Income Tax Return AY 2026-27: 5 Different Ways To E-Verify Your ITR Filing Before July 31

With the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 set for July 31, 2026, taxpayers across the country are preparing to submit their returns. However, filing your ITR is only one part of the process. Your return is considered valid only after it has been successfully verified through one of the approved methods. Here's everything you need to know about ITR e-verification.

What Is ITR E-Verification?

E-verification of an Income Tax Return (ITR) is the process of electronically confirming the authenticity of the information provided in your tax return. Introduced by the Income Tax Department, e-verification simplifies the tax filing process and, in most cases, eliminates the need for physical paperwork.

After filing your ITR, you must verify it within 30 days. If you fail to complete the verification within the prescribed period, the Income Tax Department may treat your return as invalid, meaning it will be considered as if it were never filed.

Prerequisites For ITR Verification

Before starting the verification process, ensure that:
•You are registered on the Income Tax e-Filing portal with a valid user ID and password.
•Your income tax return has already been filed, either by you or through an E-Return Intermediary (ERI).
•Your PAN is linked to your bank account.
•Net banking services are activated for the bank account you intend to use for verification.

Different Ways To E-Verify Your ITR

1. Aadhaar OTP
Aadhaar OTP is one of the quickest and most convenient methods for e-verifying an ITR. An OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. Simply enter the OTP received on your mobile phone to complete the verification process.

2. Net Banking

Several banks allow taxpayers to verify their ITR directly through their net banking accounts.
After logging into your net banking portal:
•Navigate to the Income Tax or Tax Services section.
•Select the e-verification option.
•You will be redirected to the Income Tax portal, where the verification can be completed instantly.

3. Bank Account, Demat Account, or ATM-Based EVC

Taxpayers can also verify their returns using an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) generated through a pre-validated bank account, demat account, or even an ATM in certain cases.

To use this method:
•Select the relevant EVC option on the e-Filing portal.
•Receive the OTP or verification code on your registered mobile number or email address.
•Enter the code to complete the verification.

4. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is mandatory for companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and taxpayers whose accounts are subject to audit under the Income Tax Act. In such cases, attaching a valid digital signature to the return serves as proof of authenticity and completes the verification process securely.

5. Physical Verification Through ITR-V

Taxpayers who do not choose any electronic verification method can verify their returns by sending a signed copy of the ITR-V acknowledgement form to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru.
To do this:
•Download and print the ITR-V form.
•Sign it using blue ink.
•Send it via Speed Post to CPC Bengaluru within the prescribed date.