The process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) has begun. This year, the deadline has been extended from 31st July to 15th September 2025. However, if you miss this deadline, you can still file your ITR with a penalty and interest until 31st December 2025.
ITRs Being Filed Rapidly
Taxpayers across the country are actively filing their ITRs. According to the Income Tax Department, more than 75,18,450 ITRs were filed by 1st July, out of which 71,11,836 have already been verified. After filing the return, most taxpayers eagerly await their income tax refund. So, the big question is: how many days does it take for the refund to be credited to your bank account?
How Many Days Does It Take to Receive a Refund?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has earlier stated that, thanks to improved automation and faster processing in the Income Tax Department, refunds are generally issued within 10 days. However, the exact time may vary depending on the case. In some cases, refunds are processed in just a few days, while in others, it may take a few weeks.
Why Can Refunds Get Delayed?
- Refunds are not issued unless the ITR is e-verified.
- If PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, there may be delays.
- If the TDS details don’t match those in Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement), the return might be held up for re-verification.
- Errors in the bank account details (like incorrect account number or IFSC code) can also delay the refund.
- If the taxpayer fails to respond to notices or emails from the department, it can further slow down the process.
Don’t Forget E-Verification
So, filing your ITR alone is not enough—you must also e-verify it. This can be done easily using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other digital methods.