As the deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) in India draws closer, taxpayers across the country are rushing to complete the process. This year, the last date to file ITR for the assessment year 2025-26 is September 15, 2025. But amidst this hustle, a common question arises—does filing your ITR early mean you'll get your tax refund faster?
While there is no official guarantee that filing early leads to quicker refunds, experts suggest that there are clear advantages to being prompt with your ITR—especially if your returns are accurate and complete.
According to Vibhor Goyal, founder of fintech platform OneBank, returns filed as early as May or June—if error-free and properly matched with financial records—are often processed within 2 to 4 weeks. In contrast, returns submitted closer to the deadline are likely to be queued up behind thousands of other filings, increasing the chances of processing delays.
Goyal further points out that minor mismatches, such as the absence of a small interest entry (like ₹1,200 in Form 26AS), could push the return into a manual review process. This often results in delays of 60 to 90 days. He estimates that mismatches and follow-ups between taxpayers, employers, and chartered accountants lead to losses between ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 crore every year.
While early filing certainly improves your chances of an early refund, it's not the sole determining factor. The accuracy of your return and proper reconciliation with your Annual Information Statement (AIS) and TDS records are equally crucial.
Goyal emphasizes the role of payroll platforms, fintechs, and banks in reducing mismatches. He suggests that pre-filled data using secure APIs can help create a more transparent and efficient system. “If income and deduction figures are auto-filled securely, the ITR process can become much faster and error-free,” he added.
Shankar Kumar, a Chartered Accountant and founder of EZ Compliance, clarifies that early filing doesn’t automatically translate to early refunds. “The Income Tax Department begins processing only after verification, and refund timelines vary on a case-by-case basis,” he said. Hence, there's no official rule that promises an early refund if you file your return early.
According to Niyati Shah, Head of Personal Tax at 1 Finance, one significant benefit of early filing is that it gives taxpayers ample time to correct any discrepancies or respond to queries. Returns are usually verified in the same order they are received, so being among the first to file might push your return closer to the front of the verification queue.
Shah added that if your financial records are clean and match your AIS and TDS statements, early filing can help streamline the refund process. “The key is not just filing early, but also ensuring that the data you provide is complete and consistent,” she emphasized.
No guarantee, but early ITR filing may lead to faster refunds, especially if returns are error-free.
Returns filed near the deadline may face longer queues and potential delays.
Mismatches in data can delay refunds by up to 2–3 months.
Early filing offers more time to fix errors or respond to tax department queries.
Use platforms and tools that auto-populate financial data to reduce manual errors.
So, while early filing alone may not ensure an instant refund, combining timely action with accuracy and complete documentation significantly improves your chances of a smooth, fast, and hassle-free tax refund experience.
