When is ITR Filing Expected to Begin, When Will You Get Form 16: Income Tax:

As the new assessment year 2025-26 has begun, numerous taxpayers are preparing for the upcoming step of filing Income Tax Return (ITR) for the fiscal year 2024-25. The new revised ITR forms are anticipated to be announced soon in the upcoming days, preparing for the official start of the e-filing process.

When is ITR filing expected to begin?

The ITR filing usually begins in the month of April after the release of relevant forms by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). As per the recent reports, the ITR offline and online forms are anticipated to be declared and available for filing soon. It is essential to understand that, majority of salaried individuals start filing ITR a little later, generally when they get their Form 16, while the ITR filing portal opens in month of April or May. Form 16 is an essential document for individuals who earn a salary (Taxpayers). It is given by employers and shows a summary of the salary paid and the tax that has been deducted at source (TDS) during the year. According to tax rules, employers must give Form 16 by June 15, 2025. Since Form 16 is needed to file an accurate income tax return (ITR), most salaried people wait to get it before they start filing. As a result, most salaried individuals file their ITRs in late May or June.

Important Due Dates for ITR Filing 2025

• E-filing portal opening: Anticipated in April 2025
• Form 16 issuance due date: June 15, 2025
• ITR filing due date (for non-audit cases): July 31, 2025

Experts generally recommend that taxpayers file their ITR prior to the due date, i.e., July 31, to prevent last-minute hustle, problems and penalties.

How to Receive Your Refund on Time?

The Income Tax Department has increased the speed of refunding the amount in the past few years. If someone is eligible for the refund amount, then you will receive it within 7 to 20 days after filing the ITR and verifying the return, provided there are no errors or discrepancies. In order to receive a fast refund:

• Quickly verify your income tax return, ideally using an Aadhaar-based OTP or any other available option.
• Ensure that your bank account is pre-validated and properly linked to your PAN.
• Carefully review all the information and calculations before submitting your return.
• People who file their returns early, particularly before the July 31 deadline, usually get their tax refunds sooner.

Few Tips for Filing ITR Smoothly

• Use Pre-filled ITRs Carefully: The Income Tax Department now provides pre-filled ITR forms to make filing easier. But you should always check all the details carefully before submitting.
• Keep Your Documents Ready: Besides Form 16, collect information about other income like interest from savings accounts, dividends, and details of tax-saving investments and deductions.
• Update Your Bank Details: Make sure your bank account is active, pre-validated, and correctly linked to your PAN so that you get your refund without any problems.
• File Early: Filing your return early helps you avoid last-minute issues and get your refund faster.