Many taxpayers across India are getting a bit restless this year as ITR refund delays continue to stretch beyond the usual timeline for AY 2025-26. Even though the Income Tax Return filing deadline closed on September 16, 2025, a noticeable number of people are still waiting for their refunds to hit their bank accounts.
The Income Tax Department usually processes refunds fairly quickly—normally within 4–5 weeks after filing and e-verifying the return. But if your refund feels stuck, you’re definitely not alone. A mix of verification issues, mismatched details, and data checks is slowing things down for several taxpayers this time.
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Why Refunds Are Taking Longer This Year
Refund delays aren’t unusual, but they tend to create a lot of anxiety because people expect the money to arrive like clockwork. According to the IT Department, the typical processing window hasn’t changed—yet more returns are going through additional verification.
One of the key advisories from the department says taxpayers should look out for any discrepancy-related intimation if they don’t receive refunds in the expected time frame. These notifications often land in your registered email, so it’s worth checking spam folders too.
How to Check Your ITR Refund Status Online
If you’re wondering whether your refund is stuck, under review, or already processed, the income tax portal gives you real-time updates. The steps are super simple:
- Visit eportal.incometax.gov.in
- Log in with your user ID and password
- Head to the ‘e-File’ section
- Click ‘Income Tax Returns’ → ‘View Filed Returns’
- Choose your relevant ITR to see the current refund status
This page will show whether your refund is processed, under review, or awaiting bank validation.
Most Common Reasons Behind ITR Refund Delays
Refund delays usually come down to a few known culprits. Here are the most frequent:
1. Bank Account Not Pre-Validated
If your bank account isn’t pre-validated or has incorrect details (like a wrong IFSC or account number), the refund simply won’t go through. Ensuring your account is active and validated on the portal is crucial.
2. Aadhaar–PAN Linking Issues
A mismatch between Aadhaar and PAN details—name, date of birth, or number—can trigger instant processing blocks. If your PAN isn’t properly linked with Aadhaar, the refund is likely to be held back until it’s corrected.
3. Incorrect Claims or Missing Documentation
If the system flags your deductions or TDS claims for additional proof, the refund is paused until verification is complete. Inflated claims or mismatched sections (like 80C or 80D) can trigger scrutiny.
4. Data Mismatch in Form 26AS, AIS, or Form 16
Any inconsistency between your declared income and the data reported by your employer, bank, or financial institutions can delay refund approval. The IT Department will cross-check everything before initiating payment.
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What You Should Do if Your Refund Is Still Pending
If your refund hasn’t arrived even after 5–6 weeks:
- Recheck your emails for any intimation or notice
- Revisit your Form 26AS and AIS for mismatches
- Confirm your bank details and pre-validation
- Respond quickly to any request for clarification from the IT Department
A little delay doesn’t always mean trouble—most of the time, it’s just extra verification on the backend.
