Common reasons for ITR-V rejection and How to Re-file

ITR-V is the one-page verification that proves you have confirmed your ITR. Rejection of ITR-V does not mean the contents of your tax return were rejected. It means your verification was not accepted, so the ITR remains unverified and therefore can be treated as invalid after the 30-day limit.

You can avoid the post entirely by e-verifying online using Aadhaar OTP, Net banking, pre-validated bank or demat EVC, or a Digital Signature Certificate. If you choose to send ITR V by post, mail the signed form to the Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru 560500, Karnataka.

Common reasons for ITR-V rejection

1. It's Too Late: If the CPC doesn't get your signed ITR-V within those 30 days, it's rejected automatically. For older filings before July 2022, it used to be 120 days, but now it's stricter. This is the biggest culprit: life gets busy, and the mail takes time.
2. No Signature or Wrong Ink: You have to sign the form in blue ink. If it's missing, in black ink, or even a photocopy, they'll bounce it back. It's all about proving it's really you.
3. The Form Looks Messy: If the print is blurry, the barcode is damaged, or you've folded or stapled it, the machines at CPC can't read it properly. They need a clean, flat A4 sheet.
4. Wrong Way to Send It: Couriers aren't allowed only regular post or speed post. Sending it fancy might mean it never gets processed.
5. Details Don't Match: Maybe your PAN number, name, or acknowledgment ID has a typo that doesn't match your online filing. Even small mismatches cause rejection.
6. Old Form Version: Using an outdated ITR-V (especially if you're not on the 2025 update) won't cut it. The new one has extra bits about legal stuff and PAN validation.
7. It Never Arrived: Mail can get lost, or you might send it to the wrong address. If CPC doesn't receive it, your verification fails.

Sometimes, the rejection isn't just about the ITR-V; your whole ITR might have errors, like wrong calculations or fake documents, leading to a "defective" notice. That indirectly affects verification too.

These issues are super common, and you'll usually get an email or SMS alert. Log in to the e-Filing portal to check the exact reason; it's all there on your dashboard.

How To Fix Or Re-File

A. You are still within 30 days of filing

The fastest solution is to e-verify right now. You can e-verify with Aadhaar OTP, Net banking, pre-validated bank or demat EVC, or DSC. Once you e-verify, verification is instant and there is no need to send ITR-V by post.

If you still prefer to mail ITR-V, reprint it clearly, sign inside the box, do not fold or staple, and speed post it to CPC in Bengaluru. Keep the tracking slip.

B. The 30-day window has passed

You have three realistic paths.

1. E-Verify even now: When you e-verify late, the system treats the verification date as the filing date, and late filing consequences may apply automatically. This still completes verification and moves your return forward.
2. Seek condonation of delay for ITR-V: On the portal, go to Services, then choose the condonation flow. There is a specific option for delay in submission of ITR-V and also for time-barred ITR-V. Explain the reason and attach supporting documents.
3. If treated as invalid and condonation is not available: File a fresh return as explained next.

C. Your return is treated as invalid so you need to re-file

1. If the original due date is still open: File as an Original return again. For Assessment Year 2025-26 the Central Board of Direct Taxes extended the due date from 31 July 2025 to 15 September 2025.
2. If the original due date has passed: File a Belated Return under section 139 sub-section 4 by 31 December of the assessment year or before completion of assessment, whichever is earlier. For AY 2025-26 that deadline is 31 December 2025.
3. If you need to correct a filed return: Use a Revised Return under section 139, sub-section 5. The usual outer limit is 31 December of the assessment year or before assessment completion.
4. If both windows are closed but you must correct income: Evaluate filing an Updated Return under section 139, sub-section 8A within the allowed period. Note that additional tax becomes payable with ITR U.

Step by step on the portal

1. Check your status and the exact reason: Login to the e filing portal and open View Filed Returns. Use the acknowledgement number to see whether the return is pending for verification or if any rejection reason is mentioned.
2. Complete e-verification: Choose Aadhaar OTP, Net banking, bank EVC, demat EVC, or DSC. Follow the on screen steps and you will receive a confirmation on your registered email and mobile.
3. If you must post ITR-V: Print on clean A4 paper, single-sided, do not fold or staple, sign inside the box, and mail only the ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru 560500.
4. For condonation: Go to Services then the relevant condonation request. Provide your reason and any support. Track the request in your worklist and complete verification as soon as it is approved.

Penalties and consequences to keep in mind

If you miss the 30 day verification, the verification date becomes the filing date. This can trigger late filing fee under section 234F and interest under section 234A and can also affect carry forward of certain losses. Your refund may also be delayed. The safest approach is to e-verify immediately after filing.

Key dates for AY 2025-26 at a glance

Return filing due date for most non audit individual taxpayers is 15 September 2025 due to the official extension by CBDT. The verification deadline is 30 days from your filing date. Belated and revised returns are generally allowed till 31 December 2025 or before assessment completion.

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