New Delhi:
Waiting for your income tax refund can be frustrating, especially when you’ve filed your return correctly and on time.
Delays in receiving your refund can occur due to various reasons.
Here’s a look at the common causes and how you can address them.
Common Reasons for Delay in Income Tax Refund
1) E-Verification Pending
This is the most frequent reason for delays. The Income Tax Department cannot process your return until it is e-verified. If you haven’t completed this step, do it immediately to avoid further delays.
2) Delay in Physical Verification
If you opted for physical verification by sending your ITR-V to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru, any delay in this process could also hold up your refund.
3) Processing Time
After e-verification, the Income Tax Department typically takes 20-45 days to process the refund. However, if there is a high volume of returns, this may take longer.
4) Mistakes in ITR
Errors in your return can cause delays. If the Income Tax Department identifies mistakes, you may receive a notice to correct them, which can further delay the refund process.
5) Wrong Bank Account Details
If you’ve provided incorrect bank account information or if the account is closed, the refund may not be credited, causing delays.
6) Tax Arrears
If you have any outstanding tax dues, your refund may be adjusted against these dues. A mismatch between the tax paid and declared tax can also cause delays.
7) System Errors
Technical issues within the Income Tax Department’s system or your bank’s system can sometimes lead to delays.
8) Portal Updates
Updates or changes to the Income Tax Portal might slow down the processing of refunds.
9) Refund Reissue Request
If a refund has been issued but not credited, you may need to request a reissue, which can further delay the process.
What to do if your Refund is Delayed?
Verify E-Verification: Ensure that your ITR has been e-verified to start the processing.
Check for Discrepancies: Review any communications from the Income Tax Department and respond promptly.
Verify Bank Account Details: Double-check the bank account details you’ve provided on the e-filing portal.
Check Refund Status Online: Regularly monitor your refund status through the Income Tax Department’s website.
Contact Your Assessing Officer: If your refund is significantly delayed, reach out to your local Assessing Officer.
Lodge a Complaint: If necessary, you can file a complaint on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal.
By following these steps, you can identify the cause of the delay and take the necessary actions to ensure your refund is processed as quickly as possible.
How to check Refund Status?
You can easily check the status of your refund by visiting the official website of the Income Tax Department.
