Income Tax Refund 2025: Status, Delay Reasons & Complete Guide

Income tax refund is the amount returned by the Income Tax Department when excess tax is paid. Millions of taxpayers search for income tax refund delay every year due to slow processing on the incometax portal. This guide explains refund status, delay reasons, timelines, and solutions.

What is Income Tax Refund?

An income tax refund arises when total tax paid through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax exceeds actual tax liability after filing ITR.

Income Tax Refund Processing Time

• E-verified ITR: 7–20 working days
• Manual verification: Up to 45 days
• Refund after scrutiny: May exceed 60 days

How to Check Income Tax Refund Status

You can check refund status on the incometax portal:

1. Visit incometax.gov.in
2. Login using PAN
3. Go to “View Filed Returns”
4. Check refund status under relevant AY

Top Reasons for Income Tax Refund Delay

• ITR not e-verified
• Mismatch in TDS (Form 26AS)
• Incorrect bank details
• High-value transaction verification
• Defective return notice

How to Fix Income Tax Refund Delay Fast

If your income tax refund delay exceeds 30 days:

• Re-verify ITR immediately
• Check response under “Pending Actions”
• Submit refund reissue request
• Raise grievance on e-Nivaran

Income Tax Refund Status Messages Meaning

Status	Meaning
Refund Issued	Amount credited to bank
Refund Failed	Incorrect bank details
Under Process	Verification ongoing

Income Tax Refund FAQs (Featured Snippet Optimised)

How long does income tax refund take?

Normally 7–20 days after e-verification. Complex cases may take longer.

Why is my income tax refund delayed?

Common reasons include ITR not verified, TDS mismatch, or scrutiny by CPC.

Can I raise complaint for refund delay?

Yes, grievance can be raised through e-Nivaran on incometax portal.

Conclusion

Income tax refund delays are common but solvable. Ensure correct filing, timely verification, and regular status checks on incometax portal to receive refund without issues.