ITR Refund Delayed? 7 Key Reasons & Exact Timeline You Should Know

ITR Refund: The last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) was September 16th. Most tax authorities have processed refunds by now, but in some cases, it may still be pending. If you are still waiting for your ITR refund, here's when you can expect it, common reasons for delays, and how to check your refund status.

Why Your ITR Refund May Be Delayed

After the ITR submission is confirmed, the Income Tax Department usually starts processing the refund. Generally, the refund is credited to the taxpayer's bank account within 4-5 weeks. Delays in refund processing can occur due to verification issues, incorrect bank details, or errors in the data. Note that the tax department only starts processing the refund after you e-verify your return. If your bank account is already pre-validated, the refund may be processed faster. If you don't receive the refund within 4-5 weeks, check your ITR for any discrepancies and check your email for notifications from the IT Department.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your ITR Refund Status

Step 1 - First, go to the official Income Tax website.

Step 2 - Now log in with your user ID and password.

Step 3 - Here, go to the e-file option and then to Income Tax Return.

Step 4 - After that, click on the View Filed Return option.

Step 5 - This way, you can easily find out your refund status.

It's also possible that your PAN is not linked to your Aadhaar, which is why you haven't received your refund yet. You can link your PAN to Aadhaar only until December 31st. Now let's learn what steps you need to follow to link your PAN with Aadhaar.

Deadline Alert: Link Your Aadhaar and PAN Before December 31

Aadhaar-PAN Linking Issues - If your PAN and Aadhaar are not linked or the information doesn't match, the refund may be delayed.

Incorrect Claims or Information - Incorrect or incomplete claims for deductions or tax credits can delay your refund. The tax authorities may send a notice and scrutinize your return.

Mismatched Information - Any discrepancies in the details provided in Form 26AS, AIS, or Form 16 will delay the refund process. The refund will be credited only after clarification is received.

Refund Processing Time - The tax department processes refunds only after the taxpayer verifies the return electronically. If you don't receive your refund within the stipulated time, check your ITR notifications and email for any discrepancies.