ITR 2026-27: Missing 1 Field Flags Your Return

For AY 2026-27, the Income Tax Department now wants a backup address, phone number, and email when you file your ITR — so they can reach you even if your primary contact details are wrong or outdated.

Here's what happened: The Income Tax Department has made a secondary address, alternate mobile number, and backup email ID mandatory fields in ITR forms for AY 2026-27.. This change is designed to ensure the department can contact taxpayers for notices, refund confirmations, or queries even when primary contact details fail.. Many refund delays and unresponded notices in past years were linked to outdated or incorrect primary contact information on file with the department..

What you should do: Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal and update your primary address, mobile number, and email before you begin your ITR for AY 2026-27.. Keep a secondary address ready — this can be a permanent home address, parent's address, or office address — different from your current residence.. Add a backup mobile number (family member or alternate SIM) and a regularly checked secondary email ID so no IT notice goes unanswered..

Pro tip: An unanswered Income Tax notice — even about a small mismatch — can escalate into a demand order with interest and penalties. A valid secondary contact can save you from that spiral.