Filed your ITR? Complete this step within 30 days of filing or it may be rejected

Published 30 June 2026 · general

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a big milestone during the tax season, but it is not the finish line. Many taxpayers believe that

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a big milestone during the tax season, but it is not the finish line. Many taxpayers believe that once they click the 'Submit' button, the job is done. In reality, there is one more important step that cannot be ignored, i.e., verifying your return. If you do not verify your ITR within the prescribed time, the Income Tax Department can treat your return as if it was never filed. The good news is that verification is quick, completely online in most cases, and can be completed in just a few minutes. Read Full Story WHY ITR VERIFICATION IS SO IMPORTANT Think of e-verification as your digital signature. It confirms that the return filed on the Income Tax e-filing portal genuinely belongs to you and that you have authorised its submission. Once you file your return, you must verify it within 30 days. Missing this deadline can create unnecessary complications, as the department may consider your return invalid. Although taxpayers who miss the deadline can file a condonation of delay request explaining the reason for the delay, the verification becomes valid only if the Income Tax Department accepts the request. That is why it is always better to complete the verification immediately after filing your return.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO VERIFY YOUR ITR The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to verify their returns through several digital methods, making the process convenient for different types of users. One of the easiest options is Aadhaar OTP, where an OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. You can also verify your return through net banking by logging into your bank account and accessing the Income Tax e-filing portal from there. Another option is using an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) generated through a pre-validated bank account. Similarly, taxpayers with a pre-validated demat account can generate an EVC for verification. Those who use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), such as professionals and businesses, can verify their returns using the emSigner utility and their DSC token. A less commonly used option is generating an EVC at the ATM of a participating bank and then entering that code on the e-filing portal. WHAT YOU SHOULD KEEP READY Before starting the verification process, make sure you have the required details based on the method you plan to use. If you are choosing Aadhaar OTP, your PAN should be linked with your Aadhaar, and your Aadhaar-linked mobile number should be active. You should also have your Income Tax e-filing login details ready.