Income tax return (ITR) filing for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26 began at the end of May 2025.
Over 75 lakh ITRs have been filed so far.
ITR Filing for AY 2025–26 Begins Late: Over 75 Lakh Returns Filed, 71.1 Lakh E-Verified So Far
Approximately 71.1 lakh of these returns have been e-verified, as per the Income Tax Department’s official website.
The department previously displayed the number of processed ITRs on its website, but that data is no longer visible.
The section below the e-verified return count now appears blank where processed ITR data used to be shown.
Tax experts say that ITR processing and tax refunds are likely to be delayed this year.
The department is issuing refunds only after a thorough review of assessment reports and previous years’ tax returns.
The ITR filing started almost a month late this year, contributing to processing delays.
Many people didn’t take initial reports about refund delays seriously, but now that lakhs have filed and are waiting for refunds, concerns are growing.
Tax Department Tightens Scrutiny: Old ITRs Under Review to Curb Fake Refund Claims
The tax department is reviewing old ITRs and assessment orders to ensure there has been no fraud in previous years.
CA Suresh Surana states this is a new strategy by the department to stop fake refund claims.
He adds that if a taxpayer’s previous year scrutiny is pending or the assessment is not closed, then their new refund should be withheld.
Tax experts believe this delay will negatively impact honest taxpayers who file regularly and have no pending issues.
A senior tax consultant says there should be a clear and transparent system to inform taxpayers why their refunds are delayed and when they can expect processing.
Currently, there is confusion due to the lack of communication from the department.
Filing began late — at the end of May 2025.
Over 75 lakh ITRs have been filed till now.
Over 71.1 lakh returns have been e-verified.
The number of processed returns has been removed from the official site.
Refunds will be released only after a review of past tax records.
Tax experts advise that taxpayers should not panic if they’ve filed properly with correct details.
CA Surana recommends regularly checking the ITR processing status.
He also advises checking the status of any assessment notices received in previous years.
The I-T department has extended the ITR filing deadline for AY 2025–26 to September 15, 2025.
The original deadline was July 31, so taxpayers in the non-audit category now have 46 extra days to file.
