Income Tax Refund Delayed? What to Do If Your ITR Refund Hasn’t Arrived
Many taxpayers are taking to social media with the same concern: months after filing their Income Tax Returns (ITRs), refunds are still nowhere in sight. While this can be frustrating, the delay isn’t unusual this year. The Income Tax Department has tightened its scrutiny, leading to slower processing, but also clearer reasons behind the hold-up.
This year, the tax department is also closely matching income details with Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), and the Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). Any mismatch, intentional or accidental, can flag your return and delay the refund. Pending tax demands, notices issued under Section 143(1), or even incorrect bank account details can further slow things down.
If the department’s findings are correct, accept them. If not, respond promptly with valid supporting documents. Keeping an eye on communication from the tax department is key.
Staying alert, responding on time, and ensuring your details match official records can help speed up the process and bring your refund home sooner.
Why are income tax refunds delayed this year?
Refunds usually get delayed when an ITR isn’t fully processed or when the department spots errors or non-compliance. One of the most common mistakes is not verifying the ITR after filing. Simply submitting the return isn’t enough, it must be verified through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC, or by sending a signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru. An unverified return is treated as invalid, and no refund is issued.This year, the tax department is also closely matching income details with Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), and the Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). Any mismatch, intentional or accidental, can flag your return and delay the refund. Pending tax demands, notices issued under Section 143(1), or even incorrect bank account details can further slow things down.
What should taxpayers do now?
First, don’t panic. A delayed refund doesn’t automatically mean a serious problem. Log in to the income tax e-filing portal and check the “Pending Actions” section for any notices. Download the intimation and carefully compare it with your filed return, Form 26AS, and AIS.If the department’s findings are correct, accept them. If not, respond promptly with valid supporting documents. Keeping an eye on communication from the tax department is key.
How to track your income tax refund
You can easily check your refund status online:- Visit the Income Tax India e-filing website
- Log in using your PAN, password, and captcha
- Go to ‘View Returns/Forms’
- Select ‘Income Tax Returns’ from the drop-down menu
- Enter the assessment year and submit
- Click on the relevant ITR acknowledgment number to view your refund status
Staying alert, responding on time, and ensuring your details match official records can help speed up the process and bring your refund home sooner.
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