Many taxpayers upload their returns successfully but forget to complete e-verification. They may notice the mistake weeks later while checking their income tax refund status.
If your ITR is not e-verified within 30 days, the Income Tax Department may treat it as invalid. However, depending on your circumstances, you may still be able to resolve the issue through the official e-filing portal.
This guide explains the 30-day verification rule, possible consequences, late verification options and the steps to correct a pending ITR verification.
What Is ITR E-Verification?
ITR e-verification is the electronic process used to confirm that the income tax return submitted under your PAN is authentic.
You can upload your return on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal and choose to verify it later. However, uploading alone does not complete the filing process.
Until verification is completed, your return may remain under the status “Submitted and Pending for e-Verification.”
What Is the 30-Day ITR E-Verification Rule?
According to the Income Tax Department’s official guidance, taxpayers generally have 30 days from the date of uploading their ITR to complete verification.
Notification No. 2/2024, dated March 31, 2024, clarified the treatment of returns verified within or after the prescribed period.
- Verified within 30 days: The original return-upload date is considered the filing date.
- Verified after 30 days: The verification date is generally treated as the filing date, with applicable late-filing consequences.
- Not verified: The return may be treated as invalid unless the delay is appropriately regularised.
What Happens If Your ITR Is Not E-Verified After 30 Days?
1. Your Income Tax Return May Become Invalid
A return that remains unverified beyond the permitted period can be treated as invalid. This means uploading the form does not necessarily satisfy your return-filing obligation.
2. Your Income Tax Refund May Be Delayed
If you claimed a tax refund, the department ordinarily begins refund processing only after your return has been verified.
Therefore, an unverified return can prevent your refund from moving forward, even when the refund amount was correctly calculated.
3. Late-Filing Consequences May Apply
When a return is verified after 30 days, the verification date may become the recognised filing date. If that date falls after the applicable statutory deadline, late-filing fees, interest or other consequences may arise, depending on your circumstances.
Important: Missing the verification deadline does not automatically mean every taxpayer must pay a penalty. The actual consequences depend on the applicable tax rules and return details.
Example: How Late Verification Changes Your Filing Date
| Activity | Example |
|---|---|
| ITR uploaded | 10 July |
| Verified on 20 July | Filing date: 10 July |
| Verified on 18 August | Filing date: 18 August, subject to applicable requirements |
This example demonstrates why completing verification promptly matters, even if the original return was uploaded before the filing deadline.
How to Check If Your ITR Is E-Verified
Follow these steps to check your return status:
- Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Log in using your PAN and password.
- Open e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns.
- Select the relevant Assessment Year.
- Click View Details to check the current return status.
If the status shows “Successfully e-Verified”, your verification is complete, although the return may still be awaiting processing.
How to E-Verify Your ITR Online Within 30 Days
If the verification deadline has not passed, you can normally complete the process using these steps:
- Sign in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Navigate to e-File > Income Tax Returns > E-Verify Return.
- Select the return pending verification.
- Choose an available verification method.
- Complete the required authentication.
- Save the successful verification acknowledgement.
Available methods include Aadhaar OTP, net banking and Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through an eligible pre-validated bank or demat account. Digital Signature Certificate verification is available in applicable filing situations.
How to Fix ITR Not E-Verified After 30 Days
If your deadline has already expired, check whether the portal allows you to submit a condonation of delay request.
Condonation means requesting the Income Tax Department to accept a delayed verification based on a reasonable explanation.
Steps to Submit a Condonation Request
- Log in to the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Go to Services > Condonation Request.
- Select Delay in Submission of ITR-V.
- Click Create Condonation Request.
- Select the relevant income tax return.
- Provide the genuine reason for the verification delay.
- Submit the request and save the transaction ID.
For certain electronic-verification cases, the portal may instead offer a “Submit Condonation & E-Verify” option through the E-Verify Return section. Follow the instructions displayed for your return.
What If Aadhaar OTP Verification Is Not Working?
Aadhaar OTP verification may fail if your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is inactive, the OTP expires or the required PAN-Aadhaar linkage is incomplete.
Check your registered mobile number and follow the on-screen instructions. If Aadhaar OTP is unavailable, consider another eligible verification method, such as net banking or bank-account EVC.
Do not share your OTP or income tax portal password with anyone offering paid verification assistance.
Can You Verify ITR Without Aadhaar OTP?
Yes. E-verification through Aadhaar OTP is not the only method. Eligible taxpayers can use net banking, bank-account EVC or demat-account EVC.
You may also use the physical ITR-V verification process where applicable. For postal verification, the Income Tax Department considers the date the signed ITR-V reaches its Centralised Processing Centre, not merely the posting date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ITR e-verification deadline 30 days or 120 days?
The general deadline is 30 days. The earlier 120-day period continues to be relevant to returns filed on or before July 31, 2022.
Can I e-verify my ITR after 30 days?
Late verification may be possible through the applicable condonation process. Acceptance depends on the department’s decision and the relevant rules.
Will my income tax refund arrive without e-verification?
Refund processing ordinarily starts after the return is verified. An unverified return can delay the refund process.
Can I file a fresh ITR instead of verifying the old one?
Do not assume that filing another return will solve the problem. A fresh or revised return must satisfy the applicable filing deadlines and conditions. Seek professional guidance if your filing window has expired.
Final Words
If your ITR is filed but not e-verified after 30 days, check its status immediately. A missed deadline can affect the recognised filing date, refund processing and compliance obligations.
Use the official Income Tax Portal to complete the available verification or condonation process. For future returns, verify immediately after submission and retain the confirmation acknowledgement.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute personalised tax or legal advice. Tax laws, deadlines and portal procedures can change. Consult the Income Tax Department or a qualified tax professional for case-specific guidance.
Official Sources:
30-Day Verification Rules |
Condonation Request Guide |
ITR E-Verification Help