Income Tax Return Becomes Invalid If Not Verified in 30 Days: What You Need to Know

Income Tax Return Becomes Invalid If Not Verified in 30 Days:- Have you filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, only to realize you haven’t verified it yet? Don’t make the mistake of assuming your job is done once you’ve uploaded your ITR. The Income Tax Return (ITR) Becomes Invalid If Not Verified in 30 Days, a rule enforced by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) since August 1, 2022.

Missing this crucial step can lead to penalties, delayed refunds, or even legal complications. In this article, we’ll break down why verification is essential, how to do it, and what happens if you miss the 30-day deadline. Stay informed to ensure your tax filing process is seamless and stress-free.

Why Income Tax Return Becomes Invalid Verification Is Crucial

Filing your ITR is only half the battle. The Income Tax Department requires taxpayers to verify their returns to authenticate the submission and initiate processing. Without verification within 30 days, the Income Tax Return (ITR) Becomes Invalid If Not Verified in 30 Days, meaning it’s treated as if you never filed it. This can result in:

• Late Filing Fees: Up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F if your income exceeds ₹5 lakh, or ₹1,000 if below ₹5 lakh.
• Delayed Refunds: Unverified returns halt refund processing, affecting your financial planning.
• Loss of Benefits: You may lose the ability to carry forward losses or claim certain deductions.
• Legal Notices: Non-compliance could trigger notices from the Income Tax Department.

With the extended ITR filing deadline for AY 2025-26 set for September 15, 2025, timely verification is more critical than ever to avoid these consequences.

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How to Verify Your ITR

The Income Tax Department offers multiple ways to verify your ITR, making the process accessible and convenient. You can choose between electronic verification (e-verification) or physical verification. Below are the steps and methods to ensure your ITR is verified on time.

Electronic Verification (e-Verification)

E-verification is the fastest and most recommended method, providing instant acknowledgment. Here are the available options:

• Aadhaar OTP: Link your PAN to your Aadhaar and receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal, navigate to ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘e-Verify Return,’ and enter the OTP.
• Net Banking: Access the e-Filing portal through your bank’s net banking platform. Look for the ‘e-Verify Income Tax Return’ option under the ‘Tax’ section.
• Electronic Verification Code (EVC): Generate an EVC via pre-validated bank accounts, demat accounts, or ATMs of participating banks. Enter the EVC on the e-Filing portal.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Mandatory for certain taxpayers (e.g., companies or individuals with income over ₹50 lakh). Use a valid Class 2 or Class 3 DSC with the Emsigner Utility installed.

Steps for e-Verification:

1. Visit www.incometax.gov.in.
2. Log in using your PAN, password, and date of birth.
3. Go to ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘e-Verify Return.’
4. Select your preferred verification method (Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or DSC).
5. Enter the required details (e.g., OTP or EVC) and submit.
6. Receive a confirmation message with a Transaction ID and an email acknowledgment.

Physical Verification (ITR-V)

If you prefer offline verification, you can send a signed ITR-V form to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru. Here’s how:

1. Log in to the e-Filing portal and go to ‘e-File’ > ‘View Filed Returns.’
2. Download the ITR-V for the relevant assessment year.
3. Print the form, sign it in blue ink, and place it in an A4-size envelope.
4. Send it via speed post to: Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka.
5. Ensure the ITR-V reaches CPC within 30 days from the date of filing.

Note: The date of dispatch via speed post determines the 30-day timeline. Processing may take 2–3 weeks, and you can track the status under ‘View Returns/Forms’ on the portal.

What Happens If You Miss the 30-Day Deadline?

If you fail to verify your ITR within 30 days, the Income Tax Return (ITR) Becomes Invalid If Not Verified in 30 Days. This triggers several consequences:

• Invalid Return: The ITR is treated as non-filed, nullifying your filing efforts.
• Penalties: Late filing fees under Section 234F (₹1,000–₹5,000) apply if you file a new return after the due date.
• Interest: Interest under Section 234A may be levied on any unpaid tax liability.
• Loss of Refunds: Refunds remain blocked until a valid return is filed and verified.
• Legal Action: Persistent non-compliance may lead to notices or scrutiny.

Condonation of Delay

If you miss the 30-day window, you can file a condonation of delay request on the e-Filing portal:

1. Log in and navigate to ‘Services’ > ‘Condonation Request.’
2. Select ‘Delay in ITR Verification’ and provide a valid reason (e.g., technical issues, ITR-V not received by CPC).
3. Submit the request and wait for approval from the Income Tax Department.

Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the validity of your reason. If approved, your return will be considered verified, but the verification date (not the filing date) will be treated as the furnishing date, potentially attracting late filing penalties.

Key Changes for AY 2025-26

The CBDT has introduced several updates for AY 2025-26 that taxpayers should be aware of:

• Mandatory Form 10-IA/10-BA: To claim deductions under Sections 80DD, 80U, or 80GG, you must file these forms before submitting your ITR and include their acknowledgment numbers.
• Extended ITR-U Timeline: You can file an Updated Return (ITR-U) up to 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year (e.g., March 31, 2026, for AY 2021-22), with additional taxes of 60% or 70% depending on the filing year.
• Watermark on Invalid ITR-V: Invalid ITR-V forms now carry a watermark stating “Invalid” to avoid confusion.

Tips to Avoid ITR Invalidation

• Verify Immediately: E-verify your ITR right after filing to avoid forgetting.
• Check Aadhaar Linkage: Ensure your PAN is linked to Aadhaar for OTP-based verification.
• Track ITR-V Delivery: Use speed post tracking to confirm your ITR-V reaches CPC Bengaluru.
• Consult Experts: If unsure, seek help from chartered accountants via platforms like ClearTax or Tax2Win.
• Stay Updated: Visit www.incometax.gov.in for the latest notifications and FAQs.

Conclusion

The Income Tax Return (ITR) Becomes Invalid If Not Verified in 30 Days, a rule that underscores the importance of timely verification. Whether you choose e-verification for instant results or physical ITR-V submission, completing this step within the 30-day window is non-negotiable to avoid penalties, delayed refunds, or legal issues. With multiple verification methods like Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC, and DSC, the process is more accessible than ever. Don’t let a small oversight derail your tax compliance. Have you verified your ITR yet? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more tax-related updates.