No tax refund yet? 4 reasons why it could be stuck!

For many taxpayers, that long-awaited notification of income tax refund being credited feels like the sweetest reward after filing returns. But if you’re still waiting, and it’s been weeks since you e-verified your ITR, you’re not alone. Refunds typically come within 7–10 days, but can stretch to 4–5 weeks. Beyond the wait, some very specific reasons can hold your money back.

Here are the major reasons why your tax refund is still stuck.

Wrong or incomplete bank account details

Even a single error in your bank account number or IFSC code can get your refund stuck in transit. The Income Tax Department needs a valid account to transfer the money to. So, always double-check all your details, from account number to spellings.

Unverified bank account or missing PAN- Aadhaar linkage

Another reason for your refund being delayed is not verifying your bank account. If you haven't got your bank account validated by the IT Department, the refund process doesn't get further. If your PAN is not linked to your Aadhaar or your bank account, your refund will not be processed.

• Verify your account through the e-filing portal well before filing.
  
  
• Make sure PAN-Aadhaar linking is completed as it’s mandatory now.
  
  

Inactive or old bank account

Sometimes, taxpayers unknowingly enter details of a bank account they rarely use or one that’s already inactive. Refunds cannot be credited to a dormant or closed account.

If your chosen bank account is inoperative, the refund has nowhere to go to. So, always update your active primary savings account in the ITR before filing.

Mismatch in refund amount or pending dues

This is the reason people usually don’t know about. If the refund amount you’ve claimed in your Income Tax Return does not match with Form 26AS or AIS (the document reflecting your TDS and tax liabilities) your refund is not processed. Also, if you have outstanding tax dues from previous years, the Income Tax Department has the liberty to adjust your refund to set off the pending dues.

But you will be notified of this mismatch, and the IT Department will take further action depending on your response to their intimation. If everything is sorted, you can still get that refund.

Apart from these major reasons, delays can also happen because of the sheer load during the return filing period. But if the delay is not usual, checking up on these errors and acting on them can get your refund sorted soon.