Income Tax Return 2025: Will Filing ITR Early Get You a Faster Refund? Here's the Reality

If you're wondering whether filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) early will result in a quicker refund, you're not alone. Many taxpayers assume that early filing guarantees faster processing and quicker credit of refund amounts to their savings account. While the Income Tax Department hasn’t officially confirmed this, experts suggest that early filing does have real benefits — especially in terms of refund processing speed.

✅ What Experts Say

Tax experts agree that filing your ITR well before the deadline can result in early processing if your return is accurate and all data matches with the records available with the Income Tax Department (like Form 26AS, AIS, etc.).

🔹 Vibhor Goyal, founder of fintech firm OneBank, explains:

“If returns are filed correctly in May or June with all data reconciled, the refund is usually processed within 2 to 4 weeks. But those who file closer to the deadline may experience delays in processing.”

⏱️ Does Early Filing Guarantee a Fast Refund?

Not necessarily. Filing early improves your chances, but several other factors influence the refund timeline:

• Accuracy of income and deduction details

• Proper TDS and interest income reporting

• No mismatch with Form 26AS or AIS

• Timely ITR e-verification

If your return has errors or missing data, the refund can be delayed by 60 to 90 days or even longer — regardless of how early you filed.

🧾 Common Mistakes That Can Delay Refund

• Forgetting to include interest income from savings or FDs

• Mismatch in TDS claimed vs. Form 26AS

• Failing to verify the return after submission

• Entering incorrect bank details

🛑 Example: If Form 26AS shows ₹1,200 as interest income but your return doesn’t include it, your ITR may be flagged for review, delaying the refund.

🧮 How Is Refund Processing Done?

According to CA Shankar Kumar:

“The Income Tax Department processes refunds only after e-verification of the ITR. Returns are usually processed in the same order as they are filed, provided they are complete and accurate.”

🕒 Why File Early, Then?

Even though early filing doesn’t guarantee instant refunds, here’s why you should file early:

• More time to correct errors if your return is selected for review

• Quicker processing if all details are correct

• Peace of mind and lower risk of last-minute issues

• Priority processing queue (earlier filed = earlier processed)

• Enough time to respond to notices or mismatch alerts

📌 Final Takeaway

If you file your ITR early, correctly, and verify it on time, chances are high that your refund will be processed within 2 to 4 weeks. However, accuracy matters more than speed. A clean, error-free return is the only way to ensure hassle-free and faster refunds.

Pro Tip:
Double-check your:

• Form 26AS

• Annual Information Statement (AIS)

• TDS certificates
  before submitting your return.