Income Tax Refund: Is there a delay in getting Income Tax Refund? Know in how many days the refund comes, why your money can get stuck..

Have you filed your Income Tax Return and are now waiting for your refund? If yes, then you are not alone. This year, many taxpayers got their refund very quickly, but a large number of people are still worried. Weeks have passed, yet the money has not come. In such a situation, the question arises of how long it takes for the refund to come? Why is there a delay? Can the refund get stuck? And what to do if the money does not come?

This time, the system has become faster than ever, but at the same time, the investigation of the tax department has also become stricter. On the one hand, the Income Tax Department has made the refund process (ITR Refund Process) faster than ever by adopting advanced technology; on the other hand, many taxpayers are worried why their money has not come yet. In such a situation, if you are also struggling with these questions, then this news is for you. Here we are going to give you all the information related to the refund, every update, and answers to every question in simple language...

More than 1.16 crore ITRs filed so far, 1.09 crore returns verified

More than 1.16 crore ITRs have been filed so far for the assessment year 2025–26, out of which 1.09 crore returns have also been verified. That is, technically, the process of getting a refund has started.

Now it takes only 17 days for a refund; earlier, it used to take 3 months.

The biggest relief for taxpayers is that now they do not have to wait for months for an income tax refund. While in the year 2013 it used to take an average of 93 days, now in 2024 this time has been reduced to just 17 days. This change has been possible due to the digital initiative, automation, and transparent system of the Income Tax Department.

Features like pre-filled returns, real-time TDS adjustment, auto processing, and online complaint resolution on the e-filing portal have made this process much better than before.

Why are taxpayers upset? Why are refunds getting stuck?

Despite this, many taxpayers are complaining on social media that they have filed the return, completed the verification, but even after 3 to 4 weeks, the money has not come. A big reason for this is the strict investigation process of the department this time. This year, not only the returns of the current year, but also the old returns are being scrutinized. That is, the Income Tax Department is closely examining the returns so that wrong or fake claims can be stopped. Due to this, those taxpayers are facing some delay whose returns have anything suspicious or verification of documents is taking time.

How to check the refund status and how to complain?

If you have filed ITR and e-verification is also complete, but the money has not come, then first log in to the income tax portal. You can check the status of your refund by going to the “View Filed Returns” or “Refund/Demand Status” section.

If your bank account is linked and pre-validated with the portal, and everything is correct, but still the refund has not come, then you can file an online complaint through the “e-Nivaran” facility. If needed, the matter can also be sent to CPC (Centralized Processing Center) or the Assessing Officer of your area.

If the refund comes late, interest will be charged

Another thing that gives relief to taxpayers is that if the department gives a refund after the stipulated time, then there is a provision to pay interest on it under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act. That is, if the money is received late, then there will be some interest on it.

The refund system has improved.
While the Income Tax Department had issued a refund of about Rs 83 thousand crore in the year 2013-14, this figure has reached Rs 4.76 lakh crore in 2024-25, i.e., an increase of 474%. Similarly, the number of people filing tax returns has increased from 3.8 crores to 8.89 crores, and the total direct tax collection has also increased by 274% to Rs 27 lakh crore.

If your refund has arrived and if you are still waiting, then do not worry. The system is now faster than before, but there may be some delay due to the strictness of the investigation. You can check the status by visiting the portal, file a complaint if needed, and do not leave any deficiencies in your documents. After all this, your refund will come.

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