Millions of Indian taxpayers are experiencing longer-than-usual delays in receiving their ITR refunds for AY 2024-25 and AY 2025-26. While Income Tax refunds often get processed within 7–45 days, several users have recently reported wait times exceeding 2–3 months.
If your refund hasn’t been credited yet, don’t panic. In this detailed guide, we explain:
✔ Why ITR refunds are getting delayed
✔ The normal refund processing time
✔ How to check refund status on the portal
✔ How to raise a refund reissue request
✔ When and how you can claim interest under Section 244A
✔ Common mistakes causing refund hold
This article is fully updated for 2025 and is suitable for salaried employees, freelancers, senior citizens, NRIs, and small business owners.
1. Why Are ITR Refunds Delayed in 2025?
There are several possible reasons your refund is stuck. The most common ones include:
1.1 Mismatch Between Form 26AS, AIS, and Filed ITR
If TDS details in Form 26AS/AIS do not match your return, CPC may hold processing to avoid incorrect refunds.
1.2 ITR Filed but Not Fully Verified
Even a small delay in e-verification pauses processing. Refund starts only after successful verification.
1.3 Pending Tax Demand From Previous Years
Any outstanding tax dues lead to refund adjustment under Section 245.
1.4 Refund Bank Account Not Pre-validated
The Income Tax Department only sends refunds to pre-validated and ECS-enabled bank accounts.
1.5 High-Value Transactions Under Review (AIS/CRS/Financial Monitoring)
Large investments, real estate deals, crypto trades, or sudden spending spikes can trigger a manual review.
1.6 ITR Picked for Scrutiny or Risk Management Parameters
CPC uses AI-based risk-scoring. If your return is flagged, refund will be paused until verification is complete.
1.7 Technical Delays at CPC Bengaluru
During peak filing seasons, backend load slows down refund dispatch.
2. What Is the Normal ITR Refund Timeline in 2025?
| Type of Return | Expected Refund Timeline |
|---|---|
| Simple salaried ITR | 7–30 days |
| Cases with tax credit mismatch | 30–60 days |
| Refund issued by SBI (CPC refund banker) | 3–7 days after processing |
| Scrutiny or AIS-related checks | 30–180 days |
If your ITR refund has crossed 60 days, you can start checking for specific issues or consider raising a grievance.
3. How to Check ITR Refund Status (Step-by-Step Guide)
There are two portals you should check:
3.1 Income Tax e-Filing Portal Status
Step 1: Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in
Step 2: Login with PAN + password/Captcha
Step 3: Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns
Step 4: Select AY 2024-25 or AY 2025-26
Step 5: Check the status under:
- Processed with refund
- Refund issued
- Refund paid
- Refund failure
- Under processing
3.2 Refund Status on TIN-NSDL (SBI Refund Portal)
Because SBI is the refund disbursing bank.
Step 1: Go to https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatuslogin.html
Step 2: Enter PAN + Assessment Year
Step 3: You will see:
- Refund paid
- Refund returned (due to incorrect bank info)
- No refund found
- Refund determined but not issued
4. What to Do If Your Refund Failed or Returned
If your refund status says Refund Failed, you must:
✔ Step 1: Pre-validate bank account
Go to Profile > My Bank Account > Pre-Validate
✔ Step 2: Submit Refund Reissue Request
Navigate to:
Services > Refund Reissue > Create Refund Reissue Request
Reasons for failure may include:
- Wrong IFSC
- Dormant bank account
- Name mismatch
- Account not enabled for ECS
Refund is usually issued again within 10–15 working days after correction.
5. How to Claim Interest on Delayed ITR Refund (Section 244A)
If the Income Tax Department delays paying your refund beyond 30 days from the date of processing, you are eligible for simple interest at 0.5% per month under Section 244A.
You get interest if:
✔ Refund is delayed due to processing
✔ You filed your ITR on time
✔ Refund amount is above ₹100
How interest is computed:
- 0.5% per month (6% annually)
- From 1st April of the assessment year until the date the refund is actually issued
Example:
Refund: ₹20,000
Delay: 6 months
Interest: ₹20,000 × 6% × (6/12) = ₹600
Interest amount reflects in your Intimation under Section 143(1).
6. When You Will NOT Get Interest
According to Income Tax rules, interest is NOT paid if:
❌ You filed ITR after the due date
❌ Delay is caused due to incorrect information provided by the taxpayer
❌ Refund amount is below ₹100
❌ ITR is under scrutiny or risk review
7. Common Mistakes That Cause ITR Refund Delays
Avoid these errors to speed up your refund:
- Using an old or inactive bank account
- Not e-verifying ITR on time
- Mismatches in TDS, AIS, or Form 26AS
- Incorrect PAN–bank account name mismatch
- Filing ITR in wrong section (ITR-1 vs ITR-2 vs ITR-3)
- Claiming deductions wrongly
- Multiple bank accounts without pre-validation
8. How to Raise a Grievance for Delayed ITR Refund
If your refund is delayed for over 60–90 days, raise a grievance:
Steps:
- Login to the Income Tax Portal
- Go to Helpdesk > Grievances
- Select category: Refund
- Explain the issue clearly
You can also contact the CPC helpline: 1800 103 4455
9. Tips to Ensure Faster ITR Refunds Next Year
- File ITR early, before July
- Double-check AIS and Form 26AS
- Pre-validate your bank account immediately
- Avoid unnecessary deductions that trigger review
- Keep PAN-Aadhaar linkage updated
Faster filing = faster processing = faster refunds.
Conclusion
Delayed ITR refunds are frustrating, but most delays are due to data mismatches, bank issues, or additional verification requirements. By understanding the exact refund status, fixing bank details, and knowing your rights under Section 244A, you can speed up the process and even earn interest for delayed refunds.
If your refund is delayed beyond 60–90 days, you should:
✔ Check refund status on both IT portal + TIN-NSDL
✔ Correct bank details and reissue refund
✔ Raise a grievance if needed
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