Why Are Income Tax Refunds Are Delayed This Year?
Taxpayers, many of whom are running through the process of filing their returns, have already been waiting a long time for their income tax refunds. Besides, numerous returns still display the status of being “under processing.” Nevertheless, professionals assure that this slowdown is not the result of a halt in refunds, but rather enhanced verification, increased scrutiny of data, and seasonal backlogs.
Inconsistencies between the Annual Information Statement (AIS), Form 26AS, and the income declared in the returns are a leading cause of delays. Such discrepancies are typical of taxpayers having multiple income sources, engaging in active stock market trading, or receiving foreign income. When the system identifies such inconsistencies, the tax return is marked for review by a human tax officer, which greatly elongates the processing time.
Moreover, the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) has been more stringent in the verification process this year, thus giving even greater assurance of the correctness of the refunds. The deadline-induced high filing volume has also been a factor in the backlog.
How to Check ITR Refund Status
- Step 1: Visit the income tax portal
- Step 2: Log in with user ID and password
- Step 3: Go to e-File – Income Tax Returns – View Filed Returns
- Step 4: View current and past return status
- Step 5: Click View Details to check refund status
Public Is Complaining About ITR Refund Delay On ‘X’
Dear vera @IncomeTaxIndia @FinMinIndia @nsitharaman @nsitharamanoffc Filed my ITR refund on 23 June.
It’s been 6 months over.
Calls, grievances. No proper response. Very worst Indian Government.Delayed refunds aren’t just numbers,they affect real lives.
Request urgent action. pic.twitter.com/vOXzwWwbqk— KRISHNA KUMAR G (@krishb88) December 11, 2025
U won’t see heaven @nsitharaman @IncomeTaxIndia
Only God knows why I need this itr refund ASAP. this delay is unjustified.
No transparency, No accountability just blabbering in parliament . How many months u need to check? Just send refund or notice. No more drama pic.twitter.com/LIjjBJJuTk
— Sarath (@sarath1270) December 11, 2025
Never faced such issue of ITR Refund under Congress rule.
BJP has ruined taxpayers of India. 😡😡😡😡
Filed ITR in August still no update on Refund.
Income tax department under BJP has turned into Incompetent Department.
@nsitharaman @IncomeTaxIndia pic.twitter.com/BFTa2APzPU
— Mr. X in Bombay (@Now_Abhi82) December 4, 2025
Income Tax Department’s Response
The department’s social media team has been addressing complaints and guiding users to raise grievances on the e-filing portal.
Taxpayers are advised to check refund status in “View Filed Returns” and ensure bank details are updated.
How Long Does An ITR Refund Take?
- Typically, refunds are credited within 4–5 weeks after e-verification.
- Refund processing starts only after the taxpayer completes electronic verification.
- Delays may arise from mismatches, verification issues, or incorrect data.
The department advises checking for discrepancy notices or email updates if a refund is not received within the expected period.
What Taxpayers Should Do
Experts recommend:
- Matching return data with AIS and 26AS
- Responding promptly to notices
- Ensuring bank details match PAN records
- Raising a grievance ticket if refunds remain delayed for long
Overall, the slowdown is due to enhanced reconciliation and verification—not a halt in payouts. As backlogs clear, refund speed is expected to improve.
(With Inputs)
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
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