Income tax refunds often delay due to missed e-verification, data mismatches, or incorrect bank details.
Checking refund status online helps identify whether the issue lies with processing, approval, or bank failure.
Prompt action on notices, bank validation, and grievances usually resolves refund delays quickly.
The wait for an income tax refund can feel endless, particularly when you have done everything right. You have filed on time, attached every document and made accurate calculations. Still, your refund status can show ‘processing’ week after week.
This situation frustrates many Indian taxpayers every year, but here is what most of us don't even realize: refund delays are not always about serious problems. Instead, one minor overlooked step will lead to the holdup. Identifying that missing piece can get your money moving again!
Refunds do not move forward after filing alone. E-verification is the first step, and only after it is complete does the system start processing the return. This step is often ignored by many taxpayers who wrongly think that filing alone will suffice.
Data mismatch is another common factor. If income, TDS, or tax paid in your return does not align with Form 26AS or the Annual Information Statement (AIS), the return goes into review. Even minor discrepancies can slow things down.
Problems with the bank could cause a lot of trouble. A dormant account, an incorrect IFSC code, or a lack of pre-validation can cause a refund to fail post-approval.
The tax department usually sends a communication or notice asking for an explanation. Your refund will be held up until you reply. Peak filing season adds pressure. Between July and September, processing slows as the system handles a surge of returns.
Access the Income Tax e-Filing system by using your PAN and login credentials.
Navigate to ‘e-File’ and select ‘Income Tax Returns’. Then click on ‘View Filed Returns’.
Pick the right assessment year to view the present status.
Know the meanings of the various statuses:
Under Processing: The return is still being verified.
Refund Approved: The amount set for the refund has been approved.
Refund Issued: The amount has been refunded to your bank account.
Refund Failed: The bank problem caused the payment to be unsuccessful.
You can also refer to the TIN-NSDL refund status page for tracking your refund, where your PAN and assessment year are needed. If the status says ‘Refund Issued,’ then checking your bank statement, registered email, or SMS alerts is necessary.
Also Read: How to Check PAN - Aadhaar Linking Status Using Income Tax Portal
Check the Pending Actions or e-Proceedings section on the e-Filing portal for any unanswered notices or clarification requests.
Quickly respond to notifications and upload documents as needed.
Check your bank account information and make sure that the account is active, the details are entered correctly, and it is pre-validated.
If the refund failed previously, use the Refund Reissue option to provide new bank details.
Check Form 26AS and AIS to make sure that the TDS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax figures in your return are the same as your figures.
If a deductor has made an error, ask them to file a correction statement.
If weeks pass with no movement, raise a grievance on the e-Filing portal under the refund category. Clear, concise complaints often speed up resolution.
Once verification is complete, refunds typically arrive within four to five weeks. Returns flagged for scrutiny or data review take longer. When delays are not caused by taxpayer error, tax law allows interest on the refund for the delayed period, subject to conditions.
Refund scammers often take advantage of taxpayer fears and send out fake emails and messages claiming refunds are waiting or have already been approved. The links in these messages frequently redirect to sites designed to steal personal information.
The tax agency will never request passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or banking information through unofficial means. Always verify the refund status on the official website only.
Also Read: Can Income Tax Department Check Your Emails and Social Media Starting 2026? PIB Reveals the Truth
The first step is to file returns and e-verify them. After this, a bank account should be active and certified. One should also check the notices and reply to them in due time. User return information must correspond with Form 26AS and AIS.
Most refund delays have routine explanations. One should spot the bottleneck early and take the necessary measures to ensure an uninterrupted process.
1. Why is my income tax refund delayed even after filing on time?
Refunds get delayed due to missed e-verification, mismatched tax data, incorrect bank details, pending notices, or high processing volumes during peak filing season.
2. How can I check my income tax refund status online in India?
Log in to the income tax e-filing portal, select View Filed Returns, choose the assessment year, and track whether the refund is under processing, approved, or issued.
3. What should I do if my income tax refund shows ‘Refund Failed’?
Check and correct bank account details, ensure the account is active and pre-validated, then request a refund reissue through the e-filing portal.
4. How long does it usually take to receive an income tax refund?
After successful e-verification, refunds generally take 4 to 5 weeks, though cases involving scrutiny or data mismatches may take significantly longer.
5. Will I get interest if my income tax refund is delayed?
Yes, if the delay is not your fault, tax rules allow interest on refunds for the delayed period, subject to applicable conditions.