By BillCut
Last updated: 3 November 2026
Income tax department refund delays are usually linked to a few causes you can check yourself: a return that was not e-verified, a bank account that is not pre-validated, mismatched details, or a refund that was adjusted. The portal does not give one fixed waiting time in the pages reviewed for this article, so the status of your own return is the main guide.
What are the common reasons for income tax department refund delays?
The e-Filing portal names several reasons why a refund fails to reach you. Related checks matter even before that stage. The most common areas are:
- The return is filed but not e-verified.
- The PAN is inoperative because it is not linked to Aadhaar.
- The bank account is not pre-validated.
- The name on the bank account does not match the PAN details.
- The IFSC code is invalid, or the account in the return has been closed.
- The refund was partly or fully adjusted.
Source: the Refund Status user manual on incometax.gov.in.
Does e-verification affect the refund?
Yes. The portal FAQ says you have 30 days from the filing date to e-verify or send the signed ITR-V for returns filed from 1 August 2022. If you miss the window, the return is treated as not filed. You can ask for condonation of delay, and the return is valid only after that request is approved. Read the full rule in the e-Verify FAQ, and check the portal for the current position under the new Act.
Can a bank account problem delay a refund?
It can. The portal manual says a bank account that is not pre-validated is a listed cause of a failed refund. Pre-validation needs the account linked with your PAN, a valid IFSC and a valid account number. You can also mark the account for refund. Steps are in the My Bank Account user manual.
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Account not pre-validated | Open the bank account section and validate it |
| Name mismatch with PAN | Compare the account name with PAN records |
| Wrong IFSC | Correct it from your bank passbook |
| Closed account | Add and validate an active account |
What if the refund was adjusted?
The portal lists two statuses for this, a partly adjusted refund and a fully adjusted refund. The page does not say on its own what the amount was adjusted against. Download your intimation order from View Filed Returns and read it. The ITR status user manual explains how to reach it. Also see our guide to filing income tax online in India.
What should you do step by step?
- Log in to the e-Filing portal and open View Filed Returns for the assessment year.
- Click View Details to see the life cycle of the return and any pending action, such as e-verification.
- Confirm the PAN is linked with Aadhaar.
- Check that the bank account is validated and marked for refund.
- Read the intimation order if the status shows an adjustment.
When should you contact the helpline?
If every item above is in order and the status still has not moved, contact the helpdesk. The portal home page lists 1800 103 0025 and 1800 419 0025 for processing and refund queries, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. Confirm current numbers on the e-Filing portal. You can also read how apps help you stay organised in our note on tax helper apps.
Refunds may also relate to tax payments made through apps, covered in our note on UPI for tax and government fees.
A refund that is stuck can strain a monthly budget, especially when an EMI date is close. If a high interest balance is adding to that pressure, look at your options early.
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Frequently asked questions
Why has my income tax refund not come yet?
Common causes are an unverified return, an unvalidated bank account, an inoperative PAN or a name mismatch. Check View Details on the portal for the status of your return.
How long do I have to e-verify my return?
The portal FAQ states 30 days from the filing date for returns filed from 1 August 2022. Check the portal for the rule that applies to your return.
What happens if I do not e-verify?
The portal FAQ says the return is treated as not filed. You can request condonation of delay, which must be approved before the return is valid.
Is bank account pre-validation compulsory?
The portal manual describes it as compulsory and lists an account that is not pre-validated as a cause of refund failure.
What does a partly adjusted refund mean?
It is a portal status showing that part of the refund was adjusted. Read your intimation order to see the details.
Can I change the bank account for the refund?
You can add and validate another account and use the nominate for refund option in the bank account section of the portal.
Who do I call about a refund query?
The portal home page lists helpdesk numbers for processing and refund queries. Check the page for current numbers and hours.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules can change, especially with the move to the Income-tax Act, 2025, so confirm details on the official portal or with a chartered accountant. Loan approval and terms depend on the partner lender.
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