The common reasons for such delays include incorrect bank details, unverified ITRs, mismatches in the PAN-Aadhaar data, or discrepancies in Form 26AS and AIS.
Refunds are processed only after e-verification. The timeline for the refund of 4-5 weeks starts only after e-verifying the return.
The notices under Sections 139(9), 143(1)(a), and 245 can block refunds. Not responding to such notices would result in a stall, reduction or adjustment against the pending old tax demand.
While 16 September was the deadline for filing income tax returns this year, most taxpayers have already received their refunds. However, others are still waiting. Delays usually occur due to minor errors, verification issues, mismatches in information, or pending notices that taxpayers missed. If your refund has not yet been credited, it would be helpful to know the common reasons for such delays and how to track your refund to speed up the process.
Income tax refunds are usually issued within 4-5 weeks of filing and verifying the ITR. This timeline begins only after the ITR is electronically verified. If your bank account is already pre-validated, updates and credit usually occur quickly.
However, mismatched details, incorrect bank information, or discrepancies detected during processing are common reasons for delays. The department said taxpayers should check email notifications from time to time for any updates, in case they don't receive a refund even after six weeks.
Additionally, one must bear in mind that under Section 143(1), the Income Tax Department has time up to 31 December 2026 to process returns filed for FY 2024-25. High-value refunds typically undergo additional system checks, which may delay the credit timeline.
The taxpayers will be able to know about refund status when they log on to the income-tax e-filing portal.
Here's the process:
Log in to the portal: http://eportal.incometax.gov.in with your PAN and password.
Navigate to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns
Select the appropriate assessment year. Click on 'View Details' to view refund status updates.
You can also check your refund status through your PAN after logging in on the e-filing website.
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Here are the main ITR issues:
Refunds cannot be credited if the bank account details are incorrect, especially if the account number or IFSC details have changed. Refund failures also occur when the account has been closed or merged due to bank amalgamations. Only PAN-linked and pre-validated accounts are eligible for a refund.
If your PAN is not linked to the Aadhaar number, or if the details are not in accordance with each other, the refund may be withheld. Any linking errors or mismatches need to be sorted out before proceeding.
If you have taken deductions or exemptions that require supporting documents, the refund may take a little extra time as the department will review the details. Inflated or incorrect refund claims may also require additional checks, notices, or demand orders.
Delays in refunds occur when the figures in Form 26AS, AIS, and salary statements are different from the figures that you report in the return. These discrepancies have to be worked out before the refunds are cleared.
A common reason for a delay in refund processing is verification. If the ITR is not verified within 30 days, then it becomes invalid and is considered not filed. Late verification also changes the return to a belated return, which can extend refund timelines.
Refunds are delayed every year because taxpayers neglect to respond to critical notices:
Section 139(9): Defective return notice
Section 143(1)(a): Proposed adjustments for mismatched items
Section 245: Refund set-off against past demands
Failure to respond on time could result in lowered refunds or a complete hold.
In case the TDS reported by the deductor does not match your AIS or Form 26AS, the department may hold your refund. Therefore, verifying your AIS and providing timely feedback will definitely help you avoid such delays.
Verify your ITR immediately after filing.
Verify bank account details and pre-validate your account.
Ensure PAN–Aadhaar linkage.
Reconcile Form 16, AIS, and Form 26AS before filing.
Respond to all notices from the tax department promptly.
File a rectification request if refund status shows an error.
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A delay in ITR refund for any reason can be quite frustrating, especially when you have been expecting the money for financial planning or investment. Most delays in ITR refunds, however, are because of issues that could have been avoided-returns not verified, bank account details not correctly mentioned, a mismatch in information provided, or notices not responded to.
Being proactive in checking AIS, validating your bank account, verifying your return in time, and responding promptly to any communications from the department can speed up the refund process considerably and save you from many avoidable stresses.
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Why is my ITR refund taking so long this year?
Now, the reasons for this delay may include issues with bank details, mismatches in data in Form 26AS or AIS, pending verification, or an unlinked PAN–Aadhaar. Delays in refunds also occur when the taxpayer fails to respond to notices issued by the Income Tax Department or when high-value refunds are routed through deep systems for approval.
How can I check the status of my ITR refund online?
You can check your refund status by logging into the income tax e-filing portal using your PAN and password. After signing in, click on e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns. Click on the AY for which you want to know the refund status, then click “View Details” to view the latest refund update. It will let you know whether your refund is being processed, delayed, or held.
How do I proceed in case the bank details provided were wrong?
In case of incorrect bank details, update the correct bank account details and pre-validate them on the e-filing portal. Refunds are credited only to Bank Accounts linked to the PAN and pre-validated on the e-filing portal. Once updated, the department will automatically re-issue the refund. The most common failure reasons for refunds are incorrect/obsolescence account numbers.
Will it delay my refund in case of mismatches in Form 26AS or AIS?
Any mismatch in TDS, income details, or financial transactions between AIS, Form 26AS, and your ITR can result in a stop or delay of the refund amount. The Income Tax Department will process the refund only after verifying the corrected information. Always reconcile these statements before filing to avoid delays.
What can I do if I have received notice under Section 143(1)(a)?
This means that a notice under 143(1)(a) implies that there were some mismatches that the system found in your return. An appropriate response is required within the given time of such notice, either by accepting or denying the adjustment to be made to documents supporting the return. Omitting to take note of this notice might lead to a reduced refund, a delayed refund, or a tax demand. Quick response ensures faster processing.