How to Check the Status of Your Income Tax Return Online

If you have filed your income tax return (ITR) online, it’s important to know how to check its status. This article will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring you have all the information you need.

Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Your ITR Status

Step 1: Go to the e-Filing Portal Homepage

The first step is to visit the official e-filing portal for the Income Tax Department. Make sure you are on the correct and secure website to avoid any security risks. Here, you can find the option to verify your ITR.

Step 2: Access the ITR Status

Once you are on the homepage, look for the section that mentions 'Income Tax Return ITR Status.' You can usually find this button or link at the top or the side navigation bar. Clicking on it will lead you to the ITR Status page.

Step 3: Enter Your Acknowledgement Number and Mobile Number

On the ITR Status page, you will need to enter your acknowledgement number, also known as ITR acknowledgement, and provide a valid mobile number that you registered with the department during the filing process. This information is essential for verifying your return.

Step 4: Receive and Verify the OTP

After entering the required details, you will receive a 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) on the mobile number you provided. This OTP is used to verify the authenticity of the details you entered. Enter the OTP and click 'Submit.'

What to Do After Verifying Your ITR

Once you have verified your ITR, you will be redirected to the status page where you can view the details of your return. The status can be in different stages such as 'Filed,' 'Under Processing,' 'Approved,' or 'Rejected.'

A Note for New Tax Return Filers

If you are filing under the new tax regime, it’s important to note that no exemptions are allowed, and the tax rates are quite low. The current tax rates are 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% for different income brackets. For instance, the first 3 lakh is taxed at 0%, the next 3 lakh at 5%, and so on.

Important Tips for Filing Your Income Tax Return

Collect All Necessary Documents: Make sure you have all the necessary forms and documents such as Form 16A, interest statements from your banks, and your Tax Information Sheet (TIS) or the replacement form AS-26.

Verify Information: Always verify the information in the TIS with the information in Form 16A and your bank statements. If there are any discrepancies, get them corrected from the source.

Keep a Copy of Filed Return: Once your return is uploaded and the OTP is verified, the filing portal will provide you with a hard copy of the filed return for your records.

Conclusion

Checking the status of your income tax return online is a straightforward process if you follow these steps. By verifying your return, you can ensure that all your information has been processed correctly and you can take appropriate actions if there are any issues.