Error Request is not Authenticated in Income Tax Portal Fix

The error message “request is not authenticated” on the Income Tax India e-filing portal is a common and frustrating issue, especially during peak filing seasons.

It means the website is having trouble verifying your identity, even if you are entering the correct username and password.

This error is almost always caused by a few key factors:

1. Server Overload and High Traffic

• Last-minute rush:

  • As of today, September 15, 2025, is the last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26 without a penalty. The portal is experiencing an extremely high volume of users, which can overload the servers. This leads to slow performance, session timeouts, and authentication failures.

• Technical glitches:

  • The server may be under maintenance or experiencing unexpected technical issues that interfere with the login process.

2. Browser and Cache Issues

• Outdated or incompatible browser:

  • The Income Tax Department recommends using the latest versions of browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox. An old browser might not be compatible with the portal’s security features.

• Browser cache and cookies:

  • Your browser’s stored data (cache and cookies) can sometimes become corrupted, causing login issues. The portal itself suggests clearing your cache and cookies to resolve problems.

• Incognito/Private mode:

  • Using your browser’s private or incognito mode can help as it prevents the use of cached data and cookies from previous sessions.

3. Incorrect Login Details or Account Issues

• Typos:

  • Even a small typo in your PAN, Aadhaar number, or password can result in this error. Double-check your credentials carefully.

• Incorrect CAPTCHA:

  • Make sure you are entering the CAPTCHA code exactly as it appears.

• PAN-Aadhaar linkage:

  • While not directly causing this error, an unlinked PAN-Aadhaar can cause other issues that might prevent you from proceeding with certain actions on the portal.

Also Read : An Error Has Occurred While Processing This Request Cookie Run Kingdom Fix

Solutions to Try

Here’s a step-by-step approach to resolve the “request is not authenticated” error:

1. Be Patient and Try Again:

   • Given the heavy traffic, the most effective solution might be to simply wait a few minutes and try logging in again.

2. Try at Off-Peak Hours:

   • Accessing the portal late at night (after 10 PM) or very early in the morning (before 7 AM) when server traffic is lower can often resolve the issue.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:

   • Go to your browser settings.
   • Find the option to clear browsing data, history, or privacy settings.
   • Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
   • Clear the data.

4. Use Incognito Mode:

   • Open a new incognito or private window in your browser and try to log in from there.

5. Use a Different Browser:

   • If you are using Chrome, try Edge or Firefox, and vice-versa.

6. “Press Continue 3 times”:

   • A simple but reportedly effective workaround for this specific error is to click “Continue” or “Login” three times in a row once the error message appears. This is a known user-reported solution that can sometimes bypass the glitch.

7. Check Social Media:

   • Follow the official Twitter handle of the Income Tax Department (@IncomeTaxIndia) for real-time updates on server status, maintenance, or known issues. Tax professionals and users often report problems on social media, so you can see if others are facing the same issue.

If all else fails, and the error persists even after trying the above steps, it might be a deeper technical issue that can only be resolved by the Income Tax Department. You can reach out to their helpdesk, but be prepared for long wait times due to the high volume of calls.