By BillCut
Last updated: 3 November 2026<\/p>\n
Why income tax refund is delayed this year is easiest to answer by checking your own return. The portal does not state one common cause for every taxpayer, and the pages reviewed here give no fixed waiting time. They do list specific reasons a refund can fail. Use the questions below as a checklist.<\/p>\n
The portal FAQ says you have 30 days from the filing date to e-verify or submit the ITR-V, for returns filed from 1 August 2022. A return not verified in time is treated as not filed. A condonation request can be made with a valid reason. Read the e-Verify FAQ<\/a> and confirm the window on the portal, since the Income-tax Act, 2025 replaces the 1961 Act from 1 April 2026.<\/p>\n The portal manual says that if the PAN is inoperative, refunds cannot be issued. An inoperative PAN is one not linked with Aadhaar. Linking carries a fee under section 234H, as per the ITR status user manual<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pre-validation is described as compulsory. Your account must be linked to your PAN, with a valid IFSC and account number. If validation fails, the account shows under the Failed Bank Accounts tab, where you can use Re-Validate. See the My Bank Account user manual<\/a>.<\/p>\n The portal lists a name on the bank account that does not match the PAN details, an invalid IFSC, and a closed account as causes of refund failure. Compare your passbook with what you entered in the return.<\/p>\n Two statuses cover this: partly adjusted and fully adjusted. The page does not explain the adjustment itself. Open your intimation order from View Filed Returns for the details.<\/p>\nIs your PAN operative?<\/h2>\n
Is your bank account validated for refund?<\/h2>\n
Do the bank details match?<\/h2>\n
Was the refund adjusted?<\/h2>\n
Printable checklist<\/h2>\n
| Question<\/th>\n | Where to check<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n |
|---|---|
| Return e-verified<\/td>\n | View Filed Returns, View Details<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| PAN operative<\/td>\n | Login prompt on the portal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Bank account validated<\/td>\n | My Bank Account section<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Account marked for refund<\/td>\n | Nominate for Refund toggle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Status label read<\/td>\n | Refund status on the return<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\nWhat if every box is ticked?<\/h2>\nUse the helpdesk. The portal home page lists 1800 103 0025 and 1800 419 0025 for processing and refund queries on weekdays. Confirm numbers on the e-Filing portal<\/a>. For background, see our guides on filing income tax online<\/a> and apps for filing ITR<\/a>, plus tax saving with fintech tools<\/a>.<\/p>\n |