ITR Refund Delay: Know Common Reasons Why Your Money Gets Stuck and How to Track Status

Every year, many people file Income Tax Returns (ITR Filing 2025) and wait for their refund. Normally, the Income Tax Department sends the refund within 20 to 45 days after e-verification. But sometimes the money does not come, and people worry about it. If you also have this question, then know the reasons for delay in ITR refund and how to check your refund status.

Income Tax Refund Delay Reasons

• E-verification pending: If you do not e-verify the ITR, it will not be processed.
• Delay in physical verification: If you send ITR-V by post to CPC Bangalore and it does not reach on time, the refund may get delayed.
• High processing load: If the Income Tax Department has too many returns to process, the refund can take more time.
• Error in ITR: If there is a mistake in your ITR or mismatch in details, the department can stop the refund till correction is done.
• Bank account problem: Wrong account number, inactive account, or ban on account can stop the refund.
• Due tax: If you have pending tax, the refund will be adjusted against it.
• Technical glitch: A technical issue in the IT department or bank can also cause delay.
• Portal update: Changes or updates on the e-filing portal can slow down the process.
• Refund re-issue needed: Sometimes the refund does not reach the account even after being issued. In such cases, a re-issue request is required.

How to Check Refund Status

1. Go to the website incometax.gov.in
2. Login with PAN (user ID),password, and captcha.
3. Click on ‘View Returns / Forms’ from the menu.
4. Select ‘Income Tax Returns’.
5. Choose the assessment year and submit.
6. You will see the ITR Acknowledgment Number. Click on it.
7. The refund status will be shown.
8. Refund details can also be checked in Form 26AS under ‘Tax Credit Statements’. If bank details are wrong, the portal may show “No Records Found”.

What to Do If Refund is Delayed

• Complete e-verification quickly.
• Re-check ITR and reply on time if you get a notice.
• Make sure bank details are correct and updated.
• Keep checking refund status regularly.
• If delay is very long, contact your Assessing Officer.
• If needed, file a complaint on the e-filing portal.

Beware of Scammers

Fake calls, emails, and pop-up alerts about ITR refund are increasing. Fraudsters try to steal bank and personal details. Always check refund status only on the official Income Tax Department website or trusted sources.