Aadhaar Number to be a must for Filing I-T Returns.

Aadhaar Number to be a must for Filing I-T Returns.

The government of India is planning to make Aadhaar number a must for filing of income tax returns from next fiscal year and link all bank accounts to the unique identity number by the end of this financial year. All bank accounts to be seeded with Aadhaar by Mar 31, Aadhaar to be made mandatory for PDS as well.

The government is planning to make Aadhaar number a must for filing of income tax returns from next fiscal and link all bank accounts to the unique identity number by the end of this financial year.

Sources in the government said the work on both fronts was moving steadily and relevant amendments to the Income Tax Act, 1961, in this Budget are under ‘active discussion’ to ensure mandatory linkage of tax returns to Aadhaar numbers. At the same time, the Aadhaar-based authentication of beneficiaries is to be made mandatory for delivery of subsidised grain under the Public Distribution Scheme. An ITR after being filed has to be verified by the assessee. It is not treated as valid until it is verified by the taxpayer. In the existing process, a taxpayer can verify his/her return electronically or physically (i.e by sending signed ITR-V to Centralized processing Center (CPC) in Bangalore). Individuals/ HUFs who file their return in form ITR-4 and are required to get there accounts audited have to compulsorily file their returns using Digitally Signed Certificate. Consequently, they do not need to verify the returns as the returns are digitally signed. Taxpayers have the option to e-verify their respective returns at the time of uploading or after uploading. In case of an already-uploaded return, taxpayers can e-verify the same by clicking on the “e-Verify Return” option under the “e-file” tab after logging into the site. E-verification modes

1. EVC received on the registered mobile number and e-mail. Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a 10 digit alphanumeric code which can be generated through an e-Filing portal and is valid for 72 hours.
2. Aadhaar OTP
3. Login to e-Filing through net banking. 4. Bank account-based validation.

Physical Verification / Paper verification Alternatively, you can verify your return by sending the physical acknowledgment (ITR-V) to CPC Bangalore. How to e-verify through EVC: Under this alternative, two options are displayed to the taxpayers, which are:

1. “I already have an EVC to e-verify my return.”
2. “I do not have an EVC and I would like to generate EVC to e-verify my return.”

Under the first option, the user sees a screen where he has to enter the pre-generated EVC in the provided text box and click “Submit” to e-verify. No further action is required. Under the second option, the user can get the EVC on his registered email ID and mobile number. (This option is available for taxpayers whose total income is less than Rs 5 lakh and there is no refund).