Why Your Income Tax Refund Might Be Delayed This Year
Income Tax refunds may take 4–6 weeks or longer due to verification delays, data mismatches, or technical issues during peak filing.
Income Tax refunds may be delayed this year due to high filing volumes, verification issues, or data mismatches.
Taxpayers expecting quick refunds after filing their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) this year may have to wait longer than usual. According to tax experts, it typically takes four to six weeks for the Income Tax Department to process returns and issue refunds. However, several factors could lead to further delays this time around.
Here's Why Your Refund May Be Held Up:
1. High Volume of Filings:
With an increasing number of taxpayers submitting returns close to the deadline, the processing load on the Income Tax Department has surged significantly, leading to backlogs.
2. Verification Pending:
Refunds will not be processed until the ITR is verified. If you've missed e-verifying your return, it could stall the refund process entirely.
3. Mismatch in Details:
Any discrepancy between the return filed and details in Form 26AS, AIS, or TDS certificates can flag your return for further scrutiny, delaying refund issuance.
4. Technical Glitches:
Occasional technical issues in the portal, especially during peak filing periods, can slow down processing timelines.
5. Refund Adjustments:
If you have outstanding tax dues from previous years, your current refund may be adjusted against them—causing delays.
What You Can Do:
- Ensure that your ITR is accurate and matches the data available on the income tax portal.
- Complete e-verification promptly through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other approved methods.
- Track your refund status through the Income Tax e-filing portal or the TIN-NSDL website.
While delays can be frustrating, the Income Tax Department continues to process returns on a rolling basis. Taxpayers are advised to remain patient and ensure compliance with all verification steps to speed up their refund.
