What to do if the Income Tax Refund is Delayed?

Receiving an income tax refund is often a moment of relief for taxpayers, but delays in 2025 have left many individuals wondering about the causes and solutions. A delay on income tax refunds can result from various reasons, ranging from incorrect filing details to pending verifications. This article explores the most common causes behind refund delays and provides actionable steps to resolve them.

An income tax refund is the amount the government owes to a taxpayer when they have paid excess tax during the financial year. This can happen due to advance tax payments, higher tax deducted at source (TDS), or other reasons.

Eligibility for a refund arises when the taxes paid exceed the total tax liability after accounting for eligible deductions and exemptions. Taxpayers must file their income tax returns (ITR) accurately to claim refunds. Once the Income Tax Department processes the return and verifies the claim, the refund is credited to the taxpayer’s bank account.

Refund delays can occur for a variety of reasons. Below are the most common causes, explained in detail:

Incorrect information

Errors in your ITR, such as incorrect PAN, Aadhaar, or bank account details, can lead to delays. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches official records to avoid such issues.

Victim of tax fraud

If your PAN or Aadhaar has been misused for fraudulent filings, the Income Tax Department may withhold your refund until the issue is resolved. Always monitor your tax filings to ensure no unauthorised activity takes place.

Form 8379

If you have filed Form 8379, which is used to claim refunds in cases of joint liabilities like spousal income, it may take longer for the IT Department to process your refund.

Spousal demise

In cases where the taxpayer’s spouse has passed away, additional documentation or verification may be required, causing delays.

Communication address not updated

If your communication address is outdated, you may miss important notifications from the Income Tax Department, which can result in delays. Update your address on the income tax portal to stay informed.

False bank account information

If the bank account details provided in your ITR are incorrect, the refund cannot be processed. Ensure that your account number, IFSC code, and other bank details are accurate.

The IT department requires additional information

Sometimes, the Income Tax Department may request additional documents or clarifications to verify your claim. This can include proof of income, deductions, or investments. Respond promptly to avoid further delays.

Defective return filed

A defective return under Section 139(9) of the Income Tax Act can lead to delays. The department will notify you of the defect, and you must rectify it within the stipulated time.

Amendments made to the return file

If you have made amendments to your ITR after filing, the processing time may increase. The department will first verify the revised return before issuing the refund.

Refund adjusted with an outstanding demand of the prior year

If you have any pending tax dues from previous years, the department may adjust your refund against the outstanding demand. You will receive an intimation under Section 245 of the Income Tax Act in such cases.

If your income tax refund is delayed, here are some steps you can take:

1. Verify your return details: Double-check your ITR for errors in PAN, Aadhaar, or bank account details.
2. Check refund status: Use the income tax portal to track the status of your refund (steps provided below).
3. Respond to notices: If you have received an intimation under Section 245 or any other notice, respond promptly and provide the requested information.
4. Contact the IT Department: Reach out to the Income Tax Department’s helpline or visit your nearest income tax office for assistance.

You can check the status of your income tax refund online by following these steps:

1. Visit the Income Tax India e-filing portal.
2. Log in using your PAN/Aadhaar and password.
3. Navigate to the “My Account” section and click on “Refund/Demand Status.”
4. Enter the required details, such as your assessment year and ITR acknowledgment number.
5. View the current status of your refund, which could be pending, approved, or completed.

Alternatively, you can use the Income Tax Department’s mobile app to check your refund status.

Once the refund is credited to your bank account, you can confirm the deposit by checking your bank statement. The refund status on the income tax portal will also update to “Refund Paid.”

Here are some possible statuses you may encounter:

• Pending: The refund is under process and yet to be approved.
• Approved: The refund has been approved and is in the process of being credited.
• Completed: The refund has been successfully credited to your bank account.

If the refund amount does not match your expectations, verify whether any adjustments have been made for outstanding tax dues.

Delays in income tax refunds can be frustrating, but understanding the causes and taking proactive steps can help resolve the issue. Ensure your ITR is accurate, respond to notices promptly, and keep your communication details updated.

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