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The income tax department is expected to notify the relevant ITR forms for the assessment year (AY) 2025–26 soon, paving the way for the official filing window to open.
For most salaried taxpayers, actual filing typically starts in late May or June once they receive Form 16.
As the new financial year 2025–26 gets underway, the focus for millions of taxpayers now shifts to income tax return (ITR) filing. The income tax department is expected to notify the relevant online ITR forms for the assessment year (AY) 2025–26 soon, paving the way for the official filing window to open.
ITR Filing for AY26: When Will It Start?
The process of ITR filing usually begins in April after the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) releases the updated forms. For AY 2025–26 (Financial Year 2024–25), the forms are likely to be notified and available for electronic filing this month. Last year, the ITR forms were notified in February and e-filing began in April — indicating a trend toward early availability.
However, for most salaried taxpayers, actual filing typically starts in late May or June once they receive Form 16 — a key document issued by employers that summarises the salary paid and TDS deducted during the financial year. Employers are mandated to issue Form 16 by June 15 each year.
So while the filing portal may open in April, the bulk of salaried individuals usually begin filing in mid-June, once they have all required documents in hand.
Refund Timeline: How Soon Will You Get It?
If you’re eligible for a refund — often due to excess TDS or advance tax paid — the good news is that the Income Tax Department has significantly sped up the refund process in recent years. In most cases, refunds are now processed within 7 to 20 days of filing the ITR, provided:
- The return is verified promptly (either through Aadhaar OTP or other methods)
- The bank account is pre-validated and linked with PAN
- There are no discrepancies or errors in the return
Taxpayers who file early — especially before the July 31 deadline for non-audit cases — often receive their refunds much faster.
ITR Filing AY26: Key Points to Remember
- E-filing window expected to open in April 2025
- Form 16 issuance deadline is June 15
- ITR filing deadline (without audit): July 31, 2025
- Refund processing time: Usually within 7–20 days
- File early, verify quickly, and ensure your bank details are up to date for faster refunds
The Income Tax Department also provides a pre-filled ITR form to simplify the filing process, especially for salaried and small taxpayers. However, experts advise to cross-check all pre-filled information before submitting your return.
