. Your mobile number should be registered with NSDL/CDSL

Step 3: Select “e-File’’→ Income Tax Returns→ “e-Verify Return”

Step 4: Choose “Generate EVC through Demat Account.”

Step 5: Enter the EVC received

Step 6: Submit/e-verify button

Option 3: Generate EVC through ATM (Available only for limited banks.)

Check with your bank whether ATM-based EVC generation is enabled

Steps:

Step 1: Visit your bank’s ATM

Step 2: Insert your debit card and enter your ATM PIN

Step 3: Select “Generate EVC for Income Tax Filing”

Step 4: You will receive the EVC on your registered mobile number

Step 5: Log in to the Income Tax portal and use this code under “e-Verify Return”

Validity: The EVC generated via ATM is valid for 72 hours

4. e-Verification of ITR Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

In certain cases, e-Verification must be done using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This is generally mandatory for companies and taxpayers whose accounts are subject to audit. The DSC must be registered on the Income Tax e-Filing portal before it can be used. This method is mainly applicable to business or professional filings and is not commonly used by individual salaried taxpayers.

Steps for E-Verifying ITR with DSC

Step 1: Make sure the DSC is active and registered on the Income Tax Portal

Step 2: Download and install the emsigner utility from the “Verify Your Identity” page

Step 3: Select “I would like to e-Verify using Digital Signature Certificate(DSC)”

Step 4: Insert the USB token, choose the certificate, and enter the provider password or PIN

Step 5: Click “Sign” to finish. Success message and Transaction ID will appear.

What Happens After Successful e-Verification of ITR?

Once your income tax return is successfully e-Verified, its status changes to “Successfully e-Verified.” The Income Tax Department then begins processing your return. If a refund is due, it will be issued after processing. You can track the status under e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns on the portal.