Did you know that you can generate an electronic verification code (EVC) for e-verification of your Income Tax return (ITR) by visiting your bank ATM?
Every year, many taxpayers fail to verify their Income Tax return. So much so that the Income Tax Department has issued a one-off window for taxpayers to verify previously filed Income Tax returns.
The process of filing your tax return does not end with submitting your return to the IT Department. You also need to verify the same. To make things easier, the IT department has allowed e-verification where you no longer need to send the physical copy of your ITR to the Bengaluru-based Central Processing Centre (CPC).
Here is everything you need to know about the e-verification process and how you can generate an EVC using your bank ATM card.
Additional Reading: File ITR And Submit ITR-V Online Through Your Bank Account
Understanding the Electronic Verification Code (EVC)
An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code generated by the Income Tax Department. This code is needed for e-verification of your Income Tax return. Once an EVC is generated by the IT Department, it remains valid for 72 hours. If not used within that period, it will have to be regenerated for the e-verification process.
An EVC can be generated in multiple ways including by logging into your internet banking account, linking your Aadhaar card with your one-time password or Aadhaar OTP, or by visiting the website of the IT Department (https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and logging in using your PAN card.
Additional Reading: Easy Income Tax Filing with Aadhaar Card
Generating EVC using your bank ATM
If you do not have access to the internet and cannot use any of the above-mentioned methods, you could head to an ATM to generate your EVC. Make sure you use the ATM of an account that is PAN-verified.
As per the directive of the IT Department, the facility to generate an EVC from ATMs will, in the near future, be available to all bank account holders irrespective of their bank.
Currently, however, the facility is available with limited banks. State Bank of India, Axis Bank, and Canara Bank support EVC generation through ATMs. So, if you have an account at one of these banks, you can generate your EVC by swiping your card at their ATM. Other banks are expected to follow and offer this service. Do check with your bank for details.
How does it work?
Assuming you have satisfied the above-mentioned criteria, you need to follow three simple steps:
1: Swipe your Debit Card at the ATM machine and validate the same by entering your PIN.
2: Choose the option for generation of EVC for ITR filing.
3: You will receive the EVC code on the registered mobile phone linked to your account.
E-verification of your ITR with generated EVC
Once you have generated your EVC, all you need to do is to visit the IT Department’s website (https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and log in using your registered ID. Choose the e-filed returns option and select the Income Tax return for the assessment year you wish to e-verify.
Add the EVC you received on your phone when the relevant ITR seeks the EVC code. Your e-verification process for your Income Tax return is now complete.
Now that bank ATMs offer EVC code generation, you have no reason to not verify your IT return. Make the best use of your neighborhood ATM kiosk and get an EVC without having to worry about having access to other means to generate the same.
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