Time Limit for ITR Verification and E-Verification Guidelines

In pursuance of the powers granted under Rule 14 of the Centralised Processing of Returns Scheme, 2011, the Directorate General of Income Tax (Systems) issued Notification No. 05 of 2022 dated 29.07.2022. The notification specifies the time limit for ITR verification as 30 days from the date of electronically transmitting the Income Tax Return (ITR) data.

Notification on the Time Limit for ITR Verification

Under this notification, taxpayers must complete the e-verification of income tax return within the prescribed 30-day period. This step ensures that the ITR filing process is duly authenticated and recognized by the Income Tax Department.

Clarification on E-Verification of Income Tax Return

The following clarifications have been issued for taxpayers:

1. Where the return of income is uploaded and e-verification/ITR-V is submitted within 30 days of uploading:

   • The date of uploading the return shall be treated as the date of furnishing the return of income.

2. Where the return of income is uploaded but e-verification or ITR-V is submitted after 30 days of uploading:

   • The date of e-verification/ITR-V submission shall be considered as the date of furnishing the return of income.

   • In such cases, all implications or consequences of late filing under the Income Tax Act shall apply, as relevant.

This ensures consistency and transparency in the income tax return verification process.

ITR-V Submission Deadline and Mode of Dispatch

The duly verified ITR-V form, in the prescribed format and manner, must be sent to the following address either by ordinary or speed post or through any other approved mode before the ITR-V submission deadline:

Centralised Processing Centre (CPC)
Income Tax Department
Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka

CPC Bengaluru Address for Income Tax Return Verification

The CPC Bengaluru ITR verification unit will determine the 30-day verification period from the date of uploading the return. The date on which the duly verified ITR-V is received at CPC will be used to calculate this timeline.

Consequences of Invalid ITR Due to Late Verification

If a return of income is not verified within the specified time limit for ITR verification, it shall be treated as invalid. This means the taxpayer will not be considered to have filed a valid return, and the consequences under the Income Tax Act will follow accordingly.

Taxpayers are therefore advised to complete the e-verification of income tax return immediately upon filing, as it is the most efficient and desirable course of action.

Effective Date and Assessee Convenience

This notification will come into effect from 1st April 2024.
The Income Tax Department reiterates that prompt verification benefits both the assessee and the Department by ensuring faster processing and compliance.

Riya Bansal
Executive | Direct Tax