ITR: Is there a delay in getting ITR refund? Know the reasons why the money can get stuck? Check the status like this..

ITR Refund 2025: Every year, crores of taxpayers file income tax returns (Income Tax Return Filing 2025) and then start waiting for their refund. Usually, the Income Tax Department processes the refund (ITR Refund Process) within 20 to 45 days of e-verification. But sometimes it happens that the money does not reach the account for a long time, and one starts worrying about where the refund got stuck.

If the same question is arising in your mind too, then let us know what can be the reasons for the delay in income tax refund (income tax refund delayed), and how you can check the status of your refund (ITR Refund Status).

Reasons for delay in refund (Income Tax Refund Delayed Reasons)

E-Verification Pending: Till you e-verify the ITR, the return will not be processed.

Delay in physical verification: If you have sent ITR-V by post to CPC (Centralised Processing Centre) Bangalore and it does not reach on time, then there may be a delay in processing.
High processing load: If there is pressure on the Income Tax Department to file more returns, then the refund may be delayed.
Error in ITR: If there is any mistake in your ITR or the information does not match, then the department can hold back the refund till clarification is received.
Bank account problem: Wrong bank account number, inactive account, or a freeze on the account can hold up the refund.
Due tax: If there is any tax due on you, then the refund can be adjusted against the same.
Technical glitch: A Technical problem in the IT department or bank can also sometimes cause a delay.
Portal update: Upgrades or changes on the e-filing portal can also slow down the processing for some time.
Refund re-issue required: Sometimes the refund does not reach the account even after being issued. In such a situation, a re-issue request has to be made.

How to check refund status?

You can check your refund status by following the steps given below.

First of all, go to incometax.gov.in website.

Now, log in by entering your PAN (user ID), password, and captcha.

Go to the menu and click on 'View Returns / Forms'.

Select 'Income Tax Returns' there.

Select the assessment year for which you want to see the refund and submit it.

Now you will see the Acknowledgment Number of ITR in front of you. Click on it.

Here you can see the complete status of your refund.

Refund information can also be found in Form 26AS under 'Tax Credit Statements'. If the bank details are wrong, then the message "No Records Found" may appear on the portal.

What to do if the refund is late?

Complete your e-verification immediately.
Re-check the ITR and respond on time if you receive any notice.

Check that your bank details are correct and updated.

Keep checking the refund status from time to time.

If the delay is too long, contact your Assessing Officer.

If necessary, file a complaint (Grievance) on the e-filing portal.

Beware of scammers

Recently, cases of fake calls, emails, and pop-up alerts related to ITR refund have increased. Fraudsters try to steal bank details and personal information. Remember, check official information only from the Income Tax Department website or a trusted channel.

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