Income Tax Refund 2025: How Many Days It Takes & Why Delay Happens Explained

Taxpayers all over India are now busy with filing their Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year. Many have already filed and are waiting for their refunds. If you paid more tax than required, the Income Tax Department gives that extra amount back to your bank account. This is called a tax refund. But the big question is — how many days does it take to receive your refund? And why do some people get it quickly while others face long delays?

Let’s understand this process in simple language.

Table of Contents

What Is Income Tax Refund?

When you file your ITR, the Income Tax Department checks your income, deductions, and the tax already paid by you through TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or advance tax. If the total tax paid is more than your actual tax liability, then the extra amount is refunded to you. This refund is usually credited directly to your bank account linked with PAN and Aadhaar.

Average Time to Receive Income Tax Refund in 2025

According to the Finance Ministry, the average time to receive a refund is now just 10 days after successful ITR processing. Earlier, it used to take over 90 days. However, 10 days is only an average. In many cases, the refund can take:

7 to 20 days for most straightforward cases
4 to 5 weeks after e-verification
Up to 9 months in complex cases (maximum limit)

So, don’t panic if it takes more than 10 days — that is normal for many people.

When Does the Refund Process Begin?

The refund process only starts after your ITR is processed and approved by the Income Tax Department. Just filing the return is not enough. You must complete all steps properly:

File ITR
E-verify it
Wait for ITR processing
Receive the refund after approval

Important: E-Verification Is a Must

Many people forget to e-verify their ITR after submission. This is a required step. If you don’t do this, your ITR will not be processed, and you won’t get a refund.

Ways to e-verify:

Through Aadhaar OTP
Net banking
Bank account number
Demat account
Electronic verification code (EVC)

Tip: Do it immediately after filing to avoid delays.

Deadline for ITR Filing in 2025

The Income Tax Department has extended the ITR filing deadline to September 15, 2025. If you file your return on time:

You avoid penalties
You are more likely to get refunds faster
You stay compliant with tax rules

Late filing can lead to penalty fees up to ₹5,000.

Why Are Some Income Tax Refunds Delayed?

There are many reasons why your tax refund may be delayed. Some of the most common are:

1. ITR Not E-Verified

If you didn’t e-verify your ITR, the department will not process it. No refund will be issued.

2. Bank Account Details Are Wrong

If your bank account number or IFSC code is wrong, your refund will fail. Always double-check your account information.

3. PAN and Aadhaar Not Linked

If your PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, the system may hold your ITR processing. Link them before the deadline.

4. TDS Mismatch

If the TDS amount in Form 26AS does not match your ITR data, the system may flag your return for review. This causes delays.

5. Response to Department Not Given

Sometimes, the department sends you a notice or email asking for clarification. If you don’t respond, your ITR may be kept on hold.

6. Return Under Review

If your ITR has high refund value or unusual entries, it may go under manual review. In such cases, delay is expected.

7. Technical Glitches

Rarely, a technical issue in the refund system or server can delay your payment. These are usually resolved within days.

How to Track Income Tax Refund Status

You can check your refund status easily through:

1. Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Visit incometax.gov.in
Log in using your PAN
Go to “View Filed Returns”
Click on the assessment year and check status

2. NSDL Refund Tracking Website

Visit tin.tin.nsdl.com
Enter PAN and assessment year
See refund status like “Refund Issued”, “Refund Failed”, “Refund Not Determined”

Statuses you may see:

Refund Sent: Amount has been sent to your bank
Refund Failed: Due to wrong account details
Not Determined: Processing not completed yet
Processed with No Refund: You’re not eligible for refund
Adjusted Against Outstanding Demand: Your refund used to clear previous dues

How to Speed Up Your Income Tax Refund

Follow these steps to ensure faster refund:

File ITR early
E-verify immediately
Link PAN with Aadhaar
Provide correct bank details
Ensure TDS details match with Form 26AS
Avoid calculation mistakes
Keep all documents ready if department requests them

What to Do If Refund Is Delayed Beyond 30 Days

If your refund hasn’t arrived even after 30 days of e-verification:

Check refund status online
See if any notice or email was sent
Contact the Income Tax Helpline
- Phone: 1800 103 0025 (Toll-Free)
- Email: refunds@incometax.gov.in
Raise a grievance under “e-Nivaran” on the portal

Refund issues are usually resolved within 2 to 3 weeks after complaint.

Does the Income Tax Department Pay Interest on Late Refunds?

Yes. If the refund is delayed beyond a certain time, the department pays interest @ 6% per year on the refund amount. This interest is calculated under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act.

It is added to your refund amount, and you must also declare this interest as income next year.

Who Can Get Refund?

You are eligible for refund if:

Extra tax was deducted (TDS more than needed)
Advance tax paid was more than actual tax
You claimed deductions that reduce your taxable income
You had income from multiple sources and paid excess tax

Does Filing Early Help in Getting Refund Early?

Yes. Early filing means:

Less load on department systems
Quick processing
Early e-verification
Refund issued before the rush begins

Try to file before July end or mid-August for best results.

Which ITR Forms Are Available for 2025?

The Income Tax Department has released all major ITR forms for the 2024–25 assessment year, including:

ITR-1 (Sahaj) for salaried individuals
ITR-2 for individuals with capital gains
ITR-3 for professionals and business income
ITR-4 (Sugam) for presumptive income

Choose the correct form to avoid delay or rejection.

Why Some People Get Refund Faster Than Others?

Here’s why:

They filed early
Their income and deductions are simple
They used Aadhaar OTP for fast e-verification
They didn’t make mistakes
They linked PAN-Aadhaar-bank correctly
No review or notices were needed

Complex cases like business income, foreign assets, or high refund amounts may take longer.

What Happens If You Miss the ITR Deadline?

If you miss the deadline (September 15, 2025), you can still file a belated return, but:

You’ll be charged a penalty up to ₹5,000
Refund may take longer
Some deductions may not be allowed

Always try to file within the due date.

Final Tip: Always Use Trusted Platforms for Filing

Use the official Income Tax Portal, or government-recognized platforms like:

ClearTax
TaxBuddy
Tax2Win
CA services

Avoid random websites or agents who may misuse your data.

Conclusion: Don’t Worry, Just Be Careful

Income tax refund is your right. If you’ve paid extra, you will get it back. Just make sure your filing is correct, e-verified, and all details match. In most cases, refunds arrive within 2–3 weeks after proper filing. Keep checking the status and avoid small mistakes that cause big delays.

A little care today can bring peace of mind tomorrow.

FAQs About Income Tax Refund 2025

Q1. In how many days do I get an income tax refund in 2025?
You may get your refund in 10–20 days on average after e-verification. In some cases, it may take longer.

Q2. Why is my income tax refund delayed?
Common reasons include wrong bank details, not e-verifying ITR, or TDS mismatch.

Q3. How do I check my refund status?
You can check on the Income Tax e-filing portal or NSDL refund tracking website using your PAN and assessment year.

Q4. Will I get interest if my refund is late?
Yes. If delayed beyond a certain time, you may get interest @ 6% per year on the refund amount.

Q5. What to do if refund is not received even after 30 days?
Raise a grievance on the portal or contact the helpline. Most issues are resolved within 2–3 weeks.

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