New Delhi, July 14 (IANS): In a move to facilitate taxpayers through e-enabled services, the finance ministry on Tuesday said the income tax return for assessment year 2015-16 can now be verified electronically.

"A taxpayer may verify his return through internet banking or through the Aadhar-based authentication process," it said in a statement.

"Persons using this facility will not be required to submit a signed paper copy of ITR-Verification form (ITR-V) to CPC Bengaluru," it added.

For the convenience of small taxpayers having total income of Rs.500,000 or below without any claim of refund, the facility of generating the electronic verification code (EVC) has also been provided on the e-filing website of the department.

It also provides for sending the EVC to the registered email ID and the mobile number to enable the filer to thereafter use the code to verify the return.

In case a taxpayer is unable to electronically verify the ITR using the EVC for any reason, then, the signed copy of ITR-V may be sent within the specified time of 120 days to CPC Bengaluru by ordinary or speed post, the statement said.