The Income Tax Department requests taxpayers every year to check emails regularly to check the reason for errors or for any other information if the refund is not received within 4-5 weeks.
Highlights
One of the reasons for ITR delay is "non-e-verification"
E-Filing can be done through https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
File a complaint in the “e-Nivaran / Grievance” section on the e-Filing portal
An Income Tax Return (ITR) represents the amount of tax you've paid in excess, such as TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax. When your actual tax deduction is less than the amount due, the Income Tax Department refunds that amount to you. However, there's a process for this, which you should be aware of. Even after filing an Income Tax Return, refunds are often delayed, and there's no single reason for this delay.
The Income Tax Department annually requests taxpayers to check emails regularly to check the reason for errors or for any other information if the refund is not received within 4-5 weeks. The department says, "If the refund is not received within the stipulated period, taxpayers should check the information regarding errors in the ITR. Check emails for any communication from the IT department regarding the return."
If your tax refund hasn't arrived yet, make sure you've verified your ITR. Failing to e-verify your ITR results in incomplete filing, making it invalid. Let's take a look at all the details.
Common Delay Reasons for ITR Delay
1. E-verification not completed:
When you file your ITR, it must be e-verified. If this step is not completed, refund processing will not begin.
2. Incorrect bank account details
, bank account not pre-validated, incorrect IFSC code, mismatch of bank account name with your name and PAN details, and bank account closure are some of the reasons for refund not getting credited to the account successfully.
3. PAN and Aadhaar not linked
If PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, your PAN may become “inoperative” and refund may fail.
4. Mismatch in Form/AIS/26AS/ITR data
If the income, TDS details or other information you have provided does not match with Form 26AS, AIS, or other sources, it may be reviewed by the department, which may cause delays.
5. Refund Adjustment / Demand Adjustment:
If you already have a refund due, the department may adjust that amount against your refund. This is done under Section 245 adjustments, which can cause delays.
6. Large refund amount
If your refund amount is large, the department may do extra verification.
7. Filing too close to the return timeline
If you file too close to the ITR deadline, or during a period when a lot of returns are being filed, there may be a delay in processing.
8. Technical or Administrative Delays
Sometimes there are delays in technical processes at the Income Tax Department, CPC, or the bank, which takes time to issue the refund.
How to track ITR online?
Method 1: Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Visit the e-Filing portal – https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
Login by entering your User ID (which is often PAN), password, and Captcha
Now go to e-File -> Income Tax Returns -> View Filed Returns.
Select the Assessment Year (AY) in which you have claimed the refund.
Click on View Details / View Refund Status. Here you will also see the refund's "lifecycle" (how far it has been processed).
If there is a refund failure, then look for the “Refund Reissue” option on the portal.
Method 2: NSDL / TIN Refund Status
If your refund has been assessed (sent to the bank by the department through the AO), you can check the status by visiting the NSDL site and entering your PAN + Assessment Year.
(Note: This feature is applicable for refunds for which payment has been sent to the bank.)
When do you get your refund? (Expected Timeline)
Refunds typically arrive in your bank account within 4 to 5 weeks (about a month). It's said that in mild cases, refunds can be processed within 7-21 working days, provided there are no incorrect data. If there is a delay, the department also charges interest, in some cases as high as 0.5% per month or part thereof.
What to do if I don't receive my refund?
Register Grievance / Complaint – You can register a complaint in the “e-Nivaran / Grievance” section on the e-Filing portal.
Raise Refund Reissue Request - If refund is failed, validate the bank account and apply for refund reissue.
Contact AO / CPC – If the case is complicated, contact the Assessing Officer (AO) or CPC (Central Processing Centre).
Send a letter or mail – You can send a written request (if needed) to the department.
Check the portal from time to time – new intimation notices may appear, please pay attention to them.
Claim interest – If there is a delay, you can claim applicable interest where statutory provisions apply.
How many days does it take to get income tax refund?
