If your income tax refund is delayed, first check your refund status on the income tax portal, verify bank account details, and respond to any pending notices.
If the issue persists, raise a grievance online.
AI ANSWER BOX
What should I do if my income tax refund is delayed?
Check ITR processing status, ensure bank account is validated, respond to CPC notices, and raise a grievance on the income tax portal if refund is still pending.
INTRODUCTION
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) on time but still waiting for your refund can be frustrating. Many taxpayers in India face income tax refund delays every year due to verification issues, mismatched data, or technical errors.
The good news?
👉 Most refund delays are fixable once you know the reason.
This guide explains:
How long refunds usually take
Why income tax refunds get delayed
Step-by-step actions you should take
When and how to raise a grievance
Written with practical tax-filing experience and expert insight, this blog helps you get your refund faster.
HOW LONG DOES INCOME TAX REFUND TAKE?
Normally, income tax refunds are processed within:
| Filing Mode | Expected Refund Time |
|---|---|
| E-verified ITR | 7–45 days |
| Physical ITR-V | 30–60 days |
| Revised ITR | 30–90 days |
📌 During peak filing seasons, delays are common.
❓ COMMON REASONS WHY YOUR TAX REFUND IS DELAYED
🔹 1. ITR Not E-Verified
If your ITR is filed but not e-verified, processing does not start.
📌 Refund won’t be issued without verification.
🔹 2. Bank Account Not Validated
Refunds are credited only to:
Pre-validated bank accounts
Accounts linked with PAN
Even a small mismatch can stop refunds.
🔹 3. Mismatch in ITR & AIS/26AS
Differences in:
TDS claimed
Income reported
Form 26AS or AIS data
➡️ Leads to manual review and delay.
🔹 4. Outstanding Tax Demand
If there is:
Old tax demand
Interest or penalty pending
Refund may be adjusted or withheld.
🔹 5. Notice from CPC (Ignored)
If you received:
Intimation under Section 143(1)
Defective return notice
And didn’t respond → refund stays on hold.
🔹 6. Incorrect Bank or IFSC Details
Wrong account number or inactive account = refund failure.
HOW TO CHECK INCOME TAX REFUND STATUS (STEP-BY-STEP)
Login to income tax e-filing portal
Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns
Select assessment year
Click View Details
Check refund & processing status
Statuses you may see:
Refund issued
Refund failed
Under processing
Adjusted against demand
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR REFUND IS DELAYED (ACTION PLAN)
✅ Step 1: Verify Your ITR
Ensure ITR is e-verified via:
Aadhaar OTP
Net banking
DSC
✅ Step 2: Validate Bank Account
Add correct bank account
Validate with PAN
Mark it as primary
✅ Step 3: Respond to Pending Notices
Check:
e-Proceedings section
CPC communications
Reply within deadline.
✅ Step 4: Request Refund Reissue
If refund failed earlier:
Go to Services → Refund Reissue
Update bank details
✅ Step 5: Raise Grievance (If Needed)
If refund is delayed beyond reasonable time:
Use e-Nivaran / Grievance option
Select category: Refund delay
📌 Grievances usually get response within 7–15 days.
EXPERT COMMENTARY
“Most income tax refund delays are caused by simple verification or bank validation issues. Timely response on the portal resolves 90% of cases.”
— Chartered Accountant, Direct Tax Practice
MISTAKES TAXPAYERS SHOULD AVOID
Ignoring CPC emails/SMS
Using inactive bank accounts
Filing incorrect revised returns
Assuming refund is automatic
Not checking AIS/26AS before filing
PRO TIPS TO GET REFUND FASTER NEXT TIME
File ITR early
E-verify immediately
Match data with AIS & Form 26AS
Use same bank account every year
Avoid last-minute revisions
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. Why is my income tax refund delayed?
Usually due to verification, bank issues, or mismatched data.
2. How long should I wait for refund?
Up to 45 days after e-verification.
3. Can refund be stopped?
Yes, if tax demand or notice exists.
4. What if refund failed?
Request refund reissue.
5. Does refund earn interest?
Yes, under Section 244A.
6. How to raise refund grievance?
Through income tax portal.
7. Can refund be adjusted against old demand?
Yes.
8. Is PAN-bank linking mandatory?
Yes.
9. What if CPC made mistake?
Raise rectification request.
10. Does revised return delay refund?
Yes, usually.
11. Will SMS/email come?
Yes, if registered.
12. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
For e-verification.
13. Can CA help?
Yes, for complex cases.
14. What if refund is very old?
File grievance or visit AO.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Refund delays are common but solvable
Always e-verify your ITR
Validate bank details carefully
Respond to CPC notices quickly
Raise grievance if delay persists
CONCLUSION + CTA
An income tax refund delay doesn’t mean your money is lost — it usually means something needs attention. By following the right steps on time, you can resolve the issue and get your refund credited smoothly.
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Published on : 12th January
Published by : SMITA
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