After Filing ITR: Next Steps for Verification and Refund
Quick Answer
> One line summary: Filing your ITR is only half the work; verification and tracking refund status are the critical next steps to complete the process.
What should I do immediately after filing my ITR?
The first and most important step after filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is to verify it. An unverified ITR is treated as if it was never filed, and the Income Tax Department will not process it. You have 30 days from the date of filing to complete verification.
You can verify your ITR in several ways. The most common method is through Aadhaar-based OTP verification using the e-filing portal. Alternatively, you can use net banking, bank ATM, DEMAT account, or send a signed physical copy of the ITR-V (acknowledgment) to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru. The fastest and most convenient method is e-verification through Aadhaar OTP or net banking, which takes effect immediately.
If you do not verify within 30 days, your ITR will be considered invalid. You will receive a reminder from the Income Tax Department, but it is your responsibility to complete this step. Once verified, the department begins processing your return.
How do I check if my ITR has been verified and processed?
You can check the status of your ITR verification and processing on the Income Tax e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in). Log in to your account, go to the 'e-File' menu, and select 'Income Tax Returns' followed by 'View Filed Returns'. Here, you will see the status of each return you have filed.
The status will show one of the following: 'Verified', 'Processed', or 'Defective'. 'Verified' means the department has accepted your verification. 'Processed' means the return has been assessed and a final order has been issued. 'Defective' means the department has found an error or discrepancy and has asked you to rectify it within a specified time.
You can also check the status through the ITR status page on the portal without logging in, by entering your PAN and assessment year. The processing time varies, but typically takes 2-4 weeks after verification. If your return is defective, you must respond within 15 days of receiving the notice.
When will I get my income tax refund after filing ITR?
The timeline for receiving your income tax refund depends on whether your return is selected for scrutiny and how quickly you verified it. Generally, if your ITR is verified electronically and there are no discrepancies, the refund is processed within 20-45 days from the date of processing.
The refund is directly credited to your pre-validated bank account linked to your PAN. To ensure smooth credit, you must pre-validate your bank account on the e-filing portal. If the account is not pre-validated, the refund will be sent as a cheque to your registered address, which takes longer.
You can track your refund status on the e-filing portal under 'My Account' > 'Refund/Demand Status'. Alternatively, use the NSDL TIN website (tin.tin.nsdl.com) or the Income Tax mobile app. If the refund is delayed beyond 45 days, you can contact the CPC helpline or raise a grievance through the e-Nivaran portal.
What if I made a mistake in my filed ITR? Can I revise it?
Yes, you can file a revised return if you discover an error or omission in your original ITR. Under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, you have until 31st December of the relevant assessment year (or the extended due date, whichever is later) to file a revised return.
For example, for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25), the due date for filing the original return was 31st July 2024 (or 31st October 2024 for audit cases). You can file a revised return for this year until 31st December 2024. The revised return replaces the original return entirely.
To file a revised return, log in to the e-filing portal, select the relevant assessment year, and choose 'Revised Return'. You must provide the original acknowledgment number. The revised return will be processed afresh. Note that you cannot revise a return after the deadline, and any intentional misstatement may attract penalties.
What happens if I don't verify my ITR within 30 days?
If you fail to verify your ITR within 30 days of filing, the return is treated as invalid under Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act. The department will not process it, and you will not receive any refund due. You will also be considered as having not filed a return, which can lead to penalties and interest.
The Income Tax Department sends a reminder to verify, but if you still do not act, you will need to file a belated return under Section 139(4). This can be done by 31st December of the assessment year, but it attracts a late filing fee under Section 234F (up to ₹5,000) and interest under Section 234A.
To avoid this, always verify your ITR immediately after filing. If you have missed the 30-day window, file a belated return as soon as possible. For returns filed before the due date, you can also file a revised return later, but verification is mandatory for processing.
What You Should Do Next
After filing your ITR, verify it immediately using Aadhaar OTP or net banking. Then, pre-validate your bank account and track the refund status on the e-filing portal. If you face any issues or have complex tax situations, consult a qualified chartered accountant or tax professional.
This page provides preliminary information. It is not legal advice. For your matter, consult a qualified professional.