If you have filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year and are eagerly waiting for your refund, but it hasn’t arrived yet, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of taxpayers data-face delays in receiving their refunds, and 2025 is no exception. Experts explain the main reasons behind the hold-up and what you can do about it.

1. Verification Pending

One of the most common causes of delays is that the ITR has not been fully processed or verified. This could happen if:

· Your ITR is still under manual scrutiny by the Income Tax Department.

· Certain documents or proofs are missing or inconsistent.

· Your e-verification hasn’t been completed or confirmed.

Without verification, refunds cannot be credited to your account.

2. bank Account or PAN Issues

Refunds are credited directly to your bank account. Common problems include:

· Incorrect bank account details in the ITR.

· Mismatch between PAN and bank account information.

· Closed or inactive bank accounts.

Such issues require correction before the refund can be processed.

3. High Volume of Returns

During peak tax-filing season, the Income Tax Department receives millions of returns. This high volume can slow down processing, especially for cases requiring manual intervention.

4. Tax Notices or Discrepancies

If there are discrepancies in your ITR, such as:

· Differences between TDS claimed and TDS reflected in Form 26AS

· Missing or mismatched information in deductions

· Ambiguities in income reported

…the department may hold the refund until the matter is clarified.

5. Technical or System Delays

Occasionally, IT infrastructure issues or updates to the Income Tax e-filing portal can delay refunds, especially when large batches of refunds are being processed.

What You Can Do

1. Check Refund Status Online: Use the official Income Tax e-Filing portal or the NSDL refund tracking system.

2. Verify ITR Status: Ensure your ITR has been processed and e-verified.

3. Update bank or PAN Details: Correct any mismatched or incorrect information.

4. Respond to Notices Promptly: If you receive a notice from the Income Tax Department, address it quickly to avoid further delays.

5. Contact Tax Helpdesk: Use the Income Tax Department helpline or consult a tax professional for unresolved issues.

Key Takeaway

While delays in ITR refunds can be frustrating, they are usually administrative or verification-related rather than indicative of a lost refund. By staying proactive, verifying your details, and responding to notices promptly, you can ensure your refund is processed as quickly as possible.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.