With the extended deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) just a few days away, most people have filed their ITR. An ITR after being filed has to be verified by the assessee.

As per the existing tax laws, a return filed by the taxpayer is not valid until it is verified as filed by the concerned assessee. A taxpayer can verify his/her return either electronically using E-Verification Code (EVC) using any one of multiple options or physically.

In case of e-filing taxpayers have the option to e-verify their respective returns at the time of uploading or after uploading. In case of an already-uploaded return, taxpayers can e-verify the same by clicking on the "e-Verify Return" option under the 'My Account' tab after logging into the e-filing website. Physical verification method can be used only after filing the return.

Under the 'e-verify return' option, a taxpayer will be shown three alternatives to verify their returns.
1. I already have an EVC to e-verify my return.
2. I do not have an EVC and I would like to generate EVC to verify my return.
3. To verify your returns using Aadhaar OTP

If you're using Aadhaar OTP method, your mobile number must be linked to your Aadhaar. In this process a, OTP is generated and sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the text box provided and click on submit. Success page will be displayed. It is important to remember that Aadhaar OTP is valid for 30 minutes only.

If you do not have EVC or your mobile number is not linked to aadhaar, then you can choose option 2 mentioned above. EVC can be generated by clicking on 'Generate EVC' option under 'My Account Tab'. Four options to verify your ITR will appear. An Individual can choose any of the following method to verify it.

Using Electronic methods
You can use any one of the following four methods to verify your ITR electronically apart from Aadhaar OTP. Once you have verified it electronically you are not required to send the physical ITR-V copy to Bengaluru.

This OTP can be used only if your gross Income minus deduction is less than or equal to Rs 5 lakh. And/or, refund/demand is less than or equal to 100. This is first option to that appears under the 'Generate EVC' option. Click on 'Generate e-filing OTP'. The OTP will be you're your email id.

(b) Generating EVC using net-banking: You can also verify your return by using the net-banking facility of your bank account. Log-in to your net banking account and click on tab related to income tax filing. Select the e-verify option and you will be redirected to e-filing website.

Once logged in to the income tax e-filing website, click on the 'My Account' to generate the EVC. A 10-digit alpha-numeric code will be sent to your email and mobile number which is valid for 72 hours. Now, click on 'e-verify' option in 'My Account' tab to verify your returns using option 1 'I have EVC already'.

(c) Receiving EVC by using bank account based validation system: To use this method you must first pre-validate your bank account. You can pre-validate your bank account through the profile settings menu in your e-filing account. You will be required to enter details such as bank name, account number, IFSC and mobile number.

Pre-validation will be successfully completed only if your PAN and name match with bank account records. You must enter the mobile number which is linked to that bank account. Once these details are confirmed and validated by the bank then only you can generate EVC using this option. You will receive the code on the mobile number mentioned by you. Currently, only 12 banks are providing this facility. You must ensure that your bank is in the list before using this option. Note: No change of mobile number or email as mentioned above will be permissible without revalidation of the bank.

(d) Verifying returns through Demat Account Number: This method is similar to bank account based validation. This method was launched earlier but has become functionally usable starting from this assessment year. To use this method for verifying your tax returns, your must also first validate your Demat account in the profile settings menu.

You will be required to select your depository and enter both mobile number and email id. Once the details (PAN, mobile number and email id) mentioned by you is confirmed and validated by the depository then you can use this option to generate the code. Here too, no change of mobile number or email id will be permitted without revalidation with the depository.

Using Physical Method (by sending ITR-V/Acknowledgement receipt)
If the taxpayer is not able to e-verify his return because of any reason or is not comfortable in using the electronic verification mode, then he/she can download the ITR-V also known as acknowledgement receipt. He needs to sign it and send it to CPC through post. This ITR-V should reach CPC within 120 days from the date of upload of the return for the return to be treated as valid.

1. ITR-V is a one-page document which you need to sign in blue ink and send via ordinary post or speed post. You cannot courier the ITR-V.
2. ITR-V is a password protected document which can be downloaded from your account on the e-filing website under the 'View Returns/Form' on the 'Dashboard'. This ITR-V is auto-generated after you successfully successfully upload/e-file your income tax return. Password to open ITR-V is your PAN number in lower letters along with your date of birth (DOB). If your PAN is "AAAPA1111F" and DOB is 01/01/1975, then your password will be "aaapa1111f01011975".
3. You are not required to send any supporting document along with the ITR-V. Just send the one page signed ITR-V.

4. When your duly signed ITR-V is received and entered in the records at CPC, you will receive an email on your registered email ID that the ITR-V has been received and your return has been verified. Processing of your return will only start after verification.
5. Address of CPC Bangalore for speed post: 'CPC, Post Box No - 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bangalore - 560100, Karnataka, India'.