Many taxpayers are waiting for their Income Tax Return (ITR) refunds for the assessment year 2025-26. If you're among those who haven't received it yet, it's essential to understand the possible causes and know who to contact. Typically, the Income Tax Department processes refunds within 4-5 weeks of filing your ITR. Delays can occur due to various reasons, and knowing how to address them can help expedite the process.

Common Reasons for ITR Refund Delays

Several factors can contribute to delays in receiving your ITR refund. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Incorrect Information: Errors in your ITR, such as incorrect bank account details (account number, MICR code, IFSC code), mismatch in name or date of birth in PAN records and bank passbook, or providing details of a closed account can cause delays. Ensure your bank account is pre-validated on the Income Tax Portal.
• Verification Issues: Failing to verify your ITR after filing is a frequent cause for delays. ITR verification is crucial; unverified returns are considered invalid. You can verify your ITR through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC, or by sending a signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru.
• Mismatch in Information: Discrepancies between the income reported in your ITR and information reflected in Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), or Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) can lead to delays. The Income Tax Department may flag such mismatches, leading to increased scrutiny.
• Outstanding Tax Dues: Refunds may be withheld if you have pending tax dues from previous years.
• Scrutiny: Your ITR might be selected for scrutiny, especially if there are high-value claims involved, which leads to additional checks and validations.
• Pending Filings: Incomplete returns from previous years can also pause the refund process.
• Technical Issues: Implementation of new tax reforms or technical upgrades to the Income Tax Portal can sometimes temporarily affect refund timelines.

Steps to Take If Your Refund Is Delayed

If you haven't received your refund within the typical processing time, here’s what you should do:

1. Check Refund Status on the Income Tax Portal:
   • Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
   • Log in using your PAN, password, and captcha code.
   • Go to "My Account" then click "Refund/Demand Status" or go to "e-File" tab, select "Income Tax Returns", and then choose "View Filed Returns".
   • Select the relevant Assessment Year (AY 2025-26) to view your refund status.
   • The status will indicate whether the refund is processed, sent, or pending.
2. Verify Your Filing Details:
   • Ensure all details in your ITR are accurate and complete.
   • Check for any intimations or notices sent by the Income Tax Department and respond to them promptly.
3. Update Bank Details:
   • Confirm that your bank account is valid, active, and pre-validated on the portal.
   • Ensure that your PAN is linked with your bank account.
4. Contact the Income Tax Department Helpline:
   • For any queries, you can contact the Income Tax Department's support team.
   • Call the helpline numbers: 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025 (for domestic calls) or +91-80-46122000 or +91-80-61464700 (for international calls).
5. File a Grievance:
   • If your issue remains unresolved, use the grievance redressal system on the portal to report the problem.
   • You can also submit your grievance in the e-filing portal.

Additional Resources

• Aaykar Seva Kendra (ASK): Visit an Aaykar Seva Kendra for assistance with application filing and status monitoring.
• TDS Centralised Processing Centre (TRACES): For queries related to Annual Tax Statement (Form 26AS), you can contact TRACES.
• NSDL e-PAN Protean Portal: Check refund status by entering your PAN and assessment year.
• Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS): Lodge your complaints through CPGRAMS for monitoring and resolution.

By taking these proactive steps, you can minimize delays and ensure a smoother ITR refund processing. Maintaining accurate tax records and responding promptly to any communication from the Income Tax Department are crucial for timely refunds and effective financial planning.