ITR Refund Delayed? Here’s How to File a Complaint and Track Your Income Tax Refund

For most taxpayers, the real sense of relief after filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) comes only when the refund amount is credited to their bank account. However, in 2025, many taxpayers are still waiting for their refunds despite their returns showing as processed. If your ITR refund has not arrived yet, there is no need to panic. In most cases, delays happen due to minor issues such as income mismatches, deduction discrepancies, or pending tax notices. The good news is that there are clear steps you can follow to track your refund and lodge a complaint if required.

Why Income Tax Refunds Get Delayed

Even after successful ITR filing, refunds can be held up for several reasons. These may include mismatches between declared income and Form 26AS or AIS, errors in claimed deductions, unvalidated bank accounts, or outstanding tax demands from previous years. Sometimes, the return may be processed, but the refund transaction gets stuck at the bank’s end.

Understanding where exactly the refund is delayed is the first step toward resolution.

Step 1: Check Your ITR Refund Status Online

Before taking any further action, you should check the exact status of your refund.

Log in to the official income tax portal incometax.gov.in using your PAN and password.
Navigate to e-File, then select Income Tax Returns, and click on View Filed Returns.

Now choose the relevant Assessment Year, such as AY 2025–26, and review the refund status carefully.

• If the status shows “Processed with Refund Due”, it means the refund has been approved but not yet credited.

• If it shows “Refund Failed”, there is likely an issue with your bank details.

• If the status reads “Refund Paid” but the money is not credited, the transaction may be pending or failed on the bank’s side.

Step 2: Contact the Right Authority Based on Refund Status

Depending on your refund status, different authorities can help resolve the issue.

1. Contact CPC Bengaluru

If your return processing is taking too long or you have received an intimation but no refund, you should contact the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru.

You can reach CPC through:

• Toll-free numbers: 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025

• Direct numbers: 080-46122000 or 080-61464700

Support is available from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Friday.

2. Contact SBI if Refund Shows “Paid”

Income tax refunds are issued through State Bank of India (SBI). If the portal shows “Refund Paid” but the amount has not reached your bank account, contact SBI directly.

• Toll-free number: 1800 425 9760

• Email: itro@sbi.co.in

You may be asked to provide details such as your PAN and Assessment Year for verification.

3. Reach Out to Your Assessing Officer (AO)

If your refund has been adjusted against old tax dues, is under scrutiny, or has been modified under Section 245, CPC or SBI may not be able to help. In such cases, you must contact your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO).

You can find AO details by logging into the income tax portal and using the “Know Your AO” option.

Step 3: File an Online Grievance for Faster Resolution

If calling helplines is not effective, filing an online grievance is one of the most reliable ways to resolve refund delays.

To submit a grievance:

• Log in to the income tax portal.

• Go to the Grievances section and select Submit Grievance.

• Choose CPC-ITR as the department.

• Select the category “Refund not received.”

• Enter your Acknowledgement Number and relevant details.

The advantage of this method is that the department is required to respond within a stipulated time, and you can escalate the grievance if needed.

Fix These Common Issues Yourself Before Complaining

In many cases, refunds are delayed due to simple issues that taxpayers can fix on their own.

Bank Account Validation
Refunds are credited only to bank accounts that are linked with PAN and validated. Check this by going to My Profile > My Bank Accounts on the portal. Ensure your account shows Validated and Eligible for Refund.

Outstanding Tax Demand
If you have unpaid tax or penalties from previous years, the refund may be adjusted automatically. Visit Pending Actions > Response to Outstanding Demand and respond by accepting or disputing the demand.

Final Takeaway

ITR refund delays are frustrating but usually solvable. Most issues arise due to minor mismatches or technical problems rather than serious errors. By checking your refund status, contacting the correct authority, validating bank details, and filing an online grievance if needed, you can significantly speed up the resolution process. Staying proactive and regularly monitoring your ITR status is the best way to ensure your hard-earned refund reaches your bank account without unnecessary delay.