ITR Filing 2026: Don’t Forget This Final Step After Filing Your Return or Your Refund Could Get Delayed
The process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2026-27 has officially begun, and millions of taxpayers across India are preparing to submit their returns before the deadline. However, tax experts are warning that many people make one critical mistake after filing their returns — they forget to complete the e-verification process.
This small oversight can create major problems later, including delayed refunds, invalid return status, and even notices from the Income Tax Department. Simply uploading the return is not enough. According to income tax rules, taxpayers must verify their filed ITR to complete the process successfully.
Why e-Verification Is Extremely Important
Once an Income Tax Return is submitted online, it remains incomplete until it is verified. The Income Tax Department treats unverified returns as invalid after the permitted time limit expires.
This means that even if a taxpayer has correctly filed all income details, deductions, and bank information, the return may still not be processed if verification is pending.
As a result:
- Income tax refunds may get delayed
- Tax processing could remain incomplete
- Notices from the department may be triggered
- The taxpayer may have to file the return again in certain situations
Because of this, experts recommend completing e-verification immediately after filing the return instead of waiting until the last moment.
July 31 Remains the Key Deadline
For most salaried individuals, the last date to file Income Tax Returns for Financial Year 2025-26 is expected to be July 31, 2026. However, different deadlines may apply in cases involving audits, businesses, or special categories of taxpayers.
Filing the return early and verifying it quickly can help taxpayers receive refunds faster and avoid technical issues near the deadline.
Aadhaar OTP Is the Fastest Verification Method
One of the easiest and most widely used methods for e-verification is Aadhaar OTP authentication.
To use this method:
- PAN must be linked with Aadhaar
- The mobile number should be linked with Aadhaar records
- The taxpayer must select the Aadhaar OTP option on the Income Tax portal
Once selected, a One-Time Password (OTP) is sent to the registered mobile number. Entering the OTP completes the verification process within minutes.
Because of its speed and simplicity, this method has become the preferred choice for most salaried taxpayers.
Verification Through Bank Account or Demat Account
Taxpayers can also verify their ITR through a pre-validated bank account or Demat account.
In this process:
- The bank or Demat account must first be linked and validated on the Income Tax portal
- An OTP is sent to the registered mobile number or email address
- Entering the OTP completes the verification process
This option is useful for taxpayers who may not have Aadhaar-linked mobile access at the time of filing.
Net Banking Option Simplifies the Process
Several banks in India also provide direct ITR e-verification through net banking facilities.
Under this method, users can:
- Log into their net banking account
- Visit the tax or e-verification section
- Access the Income Tax portal directly without separate login credentials
- Complete the verification instantly
This method is considered convenient because it reduces the need to switch between multiple websites or platforms.
Digital Signature Mandatory for Some Taxpayers
Certain taxpayers, especially businesses and individuals whose accounts require auditing, may need to verify returns using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
This method offers an additional layer of security and is mandatory in specific categories defined under income tax regulations.
Companies and audit-required entities are generally advised to keep their DSC updated before starting the filing process to avoid delays.
Offline Verification Option Still Available
Taxpayers who are unable to complete online verification can still use the offline method.
In this process:
- The ITR-V form must be downloaded after filing
- The taxpayer must sign the form manually
- It should then be sent to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru
However, this process must be completed within 30 days of filing the return. Delay beyond the allowed timeline may result in the return being treated as invalid.
Important Things Taxpayers Should Keep in Mind
Tax experts recommend updating mobile numbers and email IDs on the Income Tax portal before filing returns because most verification methods depend on OTP-based authentication.
Taxpayers should also remember:
- Refunds are processed only after successful verification
- PAN and Aadhaar details should match correctly
- Bank accounts must be pre-validated for refund credit
- Filing should be done only through official government portals or trusted banking channels
People are also advised to stay cautious of fake refund messages, suspicious links, and phishing scams during the tax filing season.
Early Verification Can Speed Up Refunds
Experts believe that taxpayers who complete filing and verification early are more likely to receive refunds quickly. Delays usually happen when verification is incomplete, bank details are incorrect, or PAN-Aadhaar linkage issues remain unresolved.
With the ITR filing season now underway, taxpayers are being encouraged to not just submit returns on time, but also complete the final verification step without delay to avoid unnecessary complications later.
