—Guide
Income Tax Refund Delayed? Common Reasons and How to Fix Them
The most common reasons income-tax refunds get stuck — bank validation, credit mismatches, adjustments and unverified returns — and how to fix each.
You've filed your return and a refund is due, but it hasn't arrived. Refund delays almost always have one of a handful of causes, and most are fixable. This guide goes through them.
Note: this article describes the rules under the Income-tax Act, 1961. The Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from 1 April 2026 (tax year 2026-27), with renumbered provisions, so check the current position for later periods.
1. The Return Isn't Verified
A return that hasn't been e-verified within the time allowed isn't treated as filed, so it won't be processed. Check the status on the portal and e-verify if needed.
2. The Return Hasn't Been Processed
Refunds are issued only after processing. Most returns are processed within weeks, but some take longer. The portal shows the status.
3. Bank Account Not Pre-validated
Refunds are paid only to a bank account that's been pre-validated on the income-tax portal and linked to your PAN. If validation failed — because of a name mismatch or a closed account — the refund fails. Fix the account details, validate it, and request a refund reissue.
4. TDS Credit Not Given
If a deductor filed their TDS return late, quoted the wrong PAN, or reported the wrong amount, the credit won't match your Form 26AS, and the intimation may reduce your refund or show a demand. Ask the deductor to correct their TDS return, then apply for rectification.
5. Adjustment Against an Old Demand
If there's an outstanding demand for another year, the department can adjust your refund against it after giving you notice. If the old demand is wrong, respond to the proposed adjustment and dispute it; otherwise, the refund will be used to pay it.
6. Return Selected for Scrutiny
A return under scrutiny may have its refund held until the assessment is complete.
Interest on Delayed Refunds
Refunds generally carry interest at 0.5% per month for the period set out in the law, paid along with the refund.
If Nothing Else Works
Raise a grievance through the income-tax portal, with your PAN, assessment year and details of the issue.
Getting Help
Think Filing tracks down stuck refunds, fixes the cause, and follows up until the money is credited.