Refunds, e-verification, notices and corrections
E-verify your ITR with Aadhaar OTP
Aadhaar OTP is the quickest way to e-verify your income tax return. You need a mobile number linked to your Aadhaar and must finish within 30 days of filing. Here are the steps, what can go wrong and what to do if the OTP does not arrive.
On this page
To e-verify with an Aadhaar OTP, you give consent, the system sends a one-time password to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, and you enter it. The whole step takes a minute. It must be done within 30 days of filing, or the return is treated as never filed.
For the other methods and what happens if you miss the window, see how to e-verify your ITR.
Before you start
- Your Aadhaar is linked to a mobile number that is active and in your hand. The OTP goes to this number, not to the number on the income tax portal if it is different.
- Your PAN is linked to Aadhaar. The department lists this as a prerequisite for the Aadhaar OTP option, so if they are not linked, use another method.
- Your return is filed and you have the acknowledgement.
Steps
- After filing, choose E-verify and pick the Aadhaar OTP option.
- Read and tick the consent. You are agreeing that Aadhaar details are used to verify you.
- Request the OTP.
- Enter the OTP from the SMS you receive on your Aadhaar-linked number.
- Submit. You get a confirmation. Keep the transaction ID and the acknowledgement.
The OTP is valid for 15 minutes, and you have 3 attempts to enter it correctly.
If the OTP does not arrive
Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|
Your Aadhaar is linked to an old or lost number | Use another method (bank or demat EVC, net banking), or update the number with UIDAI |
No network or SMS blocked | Move to better coverage, check your inbox and spam filters, then request again |
DND or operator blocks | Check with your operator |
Three wrong entries | Request a new OTP later, or use another method |
Other methods: EVC through a pre-validated bank or demat account, net banking, a digital signature, or a signed paper ITR-V by post.
After you e-verify
The return is treated as filed on the original date of filing. The department then processes it and sends an intimation. If a refund is due, it is credited to your validated bank account. See what is intimation under section 143(1) and refund status and delays.
What if the 30 days pass?
An unverified return does not count as filed. You may be able to verify late, but then the verification date may count as the filing date, which can make the return belated, with a late fee. See how to e-verify your ITR.
Tips
- E-verify in the same sitting as filing.
- Use the Aadhaar-linked phone for the filing session, so the OTP arrives on the device you are using.
- Do not share the OTP with anyone. It confirms you filed the return.
- Save the confirmation along with your return. See how to download your filed ITR and acknowledgement.
How TaxCare helps
TaxCare takes you straight from filing to Aadhaar OTP e-verification and treats an unverified return as unfinished. If you leave it, you get a reminder (push notification and in the notification bell) the day after filing, and again when 7, 2 and 1 days are left of the 30-day window. On the e-verify screen you can also choose to turn on push reminders, which is always your decision. See how to file your return.
This guide gives general information and is not professional tax advice.
Ready to file your ITR?
TaxCare fetches your AIS and TDS from the Income Tax portal, checks every figure and files the return that saves you the most. 25% off your first filing.