INCOME TAX REFUND NOT RECEIVED YET? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

INCOME TAX REFUND NOT RECEIVED YET? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Waiting for an Income Tax Refund and still not received it in your bank account? You are not alone. Thousands of taxpayers face refund delays every year due to processing issues, bank mismatches, verification errors, or technical glitches. The good news is — in most cases, the refund is released once the pending issue is resolved.

In this guide, we will explain why the refund gets delayed, how to check your refund status, and what steps you should take to receive it faster.

What Is an Income Tax Refund?

An Income Tax Refund is the amount the government returns to you when you have paid more tax than your actual tax liability. This usually happens if:

• ·       TDS deducted is higher than your payable tax
• ·       Advance tax or self-assessment tax paid is extra
• ·       You are eligible for deductions and exemptions
• ·       You filed your ITR on time and the department processed it successfully

Once the ITR is verified and processed under Section 143(1), the refund is issued directly to your bank account.

Common Reasons Why Your Refund Is Delayed:

Refund delays can occur due to multiple reasons such as:

| Reason                           | Explanation                                       |

| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |

• | ITR not processed yet                                   | Return is still under review by CPC               |
• | E-Verification not completed                      | Refund is not released until e-verification       |
• | Bank account not validated                        | Account must be pre-validated and linked with PAN |
• | Refund failed by bank                                   | ECS failure due to incorrect details              |
• | ITR mismatch or errors                                | Calculation mismatch or incorrect information     |
• | Outstanding demand                                     | Refund adjusted against tax dues                  |
• | Response pending for Notice                      | Refund put on hold if any notice is unresolved    |

Understanding the reason is the first step toward resolving your issue.

How to Check Your Income Tax Refund Status (Step-by-Step):

You can track the refund through the official Income Tax website:

• ·       Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
• ·       Step 2: Go to “E-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns”
• ·       Step 3: Check the status (Processed, Verified, Refund Issued, or On Hold)
• ·       Step 4: If refund is already issued, you can also track it via NSDL Refund Status Page

This will help you understand whether the delay is from the Income Tax Department or your bank.

Solutions Based on Your Refund Status:

| Refund Status                        | What You Should Do                          |

| ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- |

• | “Refund Issued” but not received”          | Check with your bank for ECS/NEFT failure|
• | “Processed with Refund”                             Wait for 3–7 working days|
• | “Processed with Demand”                           Check mismatch and file rectification|
• | “Refund Failure”                                             Correct bank details and re-validate|
• | “On Hold / Under Processing”                    Wait or raise grievance if delayed too long|

Raise a Grievance if the Refund Is Delayed:

If your refund is stuck for more than 30–60 days even after processing, raise a grievance through:

• ·       e-Nivaran on Income Tax Portal, or
• ·       CPGRAMS grievance portal

This officially notifies the department to take action.

How Long Does it Usually Take to Get an Income Tax Refund?

Normally, refund gets credited 7–45 days after ITR is processed. However, it may take longer in case of detailed scrutiny or verification.

Pro Tips to Avoid Refund Delays in Future:

• ·       Always file ITR before the due date
• ·       Ensure bank account is pre-validated & linked with PAN
• ·       Complete e-verification immediately after filing
• ·       Match income and TDS with Form 26AS / AIS
• ·       Double-check details before submitting the return
• These small steps can save a lot of time and stress.

Get Professional Assistance:

If you are still facing refund issues, it is better to take expert help. At ActiveTaxPro Advisory, we assist taxpayers with:

• ·       Refund Delay Cases
• ·       Reply to Notices (143(1), 139(9), etc.)
• ·       ITR Filing & Rectification
• ·       Bank / PAN / TDS Mismatch Solutions

Contact us for quick and hassle-free support to get your refund at the earliest.

Final Thoughts:

Refund delays are frustrating but usually easy to fix once the root cause is identified. By regularly checking your status, responding to notices, and ensuring correct banking details, you can speed up the entire process. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.