Income Tax Refund Delay: 63 Lakh ITRs Pending After Deadline – Why Refunds Are Stuck and What Taxpayers Should Do
A significant number of taxpayers in india are still awaiting their income tax refunds, even after the December 31, 2025, deadline. Official data reveals that approximately 63 lakh Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025-26 have not yet been processed, causing delays in refund disbursement and raising concern among taxpayers.Why Refunds Are DelayedThe delays can be attributed to several key factors:High Volume of ReturnsThe Income Tax Department receives millions of returns every year, and processing such a large volume can sometimes take longer than expected.Mismatch in ITR and Form 26AS DetailsRefunds may be delayed if there are discrepancies between the declared income/tax paid and the details in Form 26AS (tax credit statement).Incomplete or Incorrect Bank/Aadhaar DetailsIncorrect or missing bank account numbers, IFSC codes, or Aadhaar linking can prevent refunds from being credited.Tax Notices or Verification RequirementsCertain returns may be selected for manual verification or scrutiny, delaying automatic processing and refund issuance.Technical or Administrative DelaysSystem errors, server issues, or backend updates at the Income Tax Department can also slow down the processing of refunds.What Taxpayers Should DoIf your refund is pending, here’s what you can do to resolve the issue:Check Refund Status OnlineVisit the Income Tax Department e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.inGo to “Refund/Demand Status” and enter your PAN and assessment year.Verify Form 26AS DetailsEnsure that tax deducted at source (TDS), advance tax, and self-assessment tax match the amounts declared in your ITR.Update bank or Aadhaar DetailsLog in to your account and correct any errors in bank account or IFSC codes to avoid failed transfers.Respond to Notices PromptlyIf you receive an intimation or notice from the IT department, reply promptly to avoid further delays.Contact CPC or Tax HelplineYou can reach the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) at Bengaluru or call the Income Tax helpdesk for guidance.Bottom LineWhile delays in income tax refunds can be frustrating, they are usually resolvable by verifying details and following up with the IT department. Taxpayers should check their refund status regularly, ensure all information is correct, and respond to notices promptly to get their refunds without further delay. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.