After filing their income tax returns, most taxpayers wait eagerly for their refund.
The refund process actually begins from the date of e-verification of the return.
Usually, after e-verification, it can take 2 weeks to 2 months for the refund to be credited.
Reasons for Refund Delay
Sometimes the refund gets delayed due to mistakes in the return. In such cases, taxpayers may need to file a revised return.
According to the Income Tax Department, the refund process begins as soon as the ITR is filed, but timely e-verification helps in getting the refund faster.
Refunds usually get stuck if:
- E-verification is not done within 30 days of filing the ITR.
- Incorrect bank details are entered.
If e-verification is not done on time, the return may even become invalid. Therefore, it is important to file the ITR correctly
and complete e-verification within the given time. The refund process starts only after successful e-verification.
What to Do If Refund Is Delayed?
ITR-1 filers usually get refunds within 10–15 days.
ITR-2 filers may have to wait 20–45 days.
ITR-3 filers may take up to 2 months to receive the refund.
If your refund is still delayed, you can:
Call the Income Tax Department’s helpline at 1800-103-4455
Email at ask@incometax.gov.in
