If you filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) before the September 16, 2024 deadline, you’re likely waiting for an SMS or bank alert showing your refund credit. While many taxpayers have already received their refunds, a large number are still waiting. Simply waiting won’t help—it's important to understand why your refund may be delayed.

When does the IT department issue refunds?
Typically, refunds are processed within a few weeks of filing and e-verification. Most people who verified their return early have already received their refund.

Those who missed the deadline can still file a belated return until December 31, but with late fees—however, belated returns usually take longer to process.

Top reasons your ITR refund may be delayed
Refund delays often happen due to taxpayer-side errors rather than department issues. These are the most common mistakes:

1. Incorrect bank details
   A wrong account number or IFSC code—even a single digit—will cause refund failure.

2. Name mismatch
   If the name on your PAN does not match the name on your bank account, the system holds your refund.

3. Bank account not pre-validated
   Refunds are credited only to bank accounts that are pre-validated on the Income Tax portal. If not done, your refund will remain pending.

4. PAN–Aadhaar not linked
   Returns may not be processed if your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar.

5. Wrong deductions or incorrect tax claims
   If you claimed ineligible deductions or made calculation errors, your refund may be held for verification.

6. Technical issues or manual scrutiny
   Sometimes the IT department checks certain returns manually, which delays refunds.

How to check your ITR refund status online
You can check your refund status in minutes:

1. Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal

2. Log in using your PAN (as user ID) and password

3. Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns

4. Select the Assessment Year

5. You will see the current status of your return and refund

You may see statuses like:
• Refund issued
• Refund failed
• Return processed
• Under processing
• Refund determined and sent to refund banker
• Refund withheld

What to do if refund failed or is not credited
If the portal shows refund failure, or if it has been over a month without any update, you may need to apply for a refund reissue.

How to apply for refund reissue (step-by-step)

1. Log in to the Income Tax portal

2. Go to My Account

3. Click Refund Reissue

4. Select Refund Reissue Request

5. Enter details like PAN, assessment year, and updated bank information

6. Submit and e-verify the request through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC

After submission, the department reprocesses your refund and attempts to credit it again.

Important note
Refund amounts depend on the accuracy of your ITR. If something requires clarification, the IT department may send a notice or reprocess your return before issuing the refund.

Tip: Always keep your bank account pre-validated, PAN–Aadhaar linked, and ensure details match exactly.