ITR Refund 2025: When Will Your Income Tax Refund Reach Your Account?

ITR Refund 2025: Timeline and What to Expect

Millions of taxpayers who filed their Income Tax Returns (ITR) by the extended deadline of 16 September 2025 are now waiting for their refunds. For many, receiving the refund is the most anticipated part of the process. But how long will it take for the money to reach your bank account?

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Refund?

The refund process starts once your ITR is successfully e-verified. In simple cases, refunds can be credited within a few days, and some taxpayers have even reported receiving the amount on the same day, especially for smaller sums.

On average, the Income Tax Department processes refunds within four to five weeks of filing. The timeline depends on internal checks under Section 143(1). While smaller refunds are typically processed faster, complex returns involving business income or capital gains may take longer.

This year, additional checks on deductions and exemptions could slightly extend the refund timeline for some taxpayers.

Reasons Refunds May Be Delayed

Refund delays can occur due to:

• Complex returns involving capital gains, business, or professional income

• Cross-verification of claimed deductions or exemptions

• Discrepancies that require taxpayer clarification

If your refund is delayed, the department pays interest at 6% per annum starting from 1 April of the assessment year, ensuring compensation for the wait.

Is There a Limit on Refund Amounts?

There is no maximum limit on ITR refunds. You are entitled to the full excess tax paid, whether via TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment.

In summary, if your ITR is correctly filed and verified, expect your refund within a few weeks, with the possibility of a same-day credit in simple cases. And if it takes longer, the interest provision ensures you’re compensated.