IT Returns verified via EVC instead of DSC to be regularised if filed during 07-06-21 to 30-09-21: CBDT

Due to technical challenges with the Income Tax Department’s new e-filing platform, CBDT has issued an Order to Regularize Income Tax Returns (ITRs) submitted/verified using EVC instead of DSC as required under IT Rule 12 from 07/06/2021 to 30/09/2021.

It has been brought to the attention of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (Board) that, due to technical issues with the e-filing portal, certain electronic returns of income filed under Sections 142(1), 148, 153A, and 153C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) during the period from 07/06/2021 to 30/09/2021, were/are being allowed to be verified through the Electronic Verification Cade (EVC) even though they were/are being filed (the Rules).

Because the said income returns were not given and checked in line with Rule 12, the Assessing Officers may deem them as non-est, causing actual hardship to the taxpayers.

On the basis of the foregoing, the Board, in exercising its powers under Section 119(2)(a) of the Act, hereby directs that such income returns furnished electronically under Sections 142(1), 148, 153A, and 153C of the Act during the period from 07/06/2021 to 30/09/2021 and verified using Electronic Verification Code instead of Digital Signature shall be deemed to have been furnished and verifiable.

Regularization of such returns shall be brought to the attention of the Assessing Officers concerned as soon as possible through ITBA by DGIT (Systems), so that such returns are not classified as non-est.