Income Tax Refund: Filed your tax return expecting a refund, but it hasn’t shown up yet. Income tax refunds can encounter delays for several reasons. Let’s explore what might be holding things up and what you can do to track down your money.
Also Read: How To File ITR 1 Online? Check This Easy Step-by-step Guide Now
If you haven’t received your refund, there could be several reasons for the delay. It’s important to investigate these possibilities to determine the cause and take appropriate action. First, keep track of any communication from the IT Department and respond promptly if they request additional information or verification.
Income Tax Refund Delay Reason
Here are a few key reasons why you might not have received your ITR refund;
ITR Processed by the Income Tax Department
The Income Tax Department typically takes a few days to process an ITR. If it has been a long time since you filed your ITR, you can check the status of your refund on the ITD website. A refund is issued only after the income tax return has been processed.
ITR Refund Eligibility
You will receive an Income Tax Return refund only if the Income Tax Department verifies your eligibility upon processing your income tax return. Once your eligibility is confirmed, the refund is typically credited within four weeks.
Bank Account Details
For an ITR refund to be processed, your bank account must be pre-validated; otherwise, the refund will not be issued. Additionally, the name registered in your bank account must match the details on your PAN card. The refund will be credited to the bank account mentioned in your ITR. If the account details are incorrect, you will not receive the refund.
E-verification of ITR
E-verifying your income tax return is a mandatory step in the ITR filing process and essential for receiving a refund. You must complete the e-verification process within 30 days of filing your ITR. E-verifying within this timeframe will help expedite the processing of your refund.
Outstanding Demand
If you have any unresolved dues from the previous fiscal year, your income tax refund might experience delays. In such instances, your refund will be used to settle those outstanding dues. You will receive notification of this through an intimation notice.
Return Under Scrutiny
The Income Tax Department may select certain returns for scrutiny to verify accuracy and compliance. If your return is under scrutiny, your refund may be delayed until the assessment is complete.
Mismatch in Form 26AS
Form 26AS serves as a consolidated statement of all taxes paid against your PAN. If there is a disparity between the TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) details in your return and those in Form 26AS, it can result in a delay in receiving your refund.
Technical Reasons
Occasionally, refunds may be delayed due to technical issues like server problems or backlogs. In such instances, reaching out to the ITD helpline for further clarification is recommended. You can send an email to seek help.
If the delay continues or if you encounter issues, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a tax professional or a chartered accountant.
