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Introduction
Income tax refund delays can be
stressful — especially when
you're relying on the refund for savings,
EMIs, or business planning.
If your income tax refund is delayed
in 2025, you're not alone.
Thousands of taxpayers in India face similar
issues due to small errors or technical
delays.
This guide covers everything — from
common reasons for refund
delay to how to check
your refund status and
fix issues quickly.
What Is an Income Tax Refund?
An income tax refund arises when the tax paid by you (via TDS, advance tax, etc.) is more than your total tax liability. The Income Tax Department processes this extra amount and credits it back to your registered bank account.
Examples when a refund is applicable:
- Your employer deducted excess TDS.
- You paid advance tax but had fewer earnings.
- Errors in income declaration or deductions.
How Long Does It Normally Take to Get a Refund?
In most cases, refunds are processed within 20–45 days after you verify
your Income Tax Return (ITR).
But in 2025, due to data validation and system upgrades, refund not
received cases have increased.
Still, if everything is correct, you should receive your refund within a month of
e-verification.
Common Reasons Why Your Refund May Be Delayed in 2025
Understanding the reasons can help you resolve the issue quicker. Below are the most common causes:
- ITR not verified or delayed e-verification
- Bank account not pre-validated
- Aadhaar not linked with PAN
- Mismatch in Form 26AS or AIS (Annual Information Statement)
- Wrong bank details (IFSC, account number)
- Ongoing scrutiny or tax demand
- Technical issues at CPC Bangalore
Most users often search: “what to do if income tax refund is not received” — the answers are provided below.
What to Do If Your ITR Refund Is Delayed?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix refund delays in 2025:
Check Refund Status Online
Verify Your ITR
If not e-verified within 30 days, the return isn’t processed. Re-verify using Aadhaar OTP or bank login.
Pre-validate Bank Account
Go to e-filing portal → My Profile → Bank Account → Validate. Required for refund credit.
Review 26AS & AIS
If income, deduction, or TDS data is mismatched, the return may go for manual verification.
Raise a Grievance
Use e-filing → Grievance Redressal → Refund → Refund Reissue. You can also file via CPGRAMS.
How to Check Income Tax Refund Status Online?
Here’s how to check ITR refund status in 2025:
Method 1: Income Tax Portal
Method 2: NSDL Portal
Tip: If status says “processed with refund determined” but no money received — raise a grievance.
When Should You Raise a Grievance?
Raise a grievance if:
- Refund delayed for more than 45 days
- Refund status is “processed” but amount not received
- Refund credited to wrong account
Use the e-filing grievance portal or CPGRAMS for further escalation.
Expert Tips to Avoid Refund Delays in Future
1
File your ITR early (before 31st July)
2
Use correct bank details with IFSC code
3
Ensure PAN–Aadhaar linking is done
4
Match Form 26AS & AIS before filing
5
Avoid rounding errors or inconsistent income declaration
When to Contact a Tax Expert?
If you're facing refund issues beyond 60 days, or your case involves:
- Refund adjustment with tax demand
- Refund reissue not working
- Income tax scrutiny or notice
Then consult a CA or a tax expert. Smart Tax Idea can help you resolve complex refund cases quickly and legally.
Conclusion
Don't panic if your income tax refund is delayed in 2025 — but don’t ignore it either. Start by checking the status, verifying your details, and filing a grievance if needed. With the right steps, your refund will be processed soon.
Need help with refund or ITR filing? Contact Smart Tax Idea today and get expert assistance at every step.
