The last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the assessment year 2025–26 was September 16.
Despite facing several technical issues, taxpayers did not get a deadline extension from the Income Tax Department.
While a record number of returns were filed this year, many taxpayers are still waiting for their refunds.
Massive Number of Returns Filed
By September 16, the Income Tax Department’s portal showed that over 7.53 crore (75.3 million) ITRs had been filed, and more than 4 crore (40 million) had already been processed.
Later, around 15 lakh (1.5 million) more returns were filed. As of September 5, the total had reached 7.68 crore, with 6.11 crore returns processed.
However, many people have reported on social media that even though their ITR status shows “Processed”, the refund has not been credited to their bank accounts.
What to Do If Refund Hasn’t Arrived
If your ITR shows as processed but you haven’t received the refund yet, follow these steps:
Login to the Income Tax e-filing portal and check the Refund/Demand Status.
If the refund is processed but not credited, verify your bank details — especially the account number and IFSC code. Incorrect information often causes delays.
Cross-check your Form 26AS or Annual Information Statement (AIS) with your ITR. Refunds can be delayed if there’s a mismatch.
If everything is correct, raise a ‘Refund Reissue’ request through the helpdesk on the portal.
If an RFD code has been issued but the refund hasn’t arrived, contact your bank or NSDL.
Refunds generally take 15–30 days to reach your bank after processing.
How ITR Filing Works in Non-Audit Cases
For non-audit taxpayers, ITRs are usually based on salary, interest income, or other earnings.
After filing, the Income Tax Department verifies the details, processes the return, and then issues the refund to the taxpayer’s verified bank account.
ITR Deadline Changes This Year
The government extended the ITR filing deadline twice for non-audit cases — first from July 31 to September 15, and then by 24 hours to September 16.
For taxpayers under audit, the ITR filing deadline remains October 31, with the same date also set for submitting tax audit reports.
In earlier years, there was at least a one-month gap between the audit report submission and ITR filing deadlines.
This year, however, it’s still uncertain whether the government will extend the deadline for audit cases.
