As an Indian citizen, you need to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) regularly and on time. Doing so is essential if you want to calculate your tax liability effectively and seek refunds in case more tax has been paid than was necessary. Besides, the government mandates individuals who earn above ₹2.5 lakh annually to file tax returns. If you earn more than this amount annually, you must file your ITR before the July 31 every year, which is the due date for filing an Income Tax Return every year in case of individuals who are not liable for tax audit.
But what if you have already filed your tax returns? How do you track your ITR filing status in that case? Well, the process is relatively easy if you opt for the virtual way. Just follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Click here. You will see the ‘Income Tax Return (ITR) Status’ option on the home page under the ‘Quick Links’ section. Click on it to proceed.
Step 2: On the next page, enter the e-filing acknowledgement number of your ITR-V for the assessment year for which you wish to check the ITR filing status. Also, enter your registered mobile number and click on ‘Continue’.
Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and click on the ‘Validate’ button. Note that you only get 3 attempts to provide the correct OTP. So be careful while copy-pasting it. It is wise to double-check before submitting it.
Step 4: Get the status of your ITR for the concerned year.
Benefits of filing ITR early
While filing your ITR on time is your duty, there are some significant benefits of doing so.
Dodge the last-minute stress
Filing an ITR is a rather demanding process that requires time and attention. You need to be extra cautious while entering your details. You also must be sure of the accuracy of the information you provide. Pushing this work to the last minute often leads to tabulation errors and may necessitate last-minute corrections and revisions. Filing your ITR on time is crucial to avoid such occurrences.
Steer clear of penalties
When you file an ITR after the due date, you become liable to pay a fee of ₹1,000 in a case where total income is less than ₹5,00,000 and ₹5,000 in any other case as per Section 234F of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Quicker loan approvals & visa processing
Presenting your ITR is a requirement observed as mandatory by many banks and financial institutions for loan applications. You may also need to provide it during the visa application process to establish financial credibility if you plan to travel overseas.
Defer your losses
This is perhaps the most notable advantage of filing your ITR before the due date. You get to carry forward your losses (if any) to the following years and use them to set off against income during those years.
Tips for troubleshooting ITR status check errors
If you see an ‘Pending for e-verification’ notification on your screen, you have likely failed to verify it. In that case, you need to verify your return with the help of Electronic Verification Code (EVC) using Bank account/Demat account/Bank ATM or Aadhaar OTP or Net Banking or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Another alternative is to send your duly signed ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore within 120 days of filing the ITR.
If your ITR-V is verified but is still not processed and incomplete, you can contact CPC on their helpline numbers or submit your grievances via the e-filing portal.
Even if your income is lower than ₹2.5 lakh annually you can file a nil ITR. This is a good practice to follow. As your ITR serves as proof of income, it can be used as a supporting document should you choose to travel overseas, and the same document can be used as proof in the passport creation process. This income proof is also beneficial in the long term should you choose to seek funding from lenders or banks.
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Click here to read more about checking your income tax refund status here.
*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. You are recommended to obtain specific professional advice from before you take any/refrain from any action. Tax benefits are subject to changes in tax laws. Please contact your tax consultant for an exact calculation of your tax liabilities.