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New Delhi: With the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season for Assessment Year 2026–27 now underway, taxpayers across India are preparing to submit their returns before the deadline. However, many still overlook a crucial final step — e-verification. According to the Income Tax Department, an ITR is considered complete only after it has been successfully verified.

For most salaried individuals who are not subject to audit, the deadline for filing returns for the financial year 2025–26 is July 31, 2026. But filing alone is not enough. Without verification, returns may remain invalid, leading to delays in refunds or compliance issues.

Why e-verification is essential

E-verification is the process of confirming that the ITR filed by a taxpayer is authentic. If this step is skipped, the return is treated as incomplete by the Income Tax Department.

This means:

• Refunds may not be processed
• The filing may not be legally valid
• Taxpayers could face notices or delays later

In simple terms, submitting your ITR is only half the job — verification completes the process.

Aadhaar OTP: the quickest option

One of the most widely used methods is verification through Aadhaar-based OTP.

Taxpayers can use this option if their PAN is linked with their Aadhaar and their mobile number is registered. After selecting the option on the income tax portal, a one-time password (OTP) is sent to the registered mobile number.

Entering this OTP completes the process within minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient methods.

Bank or demat account verification

Another simple way to e-verify is through a pre-validated bank account or demat account.

To use this method:

• The bank or demat account must be pre-validated on the portal
• An OTP is sent to the registered mobile number or email
• Entering the OTP completes the verification

This option is particularly useful for taxpayers who prefer using their financial accounts for authentication.

Digital signature for specific cases

For certain categories of taxpayers, especially businesses or those requiring audit, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) may be mandatory.

In such cases, attaching the digital signature serves as proof of authenticity and completes the verification process securely. This method is commonly used by professionals and companies filing detailed returns.

Net banking: a hassle-free route

Many taxpayers prefer using net banking for e-verification due to its ease and reliability.

By logging into their bank’s net banking portal, users can access the e-filing section and get redirected to the income tax portal. Once there, they can verify their ITR instantly without needing additional authentication steps.

Physical ITR-V: the offline alternative

For those who are unable or unwilling to use online methods, the offline option is still available.

Taxpayers can:

• Download the ITR-V acknowledgement form
• Sign it manually
• Send it to the Centralised Processing Centre in Bengaluru

This must be done within 30 days of filing the return. While slower than digital methods, it remains a valid alternative.

Important points to keep in mind

Taxpayers should ensure that their contact details — especially mobile number and email ID — are updated on the income tax portal, as most verification methods rely on OTPs.

It is also important to remember that refunds are processed only after successful verification. Additionally, taxpayers should avoid clicking on suspicious links and use only official platforms or authorised banking channels to complete the process.

Conclusion

E-verifying an ITR is a simple but essential step that takes only a few minutes. With five different methods available, taxpayers have the flexibility to choose what suits them best. Completing this final step on time ensures a smooth filing experience and helps avoid unnecessary delays or complications later.