Income Tax Filing Last Date Today: What to Expect After Filing ITR? Know Refund Timeline & Interest on Delays

Today marks the final day for filing income tax returns (ITRs) for the assessment year 2025-26, and taxpayers across the country are racing against the clock to meet the deadline. According to the latest data from the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal, over 6.69 crore returns have been filed as of September 14.

ITR Filing Last Day Today: Over 6.03 Crore ITRs Already Verified

Out of these, more than 6.03 crore ITRs have already been verified, and over 4 crore returns have been processed by the department. Compared to last year's total of 7.28 crore returns, a substantial number of filings are expected to come in today as individuals and businesses rush to comply.

Income Tax Refund Timeline: What to Expect After Filing ITR?

For those who have already filed their ITR and are now awaiting refunds, the timeline can vary depending on the accuracy and complexity of the return."

Income tax refunds are processed by the department only after the taxpayer has successfully e-verified their return. Typically, it takes about 4 to 5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the taxpayer's bank account as per the official website.

However, if the refund is not received within this period, the taxpayer should first check for any communication from the Income Tax Department regarding discrepancies or issues in the filed return. It's important to monitor your registered email ID for any intimation or notification related to the refund.

Additionally, taxpayers can track the status of their refund directly on the Income Tax e-filing portal by following the steps provided on the official website.

Delayed Income Tax Refunds Come with Interest

If your refund is delayed beyond a reasonable timeframe, you are entitled to compensation. The Income Tax Department pays an interest of 6% per annum on delayed refunds, calculated from April 1 of the assessment year until the date the refund is issued.

This interest is automatically credited along with the refund amount, provided the delay is not due to any fault or incorrect filing on the taxpayer's part.

ITR Website, e-filing Portal Service Down But No Deadline Extension Announced

Despite the urgency, users have reported a slow and intermittently unresponsive portal, causing frustration among filers and tax professionals alike. While such technical issues are not uncommon, the overwhelming volume of users on the final day has only intensified the problem. However, the Income Tax Department has not announced any extension of the filing deadline.

Over the weekend, a rumour suggesting a deadline extension went viral on social media. The IT Department swiftly debunked the claim, urging taxpayers to avoid misinformation and complete their filings in time.

With the deadline now upon us, taxpayers are advised to file their returns immediately if they have not done so already, to avoid late fees, penalties or loss of refund eligibility. Despite the temporary technical glitches, the e-filing portal remains active.

Once your return is submitted, make sure to verify it within 30 days through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other available methods to initiate processing.

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