ITR Filing AY 2025-26: How to verify returns within 30 days to avoid invalidation

With less than two months left before the extended deadline of September 15 for filing income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26, experts have reminded taxpayers that submitting an ITR online does not complete the process. The return must be verified within 30 days of filing, failing which it will be treated as invalid.

Taxpayers can choose between electronic verification or physical verification. For the latter, one needs to download the ITR-V acknowledgement form, sign it and send a hard copy to the Income Tax Department’s Central Processing Centre in Bengaluru. However, experts suggest opting for e-verification, which is faster and provides instant acknowledgement.

How to E-Verify Your ITR

Via Aadhaar OTP: If your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number, you can log in to the e-filing portal (www.incometax.gov.in), navigate to the ‘e-File’ menu, select ‘Income Tax Returns’, and choose ‘e-Verify Return’. Generate an OTP via Aadhaar and complete verification within minutes.

Through Net Banking: Most banks offer an ‘e-Verify Income Tax Return’ option under the ‘Tax’ section of net banking platforms.

Using EVC: An electronic verification code can be generated through a pre-validated bank account, demat account, or ATM.

With Digital Signature Certificate: Taxpayers with a DSC can also verify their returns electronically.

Once completed, the portal confirms verification with a transaction ID, and a confirmation email is sent to the registered email address.

If verification is not completed within 30 days, taxpayers must file a request for ‘condonation of delay’ on the portal. The Income Tax Department will review the request before processing the return.