Check status of your e-filed income tax return (ITR) online

The last day to file income tax returns for the assessment year 2019-20 (the financial year 2018-19) is July 31, 2019. The income tax (I-T) department cautions that the income taxpayers must file their income tax (I-T) returns as soon as possible and avoid the last-minute rush. Individuals need to register on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal - incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in - using their Permanent Account Number (PAN) for filing of the income tax return. After e-filing, users can also find information on the status of their submission through the Income Tax Department's website.

Steps to check the status of e-filed income tax return online:

1. Go to the Income Tax e-filing website, click on the "ITR Status" option given on the homepage

2. On the next page, submit details such as PAN (Permanent Account Number) and acknowledgement number. An acknowledgement number is an identification number provided by the Income Tax Department on submission of an income tax return online through its e-filing portal.

3. Now, click on 'submit'. A message is displayed on the portal: "Return submitted and verified." This shows that the income tax return has been filed and verified as well.

Individuals who have an annual income of Rs. 2.5 lakh or more are mandatorily required to file income tax returns. For senior citizens (aged between 60 and 80 years), the limit is Rs. 3 lakh, and for very senior citizens (aged above 80 years), the limit is Rs. 5 lakh, according to the taxman.