This tax alert explains a critical aspect of filing your Income Tax Return (ITR): the verification process. Many taxpayers are unaware that simply uploading their ITR before the due date isn’t enough to avoid penalties for late filing. The key is to verify the return within 30 days of uploading it.
The Critical Connection Between Filing and Verification
A recent notification from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) dated March 31, 2024, clarifies this rule. If a taxpayer uploads their ITR but fails to complete the e-verification or submit the ITR-V form within 30 days, the date of verification becomes the official date of filing. If this date falls after the ITR due date, the taxpayer will face all the consequences of a late filing, including fines and penalties, even though the initial upload was on time.
For example, as of August 19, 2025, over 3.23 crore taxpayers had filed their returns, but about 1 lakh of them had not yet verified their returns. This highlights a widespread issue where taxpayers are risking penalties by delaying this crucial step.
The Best Way to Verify Your ITR
To avoid any issues, the best way to verify your ITR is to use the ‘e-Verify Now’ option on the Income Tax e-filing portal immediately after you file. This process is quick, taking only 2-3 minutes. The CBDT itself advises this, stating that “e-verification, immediately upon filing of the return is the most desirable action.”
Alternatively, if you must physically submit the ITR-V, you can send it via ordinary or speed post to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru. However, you must ensure it reaches the CPC within 30 days of filing. The date it is received at the CPC is considered the verification date, making it a less reliable option due to potential postal delays.
Ultimately, remember that an ITR that is not verified within the specified time limit is considered invalid. Timely verification is just as important as timely filing.