What happens if my bank account details are wrong?

If bank details are wrong, your refund will show 'Refund Failed' status. Log in to incometax.gov.in → My Profile → Bank Accounts → re-validate with correct account number and IFSC. The refund will be reprocessed once validated.

Can my refund be reduced or cancelled due to a tax demand?

Yes. If CPC calculates a tax demand during processing, or if you have outstanding dues from previous assessment years, the refund may be partially or fully adjusted against those dues. You'll receive an intimation under Section 143(1) explaining the adjustment.

Why does my AIS show income I didn't declare?

AIS (Annual Information Statement) aggregates data from all sources - banks, mutual funds, employers, registrars. Sometimes it shows incorrect or duplicate entries. If there's a mismatch, CPC may hold your return for review. You can raise a feedback on AIS at incometax.gov.in to dispute incorrect entries.

ITR Refund Not Received? 8 Reasons Your Income Tax Refund Is Delayed (2026)

Q: Why is my ITR refund delayed?

The most common reasons are: ITR not e-verified (processing doesn't begin until verification), wrong bank account details on the portal, mismatch between your return and Form 26AS/AIS, outstanding tax demand adjusted against the refund, or CPC backlog during peak season (August-October).

Q: How long should I wait before raising a grievance?

If your ITR has been verified for more than 45 days and the status hasn't moved, raise a grievance. During peak season, wait 60 days before raising. You can raise a grievance at incometax.gov.in under e-File → Grievances → Submit Grievance.

Q: What is the income tax refund helpline number?

The Income Tax Department helpline is 1800-103-0025 (toll-free). It's available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. You can also raise grievances online at incometax.gov.in under e-File → Grievances.

Last updated: March 3, 2026 Refund Troubleshooting

Waiting for your ITR refund? You're not alone. Millions of taxpayers face delays every year. Here are the 8 most common reasons - and exactly what to do about each one.

8 Reasons Your ITR Refund Is Delayed

ITR Not E-Verified

The single most common reason. Processing doesn't begin at CPC until you complete e-verification. Many filers forget this step after submitting. Check your filing portal - if status shows "Return Submitted" (not "Verified"), you haven't verified yet.

Fix: Verify immediately via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank ATM

Wrong Bank Account Details or IFSC

If your refund bounces back from the bank, your status will show "Refund Failed". This happens when the account number is wrong, IFSC has changed, or the account was closed. The refund sits idle until you fix the details.

Fix: Log in → My Profile → Bank Accounts → re-validate with correct details

Mismatch with Form 26AS or AIS

CPC cross-checks your declared income and TDS against Form 26AS (TDS certificate data) and AIS (Annual Information Statement). If there's a discrepancy - even a small one - your return is held for review before processing continues.

Fix: Check AIS at incometax.gov.in → AIS & TIS → raise feedback on incorrect entries

Tax Demand Raised by CPC

If CPC's calculation shows you owe additional tax (different from what you declared), a demand is raised under Section 143(1). Your refund is adjusted against this demand. You'll receive an intimation notice explaining the difference.

Fix: Check e-File → Pending Actions → Response to Outstanding Demand

Refund Adjusted Against Previous Year's Dues

Outstanding dues from earlier assessment years are automatically adjusted against your current refund under Section 245. You'll receive a notice before adjustment, giving you 30 days to respond if you disagree.

Fix: Check for demand notices under e-File → Pending Actions for all AYs

Return Selected for Scrutiny

A small percentage of returns are selected for detailed scrutiny under Section 143(2) - typically those with large refund claims, high deductions, or risk-based criteria. Scrutiny cases are handled manually and take significantly longer.

Fix: Respond to any notices received; refund is released after scrutiny is complete

CPC Processing Backlog (Peak Season)

After the July 31 deadline, CPC processes crores of returns simultaneously. Average processing times increase from 2-3 weeks to 6-8 weeks during August-October. This is normal and affects all returns equally.

Fix: Wait it out - check live processing speed at ITR Processing Stats →

NRI Refund - Different Processing Channel

NRI refunds follow a separate processing path, especially when bank details involve foreign accounts. Ensure your residential status is correctly declared (Resident / Non-Resident / RNOR) and your Indian bank account is validated for refund credit.

Fix: Verify residential status in your ITR; use an Indian bank account for refund

How to Raise a Refund Grievance

If your verified return has been pending for more than 45 days with no movement, raise a grievance:

Log in at incometax.gov.in.
Go to e-File → Grievances → Submit Grievance.
Select the Assessment Year and category as "Refund".
Describe your issue clearly with dates. You'll receive an acknowledgement number.
Track grievance status under e-File → Grievances → View Grievances.

Income Tax Helpline: 1800-103-0025 Toll-free · Monday to Friday · 8 AM to 8 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my ITR refund delayed?

The most common reasons are: ITR not e-verified, wrong bank account details, mismatch with Form 26AS/AIS, outstanding tax demand, or CPC backlog during peak season (Aug-Oct).

How long should I wait before raising a grievance?

Wait 45 days after e-verification during normal months, 60 days during peak season (Aug-Oct). If nothing has moved, raise a grievance at incometax.gov.in.

Can my refund be reduced due to a tax demand?

Yes. If CPC finds additional tax is due, or if you have outstanding dues from previous years, the refund may be partially or fully adjusted. You'll receive a Section 143(1) intimation notice with details.

What if my AIS shows income I didn't actually earn?

AIS can sometimes show incorrect or duplicate entries from banks or registrars. You can raise a feedback on AIS at incometax.gov.in to dispute incorrect entries. CPC may hold your return pending AIS resolution.

What is the income tax refund helpline number?

1800-103-0025 (toll-free). Available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. Online grievances at incometax.gov.in are often faster.

How backed up is CPC right now?

Check today's live ITR processing count - updated daily from the official portal.

Live Processing Stats →