Income Tax Refund Still Pending? Check Your Status and Reasons for Delay

Authored by: Vidya Muneeswaran
Updated: 21 Nov 2025, 1:54 pm
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The income tax return (ITR) filing deadline closed long ago on September 16, and most taxpayers have already received their refunds. But if yours is still pending, don’t panic, there are clear reasons behind the delay, and in many cases, you may even earn interest on it.
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Good News: You Get Interest on Delayed Refunds

If you filed your ITR before September 16, the Income Tax Department will pay 0.5% monthly interest on your refund starting April 1.

Filed after the deadline? Then interest counts from the date of filing.


Before Processing Your Refund, Three Things Must Be Correct

The tax department will only process your refund if:
  • You have a valid user ID and password on the I-T portal.
  • Your PAN is linked to Aadhaar.
  • Your ITR includes a refund claim.

How Long Does a Refund Usually Take?

According to the I-T portal, refunds normally take 4-5 weeks to reflect in your bank account.
If more time has passed, check your inbox for:
  • Emails about discrepancies in your return,
  • Notifications from the department,
  • Or updates on your refund status.

How to Check Your Refund Status (Step-by-Step)

  • Visit the I-T e-filing homepage.
  • Log in using your user ID and password.
  • Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.
  • Select the assessment year to see your refund status.
  • Click View Details to see the complete life cycle of your filed return.

Why Your Refund May Be Delayed

Several common issues can slow down the refund process:
  • TDS/TCS mismatch in Form 26AS or AIS.
  • Wrong deduction claims made while filing.
  • Salaried taxpayers claiming incorrect allowances.
  • Incorrect income reporting leading to a defective return.
  • Previous filing of fake or suspicious deductions, placing your return under stricter scrutiny.

If your refund hasn’t arrived yet, a quick check on the I-T portal and a review of your return details can help clear things up. And the best part? Even delays can work in your favor, thanks to the interest that keeps adding up.


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