Sending signed ITR-V by post

The ITR-V is the acknowledgement of a filed return. If you do not e-verify online, you can verify the return by signing the ITR-V and sending it by post to the department's processing centre. It is a fallback: for most people, an Aadhaar OTP e-verification is quicker and leaves no paper to lose.

Why e-verification is usually better

A return counts as filed only once it is verified, and the verification window is 30 days from filing. A letter can take days, can get lost and is harder to track. Online methods work at once. TaxCare's filing flow offers Aadhaar OTP, with an ITR-V by post as the fallback.

See how to e-verify your ITR.

When you might use the post

• You have no Aadhaar-linked mobile and no other online method set up.
• Your bank or demat account is not enabled for EVC.
• You prefer paper.

How to send the ITR-V

1. After filing, download the ITR-V from the portal. It carries your acknowledgement number.
2. Print it.
3. Sign it.
4. Send it by ordinary post, speed post or any other mode to this address only: Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru - 560500, Karnataka.
5. Keep the postal receipt.
6. Watch the portal for the status "Verified".

If the centre rejects an ITR-V, the reason shows on your e-Filing dashboard, and you can send another ITR-V or e-verify online instead.

Time limit

The return must be verified within a fixed period or it is treated as not filed. The same 30 days from filing applies to e-verification and to the paper ITR-V. For a posted ITR-V, the date it is received at the Centralised Processing Centre counts, not the date you post it, so post well before the end of the window.

If the ITR-V reaches the centre after the 30 days, the date it is received is treated as the date the return was filed, with all the consequences of late filing.

If you miss the window

A return that is never verified is treated as invalid. If the delay has a genuine reason, you can submit a condonation request on the portal giving that reason; the return counts as verified only once the department approves the request.

Otherwise you may need to file again as a belated return. A late fee of ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if income is ₹5,00,000 or less) applies if you were required to file, along with interest of 1% a month on unpaid tax. See ITR due dates.

Mistakes to avoid

• Posting an unsigned ITR-V.
• Sending it to the wrong address.
• Sending it too late.
• Sending a different return's ITR-V when you filed twice.
• Not keeping proof of posting.

Checking that it arrived

The portal shows the status of the return. If it still says "pending verification" after a reasonable time, check the postal tracking and, if it was delivered, call the e-filing and Centralised Processing Centre helpline on 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025 (08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday).

If you cannot wait, e-verify online instead, if the portal still allows it.

A sensible plan

1. File early in the season rather than on the last day, so you have time to verify.
2. Try an online method first. If it fails, write down why (for example the Aadhaar mobile is not active) so you know whether it can be fixed in minutes.
3. If you must post, do it the same day you file, and note the date and the postal receipt number.
4. Check the portal every few days. If the status has not changed, do not wait for the last day of the window to act.
5. Keep a PDF copy of the signed ITR-V and the filed return.

How TaxCare helps

TaxCare's filing flow e-verifies with an Aadhaar OTP in the same sitting and shows the verification clock. It reminds you the day after filing and again with 7, 2 and 1 days left of the 30-day window if the return is still unverified. If you choose the post, the flow shows the ITR-V fallback. See income tax refund status and delays.

This guide gives general information and is not professional tax advice.