Tax season can be stressful, especially when delays in refunds add to the worry. The Income Tax Department has warned taxpayers that certain mistakes during Income Tax Return (ITR) filing in 2025 could delay refunds by up to 9 months. Knowing what to avoid can save time and ensure a smooth tax experience.
1. Common Mistake That Causes Delay
One of the biggest reasons for delayed refunds is mismatch in information:
- PAN mismatch with bank account details
- Incorrect bank account number or IFSC code
- Mismatched TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) details in Form 26AS and ITR
Even a minor discrepancy can cause the system to reject your refund, requiring manual verification, which can take several months.
2. How Long Can Refunds Be Delayed?
If errors are detected, the tax department may take up to 9 months to process your refund. Normally, refunds are credited within 30–90 days for accurate filings.
The longer timeline happens due to:
- Manual verification of details
- Reconciliation with bank accounts and TDS data
- High volume of returns during peak filing season
3. How to Ensure Faster Refunds
Follow these steps to avoid delays:
- Double-check PAN and bank account details before submission
- Verify Form 26AS for TDS and tax credits
- Ensure all deductions and exemptions claimed are valid and documented
- E-verify your ITR immediately after filing to prevent pending status
By being thorough, taxpayers can get refunds in the normal 30–90 day window.
4. Impact of Wrong Details
Incorrect details not only delay refunds but may also:
- Trigger notices from the Income Tax Department
- Require submission of additional proofs
- Cause compounded interest loss if the refund was expected for investments or EMI payments
Hence, even a small error can create major inconvenience.
5. Check Refund Status Online
The Income Tax Department provides an easy way to track your refund:
- Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal
- Navigate to “Refund/Demand Status” under the dashboard
- Enter PAN, assessment year, and captcha
- The portal shows the refund status, amount, and date of processing
Regular tracking helps identify issues early and take corrective action.
6. Expert Tips to Avoid Delays
- File early to reduce chances of backlog processing
- Keep bank accounts active and linked with PAN
- Use pre-filled ITR forms from the portal to minimize errors
- Respond promptly to any tax notices
7. Final Thoughts
For taxpayers in 2025, accuracy is key. A small mistake during ITR filing can mean waiting up to 9 months for your refund, causing financial inconvenience.
By carefully checking details, e-verifying returns, and tracking status online, you can ensure timely refunds and avoid unnecessary delays. Filing taxes correctly not only saves time but also keeps your financial planning on track.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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