Income Tax Return (ITR) filing in India is a mandatory annual process for individuals, professionals, and businesses. After submitting the ITR online, the process remains incomplete until the return is verified. In cases where the ITR is filed without a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-verification, the Income Tax Department generates an acknowledgement form known as Form ITR-V.
This one-page document act as proof that the return has been filed successfully and is pending verification. Without timely verification of the ITR-V, the return may be considered invalid, which can result in penalties or the need for refiling.

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What is Form ITR-V?

Form ITR-V stands for Income Tax Return – Verification. It is a one-page acknowledgement issued by the Income Tax Department when a return is filed online without a digital signature or Aadhaar e-verification.

Here is what ITR-V signifies:

• Confirmation that the return has been submitted successfully.
• Indicates that the verification process is still pending.
• Provides legal proof of income tax return submission.
• Required to complete the return filing lifecycle.

This form is auto-generated only when the e-filing is done without immediate verification. It must be either e-verified later through any of the permitted online methods or signed and sent by post to the Central Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru.

Importance of ITR-V Acknowledgement

Form ITR-V plays a critical role in ensuring the acceptance of the income tax return by the tax authorities.

Here are the reasons why ITR-V is important:

• It confirms the official submission of the ITR.
• It serves as documentary evidence for financial, legal, or visa-related processes.
• If not verified, the return is considered incomplete or invalid.
• Delay in verification can lead to penalties under the Income Tax Act.
• Refund processing and assessment depend on proper ITR verification.

In short, filing the ITR is only step one; verification is what completes the process and ensures compliance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download ITR-V Form

After successful filing, the ITR-V form becomes available for download on the Income Tax portal. The process is simple but requires accurate login credentials. Here is how to download the ITR-V form:

1. Visit the official e-Filing portal
2. Log in using PAN, password, and captcha code.
3. Go to the ‘e-File’ tab and click on ‘Income Tax Returns’ and then on ‘View Filed Returns’ option.
4. Choose the appropriate Assessment Year.
5. Click on the link that says “Download Form” or “Ack. No.”
6. The file will download as a password-protected PDF.

Password to open ITR-V

The file can be opened using a combination of PAN (in lowercase) and date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.
Example: PAN: abcdx1234y, DOB: 01 January 1990 → Password: abcdx1234y01011990

Ways to E-Verify the Income Tax Return

Once the ITR-V form is downloaded, the next step is to verify the return. Verification can be done online through multiple modes offered by the Income Tax Department. Here are the 6 official methods to e-verify ITR in 2025:

Aadhaar OTP Verification

• Aadhaar must be linked with PAN.
• A mobile number must be registered with Aadhaar.
• OTP is sent to the mobile after selecting Aadhaar OTP option.
• Verification is completed after entering the OTP.

Bank Account EVC

• PAN must be linked with a pre-validated bank account.
• An Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is generated and sent to the mobile number.
• The EVC is entered on the portal to complete verification.

Net Banking Verification

• Log in through Net Banking using credentials.
• Select “Income Tax e-Filing” and redirect to the e-Filing portal.
• Choose “e-Verify Return” and complete the process.

ATM-based Verification

• Visit any bank ATM that supports EVC generation.
• Use the debit card to generate EVC.
• The code is sent to the registered mobile number.
• Enter it on the portal for successful verification.

Demat Account EVC

• PAN must be linked and pre-validated with the Demat account.
• EVC can be generated via the Income Tax portal.
• Use the EVC to verify the return.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

• Mandatory for companies, LLPs, and audit-required cases.
• Requires DSC USB token and compatible software.
• Select DSC option during filing or later for verification.

Offline Method of Sending ITR-V by Post

If the online verification is not completed within the deadline, the signed ITR-V form must be physically submitted to the Income Tax Department. Here is the process to send ITR-V offline:

1. Download and print the ITR-V on A4-size paper.
2. Sign it using blue ink only.
3. Place it in a plain envelope without folding.
4. Send it to the address by ordinary post or speed post:

Note: Courier is not accepted. The form must reach within 30 days from the date of filing.

Common Issues and Solutions While Handling ITR-V

Here are the common problems and solutions during ITR-V verification:

• Unable to Access the Portal
• Use an updated browser (Chrome, Firefox).
• Clear cache and cookies.
• Ensure a stable internet connection.
• Form Not Downloading
• Turn off pop-up blockers.
• Allow portal permissions in the browser.
• Incorrect Password
• Ensure PAN is in lowercase.
• Double-check date format: DDMMYYYY.
• Email Not Received
• Check the spam or junk folder.
• Download directly from the portal instead.

Timelines for ITR-V Verification

Here are the verification deadlines to be followed:

Returns not verified within 30 days will be marked as invalid, and a new return may need to be filed.

Why Timely ITR-V Verification Matters

Failure to verify the ITR within the deadline can lead to significant consequences:

• Filed return becomes invalid.
• Possible late filing penalties under Section 234F.
• Refund claims become void.
• Eligibility for deductions or exemptions may be lost.
• Refiling may become necessary, causing delays and stress.

Thus, verifying the ITR promptly after submission ensures legal compliance and smooth processing of returns or refunds.

Conclusion

Form ITR-V is a critical document that completes the e-filing process for income tax returns filed without a digital signature or Aadhaar OTP. Whether verification is done via Aadhaar, EVC, Net Banking, or by sending the physical form, timely action is essential. Proper handling of ITR-V ensures acceptance of the return, avoids penalties, and guarantees refund processing.
Choosing the right method of verification, understanding deadlines, and resolving technical issues early are key steps toward responsible tax compliance in India under the current digital framework.