Income Tax Filing 2025 Opens Soon: Deadline, Documents & How to Speed Up Your Refund

Taxpayers can soon file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) as the Income Tax Department prepares to open its e-filing portal. While an official announcement is pending, past trends suggest that ITR forms will be available by April, with the deadline likely set for July 31, 2025.
Key Dates for ITR Filing 2025
Last year, the due date for filing ITR without penalty was July 31, with an extended window (with late fees) until December 31. A similar timeline is expected this year. Once filed, refunds are usually processed within 7 to 20 days, provided there are no discrepancies in the submitted details.
How to Ensure a Smooth Filing & Faster Refund
To avoid delays, taxpayers should:
- Keep PAN, Aadhaar, Form 16, salary slips, and interest certificates ready.
- Pre-validate their bank account with their PAN.
- Complete e-verification via Aadhaar OTP or other methods immediately after filing.
The Income Tax Department has significantly improved refund processing times, but errors in filing or missing documents can cause hold-ups. Experts advise filing early to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
Stay tuned for the official notification from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) regarding the exact ITR filing dates and forms.