ITR Refund Still Pending? Check Status Online, Know Delay Reasons & Solutions

New Delhi: It has been over a month since the September 16 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for non-audit taxpayers. While a majority of taxpayers have already received their income tax refunds, some are still waiting for the amount to be credited to their bank accounts. If you’re among those whose ITR refund is still pending, there are easy ways to check your refund status and identify the reasons for the delay.

How to Check Your ITR Refund Status Online

To track your income tax refund status, visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal and log in using your PAN and password. After logging in, follow these steps:

• Go to the “Filed Income Tax Returns” section to see if your return has been processed.
• If your refund has been processed, click on the “Know Your Refund Status” option under the Services tab.
• Enter your Assessment Year (AY) to check if the refund has been released by the Income Tax Department.

For refunds related to Assessment Year 2022–2023 or earlier (processed on or before March 31, 2023), this option might not be available on the Income Tax portal. In such cases, you can visit the NSDL/TIN portal, enter your PAN and assessment year, and check your refund status there.

Reasons Why Your ITR Refund May Be Delayed

Even with faster online systems, several factors can cause a delay in income tax refunds. Below are some common reasons:

1. Outstanding Tax Demands

If there are any unresolved tax dues from previous years, the Income Tax Department may adjust your refund against them. To verify this, log in to the e-filing portal, go to the Pending Actions section, and check under Outstanding Demands. If any demand appears, you can either make the payment or file a response if you disagree with it. The refund will be processed once the issue is resolved.

2. Unverified Bank Account Details

Refunds are issued only to verified bank accounts linked to your PAN. To ensure your account is eligible, navigate to the ‘Profile → My Bank Account’ section on the portal. You can add a new bank account or revalidate the existing one if it shows as unverified.

3. Incorrect or Inactive Bank Account

Sometimes, even a minor issue such as an inactive account or incorrect IFSC code can delay your refund. Double-check your bank details for accuracy. If necessary, submit a refund reissue request through the Services section on the e-filing portal.

4. Technical or Processing Delays

In some cases, refunds may be delayed due to backend verification or data mismatches between the ITR and Form 26AS/AIS. Such technical issues are usually resolved automatically after a short period.

Stay Alert and Keep Monitoring Your Refund Status

Although the Income Tax Department has improved refund processing times significantly, taxpayers should remain vigilant. Regularly monitor your ITR refund status, ensure all bank and tax details are accurate, and respond promptly to any pending actions or notices.

If your case is complex or unresolved for an extended period, consult a tax professional or chartered accountant for expert guidance. Paying close attention to details can save you unnecessary delays and ensure your ITR refund is credited smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• Always file your ITR with correct bank and PAN details.
• Regularly track your refund status via the Income Tax or NSDL portal.
• Respond promptly to outstanding tax demands or verification requests.
• Consult a professional if your refund remains pending for over 60 days.