Income Tax News: Many taxpayers across the country are experiencing delays in receiving their ITR refund, even weeks or months after filing their Income Tax Returns. While the Income Tax Department usually processes refunds within a stipulated time, several technical and procedural issues can slow down the process.
ITR Refund Delayed?
One of the most common reasons for an income tax refund delay is incomplete or pending e-verification. Even after filing the return, it is mandatory to verify it through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other approved methods. If e-verification is not completed within the given timeframe, the refund process does not begin.
Here’s What to Do If Your Income Tax Refund Hasn’t Arrived
Another major reason behind delayed ITR refunds is incorrect or unverified bank account details. Refunds are credited only to bank accounts that are pre-validated and linked with the taxpayer’s PAN. If bank details such as IFSC code, account number, or PAN-bank linkage are incorrect, the refund may fail or get stuck.
Tax experts also point out that mismatch in data, such as differences between Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS (Annual Information Statement), and the filed return, can lead to additional scrutiny. In such cases, the Income Tax Department may put the refund on hold until the discrepancies are resolved.
Taxpayers are advised to regularly check their ITR refund status by logging into the official Income Tax e-filing portal. Under the “View Filed Returns” section, users can see whether the return is processed, under verification, or pending due to any issue. If the return is processed but the refund has not been credited, the portal will usually display the reason.
If the refund is delayed for a long period, taxpayers can file a complaint using the Grievance Redressal (e-Nivaran or CPGRAMS) system available on the portal. This allows individuals to formally raise concerns and seek resolution from the tax department.
In some cases, the department may issue an intimation or notice asking for clarification or additional documents. Promptly responding to such notices can significantly speed up the refund process. Tax officials have advised taxpayers to keep a close watch on registered email IDs and portal alerts.
With a large number of returns being processed every assessment year, the Income Tax Department has reiterated that refunds are being released in phases. Taxpayers who have completed all compliance requirements are expected to receive their ITR refund once system checks and validations are completed.
Experts recommend patience, regular monitoring of the portal, and timely action on any communication from the department to ensure faster resolution of refund-related issues.
