Income tax refunds rose 474% in 11 years to ₹4.77L Cr
In the last 11 years, the time taken to issue refunds has also come down from 93 days to only 17 days.
In the last 11 years, there has been a tremendous growth of 474% in income tax refund. In 2013-14, where the Income Tax Department issued refunds of Rs 83,008 crore. At the same time, this figure has increased to Rs 4.77 lakh crore in 2024-25. Along with this, the time taken to issue refunds has also come down from 93 days to only 17 days, which shows the decrease of 81%.
According to sources, the reason for this progress is the improvement in tax administration and increasing use of digital technology. Steps like online filing, faceless assessment, pre-filled returns, automatic refund processing, real-time TDS adjustments and online grievances redressal system have made the refund process faster and accurate. This has also improved the experience of taxpayers.
Growth in tax collection and return filing
In the last 11 years, gross direct tax collection also increased by 274% to Rs 7.22 lakh crore to Rs 27.03 lakh crore. Apart from this, there has also been a growth of 133% in the number of those filing income tax returns. 3.8 crore returns were filed in 2013, which has increased to 8.89 crores in 2024.
In 11 years, gross direct tax collection also increased by 274% to Rs 27.03 lakh crore.
Refund ratio also increased
In 2024–25, 17.6% of the gross direct tax collection was returned as refund, which was 11.5% in 2013-14. Sources say that this growth in the ratio of refund is a sign of increasing participation in the growth tax system.
As the taxpayers base is increasing and the advance tax and TDS system is getting stronger, the refund amount and frequency are also growing.
Transparency and efficiency in tax system
Sources said that growth in refund and boom in process, shows maturity in India’s tax system. It is firmly associated with the principal of transparency, efficiency and taxpayers Convince.
Digital infrastructure and technological innovation have not only increased the trust of taxpayers, but have also made tax administration more effective. This progress is a symbol of increasing confidence in India’s economy and better services for taxpayers.
