Waiting for an Income Tax refund can be stressful, especially when it doesn’t arrive within the usual timeframe.

For FY 2024-25, delays are being reported across India, mainly due to stricter verification of exemption claims, high-value refunds, and occasional technical issues on the e-filing portal.

Understanding why your refund is delayed and what you can do can save both time and frustration.

CHECKING YOUR REFUND STATUS ONLINE

The simplest way to track your refund is via the Income Tax Department’s official e-filing portal.

On the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal, log in using your PAN and password. Once logged in, go to ‘View Filed Returns’ under the e-File section and select Assessment Year 2025-26.

Here you can see the status of your refund. Common indicators include:

Refund paid: The amount has been credited to your bank account.

Refund not determined: No refund is due as per the department’s assessment.

Refund failed: An error occurred while processing the refund.

Refund adjusted: The refund has been set off against outstanding dues.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR REFUND IS DELAYED

If your refund remains under processing, first ensure your ITR has been e-verified, as refunds cannot be processed without this step. You can also check Form 26AS to verify if the refund has already been credited to your account.

For delays beyond the usual processing period, you can raise a grievance through the e-filing portal. The Income Tax Department’s helpdesk is also available for guidance. Keep all relevant documents handy, including ITR acknowledgment, bank details, and correspondence, to expedite the resolution.

High-value refunds or returns flagged for discrepancies may naturally take longer due to additional verification. By actively monitoring your status and following these steps, you can stay informed and take timely action to ensure your refund reaches you without further delay.

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