How to check if your tax consultant e-verified your return properly

Even when you employ a tax consultant, the ultimate responsibility of proper filing and verification is yours.

Why E-verification matters?

Submission of income tax return is not the final step in income tax filing. The Income Tax Department requires each return to be e-verified within 30 days from the date of filing. If you have not e-verified your return, it will not be considered compliant, and you can anticipate delays in the processing of your refunds, if any are due, or even paying a penalty for defaulting.

Most taxpayers hire consultants or chartered accountants to file their income tax returns but do not verify if their return has been e-verified correctly.

How to check the E-verification status

To check whether your tax consultant has e-verified your return, visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal at www.incometax.gov.in. Login using your PAN and password, click on the 'e-File' menu, and then select 'Income Tax Returns' and then 'View Filed Returns'. You will be displayed a list of all the returns filed for different years.

Look for the status column. If it shows 'Verified', then your return is e-verified successfully. If it shows 'Pending for e-Verification', then it is incomplete and you need to do it yourself.

What to do if it is not verified

If your return is found to be not-verified, you may e-verify it immediately using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or pre-validated bank account. Alternatively, you can send a manually signed ITR-V acknowledgement by registered post to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) at Bengaluru. E-verification is faster and free from postal delays.

We suggest you inform your consultant immediately if you notice that the verification is pending. Consultants may think that the taxpayer will do this step, so it is important to notify.

Why you should always double-check

Even when you employ a tax consultant, the ultimate responsibility of proper filing and verification is yours. Delay in the process of verification might lead to cancellation of the return and you needing to file a corrected return. In certain situations, refunds are withheld pending verification.

By taking a few minutes to verify your e-verification status yourself, you'll be able to have your return processed properly and avoid delays in refund and compliance issues.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to e-verify a return?

E-verification using Aadhaar OTP or net banking is live. The status is updated instantly after verification on the portal.

Q2. What happens if I don't e-verify in 30 days?

Your refund will be rejected, and you will have to file an amended return. Refunds, if mailed, will also be postponed.

Q3. Can my tax professional e-verify on my behalf?

Yes, as long as you provide the necessary credentials or OTP when prompted. But see to it that the status shows 'Verified' on the portal.