ITR Refund Delayed? Here’s When to Expect Your FY24-25 Refund & How to Track It

If you have filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY24-25 and are still waiting for your refund, you are not alone. Every year, thousands of taxpayers face delays in receiving their refunds, even after filing their returns well before the deadline.

A common question arises: “Why hasn’t my income tax refund come yet?” The answer is not always simple. Refunds depend on several factors, including the accuracy of your ITR, the status of your e-verification, the processing time at CPC Bengaluru, and whether there are any mismatches in your tax credit details.

In this detailed blog, we will explain:

• The timeline for ITR refund processing in FY24-25
• Why refunds may be delayed
• How to check your refund status
• What to do if your refund is stuck

Understanding Income Tax Refund

An income tax refund arises when the tax you paid (through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax) is higher than your actual tax liability. The Income Tax Department (ITD) verifies your ITR, and if an excess payment is found, the refund is credited directly to your bank account.

Refunds are processed only after your return is:

1. Filed correctly
2. E-verified within 30 days
3. Processed at CPC Bengaluru under Section 143(1)

When Can You Expect Your ITR Refund in FY24-25?

Refund timelines depend on when you filed and verified your return.

• If you filed early (June-July 2025) → Refunds are usually processed within 20-45 days.
• If you filed close to the deadline → It may take up to 2-3 months due to heavy load."
• If your ITR is under scrutiny → Refund may be delayed until verification is complete.

On average, for FY24-25, most refunds are expected to be processed within 30-60 days of e-verification.

Also Read: Interest on Income Tax Refunds Explained

Why Hasn’t My Income Tax Refund Come Yet? – Common Reasons

Here are the most frequent causes of refund delays:

1. E-Verification Not Done – If you haven’t verified your return using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or physical ITR-V, processing won’t start.
2. Bank Account Not Pre-Validated – Refunds are only credited to pre-validated bank accounts linked with PAN.
3. Mismatch in Form 26AS / AIS – If TDS claimed does not match with what is reported, refunds may be put on hold.
4. Incorrect Bank Details – Wrong IFSC or account number can cause refund failure.
5. Pending Tax Demand – If you have old tax dues, refunds may be adjusted against them.
6. Random Scrutiny or Review – Some returns are picked for extra verification, delaying refunds.

How to Track Your ITR Refund Online

Tracking your refund is simple. You can check it in two ways:

1. Income Tax e-Filing Portal

• Visit incometax.gov.in
• Login with PAN and password
• Go to My Account → Refund/Demand Status
• You will see refund status, mode of payment, and any failure reasons

2. TIN NSDL Portal

• Visit tin.tin.nsdl.com
• Enter PAN and Assessment Year (AY 2025-26 for FY 2024-25)
• Check refund status instantly

Types of Refund Status You May See

1. Refund Issued – Refund has been credited successfully.
2. Refund Failed – Bank details incorrect; update and re-validate.
3. Refund Under Process – ITR being processed by CPC Bengaluru.
4. Refund Adjusted Against Demand – Refund adjusted with old tax dues.
5. No Refund Due – No excess tax paid, hence no refund.

Tips to Avoid Refund Delays in FY24-25

• Always file ITR early to beat portal rush.
• Ensure your Form 16, 26AS, and AIS match before filing.
• Double-check bank details and pre-validation."
• Complete e-verification within 30 days.
• Respond quickly if you receive any notice from the Income Tax Department.

Also Read: Set Off of Refunds Against Tax Remaining Payable

What to Do If Refund Is Delayed?

If your refund is delayed even after 3 months, here’s what you can do:

1. Check Refund Status Online – Use IT portal or NSDL site.
2. Re-Validate Bank Account – Update IFSC, account number if needed.
3. File Grievance Online – Use ‘Grievance’ option on IT portal.
4. Contact CPC Bengaluru – Call 1800-103-4455 or email refund@incometaxindia.gov.in.
5. Approach Ombudsman – In extreme cases, escalate through Income Tax Ombudsman.

FAQs About Income Tax Refunds

1. How long does it take to get a refund after filing ITR?
   Usually 30–60 days after e-verification, but may take longer during peak season.
2. Can refunds be adjusted against tax dues?
   Yes, the IT department can adjust your refund against outstanding tax demand after notifying you.
3. Will I get interest on delayed refunds?
   Yes, under Section 244A, if refund is delayed beyond a certain period, you may get interest at 0.5% per month.
4. Do I need to claim refund separately?
   No, refunds are auto-calculated in ITR. Just file and e-verify correctly.
5. Can I change my bank account for refund?
   Yes, log in to the IT portal, update and re-validate your bank details.

Conclusion

Delays in income tax refunds for FY24-25 are common, especially when filing close to the due date. The key is to ensure your ITR is filed accurately, verified on time, and bank account is pre-validated. By tracking your refund regularly and resolving mismatches in Form 26AS or AIS, you can avoid unnecessary waiting.

So, if you are wondering “Why hasn’t my income tax refund come yet?” – stay patient, check your refund status online, and take corrective action if needed.