Waiting for Your ITR Refund in 2025? Here’s why it’s delayed and know how you can fix it

For many taxpayers, an income tax refund feels like a welcome relief after months of planning, paperwork, and payments. Yet in 2025, thousands of people are still waiting, often far longer than expected. Even though the Income Tax Department has improved its systems and managed to process many returns quickly, a huge number of refunds remain stuck.

The reasons are varied, ranging from technical mismatches to new scrutiny rules. Let's understand why this happens and what you can do about it can save you both stress and time.

How long refunds usually take

The usual timeline for refunds is around four to five weeks after you successfully e-file your income tax return. Some taxpayers have reported getting their money within a few days, while many others see it credited within two to four weeks. The picture is not uniform. By late August 2025, only about 37% of filed returns had been processed, which shows that delays are affecting a large portion of taxpayers despite early filings.

Why Are Refunds Delayed?

New scrutiny rules

In 2025, the department introduced tighter checks. Returns that raise certain red flags, such as unusually high refunds, large transactions, or mismatches in reported data, are set aside for manual review. This extra layer of scrutiny means some taxpayers wait much longer.

Bank account issues

Refunds can only be credited to a bank account that is correctly linked and validated. Problems arise if the account number is wrong, the IFSC code is outdated after a bank merger, or the account has not been pre-validated on the e-filing portal. In these cases, refunds often fail altogether.

Data mismatches

Another common reason is a mismatch between the information you reported in your ITR and what is available in Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), or the Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). Even small discrepancies can halt automated processing.

Adjustment against past dues

If you owe tax from previous years, the department will adjust your refund against those dues under Section 245 of the Income Tax Act. You will receive an intimation, but the refund will not reach your account until the dues are cleared.

Defective or amended returns

If your return has been flagged as defective under Section 139(9), or if you filed an amended return, processing may be paused until the issues are resolved. This can add weeks to the timeline.

Technical or verification problems

Sometimes the delay is not due to your data but to system maintenance, backlog on the portal, or incomplete e-verification. Without proper verification, the return is not even considered for processing.

How Taxpayers Are Affected

On social media and tax forums, many individuals are voicing frustration about refunds stuck since June or July. For those expecting a large sum, the wait can cause financial strain. While a small portion of cases face delays because of targeted scrutiny, many are held up due to issues that can be corrected fairly quickly.

What You Can Do To Fix Refund Delays

1. Check your status:
2. Log in to the income tax e-filing portal using PAN/Aadhaar and password.
3. Go to “e-File” > “Income Tax Returns” > “View Filed Returns.”
4. Select “View Details” for the relevant assessment year to see the current status, such as
   Processed, Refund Issued, or Refund Failure.
5. Correct your bank details: If your refund has failed, check whether your bank account is validated. Update your account number, IFSC, or name if necessary, and complete the validation process again.
6. Request a refund reissue: Use the “Refund Reissue Request” option on the portal once your bank details are corrected. This step ensures that the department attempts to credit the refund again.
7. Check for mismatches: Compare your ITR with Form 26AS, AIS, and TIS. If you find differences, consider filing an updated return if permitted, or respond to the notices issued on the portal.
8. Clear outstanding dues: If you have any pending tax demands, address them promptly. Either pay the due amount or provide a valid explanation if you believe the demand is incorrect.
9. Respond quickly to notices: If your case has been flagged for scrutiny, submit the required documents and explanations without delay. Prompt responses often shorten the waiting period.
10. Seek help if nothing moves: If all else fails, contact the Aaykar Sampark Kendra helpline or raise a grievance through the online portal. Be sure to include details of the steps you have already taken.

Tips to avoid future delays

• Always pre-validate your bank account before filing.
• Double-check that income, tax deducted, and other details match across your ITR, Form 26AS, and AIS.
• Use the latest IFSC code if your bank has merged or changed its details.
• Complete e-verification as soon as you file.
• Keep track of any pending notices from earlier years and resolve them in advance.

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