What is EVC in an ITR?

Introduction

The Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a secure and convenient way to validate transactions on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. It plays a crucial role in confirming the authenticity of online activities such as filing income tax returns, requesting refunds, and responding to tax notices. EVCs can be generated through various channels, including net banking and demat accounts. Given its frequent use in the e-filing process, it’s important to understand how EVC works, when it is required, and how to generate it. This article outlines the key scenarios involving EVC and highlights its importance in simplifying the tax verification process. IndiaFilings offers expert income tax services to help individuals and businesses ensure accurate filings and smooth compliance.

Electronic Verification Code (EVC): Full Form & Overview

EVC, or Electronic Verification Code, is a 10-digit alphanumeric code used to electronically verify transactions on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. It enhances the security and authenticity of online filings such as Income Tax Returns (ITRs), statutory forms, refund reissue requests, and responses to tax notices. EVC also enables secure login to the portal and facilitates password resets.

EVC can be generated through multiple channels, including net banking, bank ATMs, demat accounts, and Aadhaar-linked services, offering taxpayers a flexible and convenient verification method.

Benefits of Using EVC for Taxpayers

Convenience: Eliminates the need for physical document submission by enabling seamless online verification.
Security: Protects sensitive financial data through encrypted and authorized verification.
Speed: Allows for instant verification, expediting the filing and response process.
Cost-Effective: Free to generate and use—no additional fees apply.
Multiple Generation Methods: EVC can be generated through validated bank accounts, net banking, demat accounts, Aadhaar OTP, and bank ATMs.
Anywhere Access: As long as there is internet access, EVC can be generated from any location.

When is EVC Required?

EVC is used in several scenarios on the Income Tax Department’s portal, including:

E-Filing Income Tax Returns: Verifies and completes online return submissions.
E-Verification of Statutory Forms: Confirms forms submitted for tax compliance.
Refund Reissue Requests: Validates requests to reissue income tax refunds.
Responding to Notices: Secures responses to notices from the department.
Portal Login: Allows secure access to your e-filing account.
Password Reset: Acts as a verification tool when resetting login credentials.

Note: EVC is available only to individual registered users. Companies must use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) instead

How to Generate EVC on the Income Tax Portal

Follow these steps to generate EVC:

Log In to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your credentials.
Navigate to Dashboard > Services > Generate EVC.
Select PAN or TAN as applicable.
Choose your preferred method to generate EVC:
- Validated bank account
- Net banking
- Bank ATM
- Aadhaar OTP
- Demat account

Important Points:

EVC generation is allowed only for individuals (not companies).
Users may generate EVC for their own PAN or for other PANs/TANs where they are the Principal Contact.
PAN must be linked with the account (bank/demat) used to generate EVC.
Authorized representatives can generate EVC for another user’s PAN

How to e-Verify Returns Using EVC

To e-verify your return:

Log in to the e-Filing portal.
Go to “e-Verify Return” under the Dashboard or Services section.
Select the ITR you wish to verify and click “e-Verify”.
Choose Electronic Verification Code (EVC) as the verification method.
Enter the EVC sent to your registered mobile/email and click Submit.
A success message will confirm the completion.

Note: Once e-verification is done via EVC, you do not need to send ITR-V to CPC Bangalore.

Validity of EVC

Each EVC is valid for 72 hours from the time of generation. It can only be used once—if you need to verify another return or request, a new EVC must be generated to maintain transaction-specific security.

About the Author

shivani

Shivani is an accomplished writer known for her ability to simplify complex legal topics into clear, practical insights. Her content equips entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge to confidently navigate business laws, helping them launch and manage their ventures with greater ease and clarity.

June 10, 2025