ITR Filed but No Refund Yet? Follow These Easy Steps to Ensure You Get Paid on Time 

Filing income tax returns is a yearly task most of us complete on time, often with the expectation of getting refunds back quickly. As the September 15 deadline for filing individual Income Tax Returns nears, over 4.56 crore people have already submitted their ITRs. Usually, these refunds are processed within a few weeks. But this year, many taxpayers are noticing delays, with refunds taking longer than expected

Refunds Taking Longer Than Usual

Normally, people who e-file their income tax returns receive refunds in about 4-5 weeks. Some get it within a few days, and many within 2-4 weeks. But this year, delays are more common. By August 2025, only about 37% of filed returns had been processed, which means a large number of taxpayers are still waiting for their money despite filing early.

One of the main reasons is stricter scrutiny. New rules mean that returns with certain red flags, such as very high refunds, big financial transactions, or mismatches in data, are being sent for manual review. These cases naturally take longer to clear, so many taxpayers are facing extended wait times.

Common Reasons for Refund Delays

Apart from stricter checks, refunds are also being held up due to technical or account-related issues. Refunds fail if bank accounts are not pre-validated, if the IFSC code is outdated because of a bank merger, or if account numbers are entered incorrectly.

Another common problem is data mismatch. If the details in your return don’t match with records like Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), or Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS), processing can get delayed.

Refunds can also be adjusted against past dues under Section 245 of the Income Tax Act. Sometimes, refunds are stopped if a return is marked “defective” under Section 139(9). Even system backlogs or incomplete e-verification can add to the delay.

If your return has been processed but the refund is still pending, the portal usually shows the status as “Processed with refund due.” In such cases, it may take anywhere between 20 and 45 days after processing for the refund to finally be credited.

What You Can Do if a Refund Hasn’t Arrived

Many taxpayers have taken to social media and tax forums to share that their refunds have been stuck since June or July. For those waiting for a big refund, this delay can be stressful. In many cases, however, the problem can be fixed quickly.

If you haven’t received your refund yet, you can raise a refund re-issue request. To do this, log in to the income tax e-filing portal, go to “My Account,” and select “Refund Re-issue.” After filling in the details like your PAN, the assessment year, and refund amount, complete e-verification and submit the request.

You can also  reach out through the helpline, email, or the online grievance system if nothing else works. When contacting the Income Tax Department, make sure you provide your PAN, the relevant assessment year, and the exact refund amount. 

How to Avoid Delays in the Future

While delays may not always be in your control, some simple steps can help reduce the chances. Always pre-validate your bank account before filing, use the latest IFSC code, and make sure to complete e-verification on time. Double-check that your income and tax deduction details match across ITR, Form 26AS, and AIS. Clearing old notices or pending tax dues in advance can also prevent last-minute issues.

While the wait may feel frustrating, keeping your records updated and your bank details correct will help avoid unnecessary delays in the future.