If your income-tax refund hasn’t landed in your bank account yet, you’re far from the only one. Several taxpayers are reporting delays this year, and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has now explained why the process is taking longer than usual.
While many refunds have already been issued, several filings are undergoing extra scrutiny as part of a tighter verification push.
Why your refund might be stuck
According to officials, a significant number of refund claims have been flagged for deeper review. In many cases, the department noticed deductions or exemptions that didn’t match previous income patterns or claims that appeared irregular. These returns are being manually checked before refunds are cleared.
Another major reason is errors in returns. Several taxpayers either forgot to report certain income streams or entered incorrect details, triggering system notices. The department has begun issuing requests for revised or corrected returns, and refunds in these cases will be released only after the updated filings are verified.
Adding to this, overall refund payouts are lower this year, down by nearly 18%, as per internal estimates. A combination of fewer claims and subtle shifts in tax policy has contributed to the decline, widening the delay window for many taxpayers.
When can you expect the money?
The CBDT says that refunds involving smaller amounts have already been processed for most taxpayers. Larger refunds, typically those requiring additional validation, are expected to be cleared by the end of this month or in early December.
However, officials have indicated that the timeline may vary depending on the volume of pending verifications.
What you should do right now
Reconfirm bank details: Even minor mismatches, like an old account or incorrect IFSC, can hold up your refund.If your income-tax refund hasn’t landed in your bank account yet, you’re far from the only one. Several taxpayers are reporting delays this year, and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has now explained why the process is taking longer than usual.
Respond to notices immediately: If you receive a request to revise or correct your return, submit the updated version at the earliest. Delays on your part will only push the refund further.
Check your refund status: Log in to your income-tax portal and verify whether your refund is marked as pending, under processing, or on hold for clarification.
While many refunds have already been issued, several filings are undergoing extra scrutiny as part of a tighter verification push.
Why your refund might be stuck
According to officials, a significant number of refund claims have been flagged for deeper review. In many cases, the department noticed deductions or exemptions that didn’t match previous income patterns or claims that appeared irregular. These returns are being manually checked before refunds are cleared.
Another major reason is errors in returns. Several taxpayers either forgot to report certain income streams or entered incorrect details, triggering system notices. The department has begun issuing requests for revised or corrected returns, and refunds in these cases will be released only after the updated filings are verified.
Adding to this, overall refund payouts are lower this year, down by nearly 18%, as per internal estimates. A combination of fewer claims and subtle shifts in tax policy has contributed to the decline, widening the delay window for many taxpayers.
When can you expect the money?
The CBDT says that refunds involving smaller amounts have already been processed for most taxpayers. Larger refunds, typically those requiring additional validation, are expected to be cleared by the end of this month or in early December.
However, officials have indicated that the timeline may vary depending on the volume of pending verifications.
What you should do right now
- Respond to notices immediately: If you receive a request to revise or correct your return, submit the updated version at the earliest. Delays on your part will only push the refund further.
- Check your refund status: Log in to your income-tax portal and verify whether your refund is marked as pending, under processing, or on hold for clarification.
- Reconfirm bank details: Even minor mismatches, like an old account or incorrect IFSC, can hold up your refund.