Filing ITR for AY 2025-26: Taxpayers Must Avoid These Mistakes If Want to Receive Refund Timely

The due date for income tax filing (ITR) for financial year 2024-25 and Assessment year 2025-26 for non-audit taxpayers is September 15, 2025. Taxpayers’ targets are now switched to refunds, which usually take from a few days to a month. Sometimes refunds get delayed for various reasons.

The Income tax department has notably improved its refund processing system, with many taxpayers now receiving refunds within weeks of filing returns. whereas in some cases refunds are credited just days after submission, which is completely different from the past delays.

Adding and validating bank account details

Taxpayers must first add their bank account to the e-filing portal and mark it for refund to receive refunds, Here’s how taxpayers can add these details:

Step 1: Log in to the income tax e-filing portal.

Step 2: Visit ‘Profile’, then ‘My Bank Account’.

Step 3: Select ‘Add Bank Account’ and then fill in the required details, such as account number, IFSC, Bank name and account type.

Step 4: After filling in the details, select the account which the taxpayer wants to nominate for a refund and validate it through the electronic confirmation system.

However, a professional warned taxpayers that perfection in return filing remains critical, as even small errors or mismatches can activate inspection and delay refunds.

One of the executive directors added on this that several taxpayers now get refunds within a month and in some instances, refunds are issued just days after filing returns. But delays still happen when returns are identified for stricter inspection if there are some mismatches or simple errors, such as incorrect bank account information between details in the filed return and records like the AIS or Form 26AS.

He also added that if delays take place, then according to Section 244A the law entitles taxpayers to interest on late refunds and provides a measure of relief in the event of waiting.

He added that opting for the correct ITR forms and reconciling amounts with official records is necessary as incomes are becoming more diversified, ranging from salaries to capital gains and other investments. However, the Income Tax Department already captures all data through TIS/AIS and Form 26AS making it important for taxpayers to ensure their filings match these records.

Thus, he suggested taxpayers carefully report all income streams, claim deductions properly and address differences before filing ITR. These are some simple ways to ignore notices and ensure quick refunds.