New Delhi, July 22 -- The deadline for filing income tax returns is fast approaching, with 31 July just a week away. Taxpayers who have not yet filed or completed e-verification need to act quickly.

Filing your income tax returns (ITRs) is only one part of the tax compliance process- it is considered complete only after successful verification.

Taxpayers must verify their ITR within 30 days of filing. If not, the Income Tax Department will treat the return as invalid and it will not be processed.

The IT Department begins processing returns only after verification. Since 1 August 2022, taxpayers have been required to complete verification within a 30-day window, replacing the earlier 120-day period.

E-verification remains the most pref...