How to Get Income Tax Refund Faster? Steps After Filing Your Return
- Farheen Mukadam
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
The initial step in getting your income tax refund is submitting your income tax return (ITR). Despite filing on time, the majority of taxpayers are still perplexed as to why they did not receive their refunds. Getting your money back sooner and keeping things simple are two benefits of filing early. Subject to verification and processing by the IT Department, an individual remains fully eligible to receive any applicable tax refund along with interest if they file their Income Tax Return (ITR) before the extended deadline, which falls on September 15. It's crucial to remember that there are a few crucial steps you must follow after completing your return in order to determine how quickly you get your refund.
Table of Contents
Prepare Tax Returns Carefully to Avoid Errors and Mismatches
TDS, deductions, and income must all be reported carefully. Inconsistencies between your tax return, Form 26AS, and the AIS (Annual Information Statement) may result in reduced refunds or processing delays. Before filing, compare your return with these records to make sure all the numbers are accurate. Also, make any necessary corrections. ITRs include pre-filled information on your pay, interest on fixed deposits, bank account data for NRO savings, and other things. Make sure you don't alter the information that has already been filled out and that nothing crucial is left out. Inconsistencies will result in CPC notifications and a hold-up in the refund processing.
Check your ITR Immediately and E-Verify It
Your tax return will be deemed invalid if you do not verify it within 30 days of filing; the Income Tax Department does not process your return until you have done so. You must e-verify your tax return as soon as possible using your Aadhaar OTP, net banking, and Demat account in order to get your refund on schedule. The quickest and most popular method is an OTP based on Aadhaar. Your return will start the processing step sooner if you verify as soon as possible.
Validate Your bank account and Ensure Linking with PAN
Only if your tax refund is pre-validated on the income tax e-filing system and connected to your PAN will it be credited to your bank account. Your reimbursement will not be processed if your account is not pre-validated or if the PAN information is incorrect. To fix this, sign in to the e-filing portal, select "Profile" > "My Bank Account," and make sure the refund account of your choosing is listed as "Validated" and "Primary."
Respond to Any Income Tax Notice
If there are any discrepancies or mismatches in your return, the department may occasionally ask for clarification, ask a question, or issue a notice under Section 143(1). Your reimbursement may be delayed if you are unable to reply to such notice. Check your email account and e-filing portal periodically for notices or messages, and respond right away with the necessary data or files.
Opt for e-Filing and File Early
File your income tax return as soon as possible and select NEFT for an electronic refund to guarantee timely processing. Refund delays are typically caused by paper returns or filing delays. Similarly, choosing the appropriate ITR form and providing accurate and comprehensive information reduces the possibility of examination or reprocessing.
Conclusion
When you file your ITR and what you do afterward will determine whether you receive your tax refund on schedule. Receiving your refund on time depends on confirming your return, ensuring your bank information is current, and promptly answering any enquiries from the IT department. Your refund could arrive in your bank account in a matter of weeks if you pay attention to it and follow up on it promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a timely income tax refund matter for taxpayers?
Better cash flow for professionals and salaried staff; less reliance on follow-ups and middlemen; prompt and voluntary compliance; and increased confidence in digital governance India has the potential to become a global leader in refund efficiency if the processing time is continuously less than 20 days.
Why is the income tax refund delayed?
Verify that you have finished the e-verification of your income tax return if you have filed it and have not yet received your refund. Verify the return if it isn't. The refund is not credited to your account even after the income tax return has been submitted and e-verified. File a grievance through the e-filing portal, understand why it was filed, and reply appropriately.
What is the current average refund time?
After the CPC processes the ITR, refunds are given to eligible taxpayers 20–45 days later. The average return period has decreased to 17 days, according to the most recent data from CBDT.
Is interest paid if there is a delay in the tax refund?
Yes, interest is paid under Section 244A if the refund is not received within the allotted time. Since the Income Tax Department must pay interest on late returns, the extended deadline may result in a somewhat larger refund for you. However, it's best not to rely on this. Filing wisely and early is the best way to avoid a lengthy wait. If you expect interest, you can calculate it by using an interest on income tax refund calculator or a refund app.
What should be done if the taxpayer's refund is late?
If you see that the refund payment or the tax return processing is taking longer than expected, you need to take certain actions. Sheth said, "You can call the Central Processing Facility's helpline number in Bangalore and request it to expedite the return and refund processing." The CPC Bangalore's helpline number is 1800 103 4455 (or +91-80-46605200).
Can I change my bank account after filing?
Yes, however you have to use the income tax e-filing system to amend and re-validate it.
Does filing early mean quicker refunds?
Yes, most of the time, but not always. Because the tax systems are less congested in the beginning, filing early increases your chances. According to the tax expert, early returns can be processed more swiftly by the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC), particularly in simple circumstances.
What if I filed late—will I still get a refund?
Yes, refunds are still given out; however, if there is a delay in filing, interest under Section 244A may be lowered.
Why do salaried people often get refunds faster?
Because their returns are typically straightforward and error-free, salaried taxpayers have the benefit of frequently receiving their refunds sooner. ITR-1 and ITR-2, which mostly rely on pre-filled information, are usually filed by salaried individuals. When employers make consistent TDS deductions, reconciliation goes more smoothly and there is less chance of inconsistencies. The CPC also handles cases more quickly for those with a spotless compliance record and no unpaid tax obligations.
How to check the income tax refund status?
Go to the e-filing portal, log in with your credentials, and check the status of your income tax refund. Visit "View Filed Returns" > "Income Tax Returns" > "e-File." To check the refund status, navigate to the appropriate assessment year and look up the ITR status.
What can be the reasons for refund failure?
The following factors may be the cause of a refund credit failure:
Inaccurate bank details
The account information is not for a current or savings bank account.
Bank accounts and PAN are not connected.
Inconsistency between the bank account and PAN names
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