ITR filing season for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 has started. Like every year, taxpayers would expect their refunds to come early, within days of filing their tax returns. But you must remember that filing a correct return is much more important than filing early, as even a small mistake in your return can delay the money reaching your account. The Income Tax Department now uses a technology-driven system to match the details you report with your AIS, Form 26AS, TDS records, bank account details, and past tax filings, so any mismatch or missing information can trigger delays, scrutiny, or clarification notices. Also, while the new Income Tax Act, 2025, came into effect from April 1, 2026, the tax assessment for AY 2026-27 (income earned in FY 2025-26) will still be governed by the provisions of the old Income Tax Act, 1961.