For millions of taxpayers across India, filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is only half the journey. The real relief comes when the income tax refund finally hits the bank account. This year, while the Income Tax Department has processed and issued a large number of refunds, many taxpayers are still anxiously waiting, refreshing their bank apps and checking the refund status repeatedly.
So, what is really happening with income tax refunds this year? Why are some refunds delayed? And most importantly, how can you track your ITR refund status correctly and know what the delay actually means?
The Income Tax Department has confirmed that most refunds for the current assessment year have already been issued to taxpayers who filed their returns correctly and on time. These refunds are being credited directly to the bank accounts linked with PAN through a secure, automated system.
However, not all refunds are moving at the same speed. A significant number of taxpayers are reporting delays, leading to growing concerns and requests for extending the 31 December deadline for filing revised returns.
Refund delays do not automatically mean a problem or penalty, but they do require attention.
If your refund has not been credited yet, you are not alone. There are several common reasons behind refund delays, and most of them are fixable.
After filing your ITR, the status often shows “Return Processing in Progress.” This simply means the system is verifying your data with:
This process can take time, especially during peak filing months.
Your refund can only be credited if:
Even a small mismatch can delay the refund.
If the income shown in your ITR does not match the details available with the department, your refund may be put on hold for further verification.
Sometimes, the department issues an intimation or notice seeking clarification. If this notice is ignored or missed, refund processing can stop temporarily.
During deadline periods, the tax portal handles lakhs of returns daily, which naturally slows down processing for some cases.
Tracking your refund is simple and can be done in minutes if you follow the correct steps.
You may see statuses like:
This method is particularly useful once the refund has been approved and sent for payment.
Understanding the refund status message helps reduce unnecessary stress.
Good news! Your reimbursement has been processed and credited to your bank account. It may take a few working days for the change to take effect.
This usually happens due to:
This means:
If your refund is taking longer than expected, here’s what you should do calmly and systematically.
Ensure your:
are all correct and validated.
After logging in, look at the "Pending Actions" section of the portal.
If the department has raised a query, respond promptly with accurate information.
If your refund is significantly delayed, you can file a grievance through the e-Nivaran or grievance redressal system on the portal.
With many refunds still pending, taxpayers have been urging the Income Tax Department to extend the 31 December deadline for filing revised returns. The concern is genuine, as delayed refunds sometimes highlight mistakes that taxpayers want to correct without penalties.
While no official extension has been announced yet, experts advise taxpayers to:
Yes — absolutely.
Historically, taxpayers who:
tend to receive refunds much faster than last-minute filers.
Early filing also gives you enough time to correct errors if something goes wrong.
Let’s clear some confusion.
Reality: Most delays are technical or verification-related, not scrutiny.
Reality: Refunds are system-driven. Manual intervention is limited.
Reality: Refund amount does not determine processing speed.
If the Income Tax Department delays your refund beyond a specified time, you may be entitled to interest under Section 244A. This interest is usually added automatically when the refund is issued.
So while waiting is frustrating, there is at least some compensation for extended delays.
Waiting for an income tax refund can be stressful, especially when financial plans depend on it. But the most important thing to remember is that refund delays are common and usually temporary.
By:
you can ensure that your refund reaches you without unnecessary complications.
As the Income Tax Department continues processing pending cases, taxpayers are advised to stay alert, informed, and patient — because in most cases, the refund does arrive.
ExploreRealNews.com is a digital news and information platform committed to delivering accurate, timely, and reader-first content on current affairs, government updates, taxation, education, health, environment, and social issues.
Our focus is on simplifying complex topics—such as income tax rules, official deadlines, and public policies—into easy-to-understand, practical guides that help readers make informed decisions in real life. Stay tuned for more industry updates.
Follow us on facebook, Instagram, Linkedln and twitter for GST related tips that matter to you.