New Delhi, March 21 -- The last date to file income tax returns in assessment year 2025-26 for individuals not requiring an audit was September 15, 2025, which was extended from the original deadline of July 31, 2025. Nearly six months have passed since the due date, and many taxpayers are still awaiting the processing of their refunds.

Refund processing by the tax department begins only after the return is e-verified by the taxpayer. Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the account of the taxpayer, according to I-T department's website.

The income tax department is still within its statutory timeline to process returns and issue refunds.

Under Section 143 (1), an intimation is required to be issued by the incom...