If you’re still waiting for your refund, you’re not alone. ITR refunds can get delayed when returns go through data-matching and verification checks, or when key steps like e-verification and bank validation are pending.
Also note this: refund processing generally starts only after your return is e-verified, and the Income Tax Department’s refund-status manual says refunds are usually credited in 4–5 weeks after e-verification (complex cases can take longer).
Why income tax refunds are getting delayed
1) Your ITR is filed but not e-verified
Filing is only step one. The Department’s FAQ states the time-limit for e-verification or submission of ITR-V is 30 days from the date of filing the return.
Until your ITR is verified, processing (and therefore refunds) may not move ahead.
2) Mismatch with Form 26AS, AIS or TIS
Refund processing may be delayed when mismatches are flagged between your ITR and Form 26AS / AIS / TIS.
For tax-credit differences, the portal provides a Tax Credit Mismatch view that shows mismatches against Form 26AS.
3) Outstanding demand or adjustment against old dues (Section 245)
If a past demand is pending, Section 245 allows the Department to set off your refund against the amount payable, after giving an intimation in writing of the proposed action.
4) You received an intimation under Section 143(1)
After processing, CPC issues an intimation u/s 143(1) (not a “notice”) which reflects the final computation. It can show no refund, a demand, or a revised refund compared with your claim.
5) Bank account issues (pre-validation matters)
Refunds can fail or get stuck if the account is not pre-validated, details are incorrect, or validation fails. The portal’s My Bank Account feature allows you to add, pre-validate, nominate, and revalidate failed accounts.
What you should do if your refund is delayed
Step 1: Check refund status on the e-Filing portal (official method)
- Log in to the e-Filing portal
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns
- Choose the Assessment Year and click View Details to see the status/lifecycle
Step 2: Check “Pending Actions” and download intimations/communications
If you have an intimation/communication, download it and compare it with your ITR plus Form 26AS/AIS/TIS. Then respond on the portal using the relevant service (for example, responding to outstanding demand).
Step 3: Confirm your return is verified (within the 30-day rule)
If verification is pending, complete e-verification. If you’re beyond the timeline, the portal provides a Condonation of Delay route for late verification in eligible cases.
Step 4: Fix bank validation issues (and request reissue if refund failed)
- Pre-validate or revalidate your bank account if it failed earlier.
- If your status shows Refund Failed, use Services → Refund Reissue and submit the request after validating the bank account.
Key Takeaways
- E-verify within 30 days of filing; refunds typically process after e-verification.
- Mismatch flags (AIS/26AS/TIS) can delay processing until you review/act.
- Pre-validate your bank account and use Refund Reissue if the refund fails.
FAQ
A1: Delays can happen due to pending e-verification (30-day rule), mismatches with AIS/26AS/TIS, old demand set-off under Section 245, or bank validation issues.
A2: Log in and go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns → View Details to see the refund status and lifecycle.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not personalised tax advice. For your specific case, rely on official portal communications or consult a qualified tax professional.
