New Delhi: The ITR filing season got over on September 16, 2025. Now, crores of eligible taxpayers are awaiting their ITR refunds, which is usually received
within a few days. However, many taxpayers are venting their anger on social media platforms for not receiving their refunds. People with large amounts usually face longer time. In this article, we inform you why the refunds get delayed and what taxpayers can do in such scenario.
Income Tax Refund Delays: Experts’ Tips
Chartered Accountant Mihir Singh said that the refund process is slow as compared to previous years. The CA said several taxpayers are not entitled for any refund, but have to file their returns, but this time the processing is also delayed.
According to Singh, one of the reasons could be that the government has asked for more information from taxpayers, which has resulted in delays. The number of people filing their ITRs have also surged, which is also a reason behind the process getting delayed. According to the information, we are receiving from the department, the I-T department is taking necessary steps to expedite the entire process, the CA said.
Many people have vented anger on social media regarding the delay in Income Tax refunds. Some people claim that they filed their ITR three months ago, but are yet to receive their refunds. “All rules apply to ordinary people. Delays in filing returns often result in hefty penalties. Meanwhile, when refunds are delayed, it’s as if nothing has happened,” a person wrote on X.
Why is tax refund delayed? Expert explains
Taresh Bhatia, founder and financial planner at The Richness Academy, said that refunds could be delayed as in many cases information provided in the ITR doesn’t match the data available with the I-T department. Discrepancies are found in Form 26AS, AIS, or TDS data, or additional verification is initiated for large transactions, he added.
Bhatia further said backlogs during peak filing season also results in slowing down of the process. He advised taxpayers awaiting returns to file a complaint on the portal or contact the CPC helpline.
He informed that his ITR was filed before the deadline and thanked the Income Tax Department for processing the refund very quickly.
What to do if tax refund is late
Tax and investment expert Balwant Jain was also of the view that simple returns and small refunds are often processed quickly. However, large refunds or data errors result in delays. He also pointed out that minor errors made by taxpayers also results in delay.
He gave examples of delay like e-verification not done on time, the bank account aren’t pre-validated or the account is closed. Additionally, discrepancies in name and PAN card details, incorrect IFSC codes, also cerates problem and process gets delayed.
Tax Refund delayed: Where to register complaint
Affected people can call on CPC’s toll-free numbers: 1800 103 0025, 1800 419 0025, or +91-80-46122000 and +91-80-61464700. Complaints can also be filed on I-T department’s social media accounts.
How to check Tax refund status ?
Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal. Next step would be to go to the e-file section and select the ‘View Filed Returns’ option. The user can view the processing status of return and the refund/demand status.
How long does it take to get a refund after e-verification?
Usually, once a ITR is filed and e-verification is completed, the refund is credited to the bank account within four to five weeks. In ITR-1 or ITR-2 cases, the refund is processed even faster.
