Uploading your tax return on the e-filing portal is not the final step. To make your return legally valid, you must verify it. In recent updates, the Income Tax Department reduced the time limit for verification from 120 days to a strict 30-day window. Failing to verify within this period can lead to serious compliance issues.

The Consequences of Non-Verification

If you fail to e-verify your return within 30 days of submission:

• Return Declared Invalid: The department will treat your ITR as "Never Filed" (invalid).
• No Refunds: Any refund due to you will be blocked and will not be processed.
• Late Fees: If you verify late (after the deadline), it is treated as a belated return, and you may face late filing fees up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.

Methods of E-Verification

You can verify your ITR using several digital methods:

1. Aadhaar OTP: The most common method. An OTP is sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar card.
2. Net Banking: Log into your bank account and click on the e-filing link to verify.
3. Bank Account EVC: Generate an Electronic Verification Code using a pre-validated bank account.
4. Demat Account: Verify using your demat account details.