Filing your return feels like the finish line — but it's actually the start of a short checklist that decides whether your refund lands in your account or disappears into limbo. Missing even one step after filing — especially e-verification (confirming your return with an OTP) — means the tax department treats your return as if it was never filed. If you're expecting a refund of ₹5,000 or more, this 10-minute follow-up is absolutely worth it.
What this means for you
- You have 30 days from the date you filed to e-verify — the clock is already running.
- Once you e-verify, the tax department sends a confirmation message called a Section 143(1) intimation to your registered email — totally normal, nothing to worry about.
- Refunds usually reach your bank account within 4–6 weeks of e-verification — but only if your bank account is pre-validated (linked and verified) on the income tax portal.
What you can do
- Go to incometax.gov.in → e-Verify Return → use Aadhaar OTP. Takes under 2 minutes.
- On the same portal, check that your bank account shows as 'pre-validated' under your Profile — without this, your refund bounces back even after it's processed.
You did the hard part. Two quick steps today and that refund is on its way. 🌱