If you’ve filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year but haven’t completed the e-verification, your return is not valid—no matter if you uploaded it on the official portal. This year, the last date to file your ITR is September 15, 2025, thanks to an extended deadline. But filing is just one step—you must verify it within 30 days to ensure it’s accepted by the Income Tax Department.Why E-Verification Is EssentialE-verification is mandatory. If you skip it, your return is automatically considered invalid. While physical verification (sending a signed ITR-V form by post) is possible, it’s time-consuming. The fastest and easiest way is electronic verification, and the most convenient e-verification method is using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for an OTP.Step-by-Step: E-Verify Your ITR with Aadhaar OTP1. Go to the Official PortalVisit the Income Tax e-filing website: incometax.gov.in.Log in with your credentials.2. Access Your ReturnClick on the ‘e-file’ menu.Select ‘Income Tax Return’ from the options.3. Start E-VerificationChoose the ‘e-verify return’ option.4. Generate and Enter OTPSelect the ‘Aadhaar OTP’ method. Make sure your mobile is linked to your Aadhaar.You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number.Enter the OTP in the portal to complete the process.Other E-Verification MethodsIf you don’t have Aadhaar OTP access, you can also verify your ITR using:Net banking: Log in and select ‘e-verify income tax return’.Bank account, demat account, or ATM: Use pre-approved accounts for quick verification.Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For those who have it, verification by DSC is possible.After you complete verification, you’ll see a success message with a transaction ID, and you’ll get an email notification from the Income Tax Department.Missed the 30-Day Window?If you forget to e-verify within 30 days, you must apply for ‘condonation of delay’ and explain the reason—a step that may or may not be accepted by the IT Department.Key Dates and TakeawayITR Filing Last Date: 15 September 2025Verification Deadline: Within 30 days after filingEasiest Method: Aadhaar OTPE-verifying your ITR is just as important as filing it. Use this simple Aadhaar OTP method for instant results and peace of mind.
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