The income tax department typically processes refunds within a few weeks of processing the ITR, but it can take longer during peak filing periods.
While the income tax department has streamlined the refund process over the years, delays can still occur. Here’s what you can do to expedite the process and ensure your refund reaches you without further hiccups.
ITR Refund Not Received: As the deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year (AY) 2024-25 passed on July 31, many taxpayers are eagerly waiting for their refunds. While the income tax department has streamlined the refund process over the years, delays can still occur. If your ITR refund is stuck, here’s what you can do to expedite the process and ensure your refund reaches you without further hiccups.
1. Check Your ITR Status
The first step is to check the status of your ITR on the income tax department’s e-filing portal. Follow these steps:
- Log in to the e-filing portal using your credentials.
- Navigate to the ‘View Returns/Forms’ option.
- Select ‘Income Tax Returns’ and click on the acknowledgement number to view the status.
The status will indicate whether your return has been processed, is pending, or if there are any issues. If the status shows “Processed with No Demand No Refund”, it means there is no refund due.
2. Verify Your Bank Account
Ensure that the bank account mentioned in your ITR is valid, active, and pre-validated on the e-filing portal. The income tax department credits refunds only to pre-validated bank accounts linked with your PAN. If there is any discrepancy, update and validate your bank account details immediately.
3. Check for Errors in the ITR
If your refund is stuck, there might be errors or discrepancies in your filed ITR. Common mistakes include incorrect bank details, mismatches in TDS/TCS or advance tax data, or errors in income declaration. You can rectify these by filing a revised return under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
4. Respond to Any Notices or Queries
The income tax department may have sent a notice or query regarding your ITR. Check your registered email and the e-filing portal for any communication from the department. If you have received a notice under Section 143(1) or any other section, respond promptly with the required information or clarification.
5. Verify Your ITR
Your ITR must be verified to complete the filing process. If you have not done so, the department will not process your return or issue any refund. Verification can be done online through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or by sending a signed physical copy (ITR-V) to CPC, Bengaluru.
6. Raise a Grievance
If your refund is stuck and all the above steps have been checked, you can raise a grievance on the e-filing portal:
- Go to the ‘e-Nivaran’ section on the e-filing portal.
- Select ‘Submit Grievance’ and choose the category as ‘Refund related.’
- Provide all necessary details and submit your grievance.
The Income Tax Department will review your complaint and address the issue.
7. Contact the CPC
You can also directly contact the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru. They handle the processing of ITRs and refunds. You can reach out via the helpline number provided on the e-filing portal or by sending an email to the designated CPC email ID.
8. Wait for the Refund Release
In some cases, even after all the necessary steps are taken, refunds may take time due to high volume or internal processing delays. The income tax department typically processes refunds within a few weeks of processing the ITR, but it can take longer during peak filing periods.
