ITR Processed but Refund Not Received? Steps to Resolve
- PRITI SIRDESHMUKH
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
When an Income Tax Return (ITR) is marked as “processed” but the refund hasn’t reached your account, it signals a gap between approval and credit. The reasons could range from mismatched bank details to verification delays at CPC or NSDL. With the rise of automated e-filing systems, most refunds are credited within weeks — yet a growing number of taxpayers face such delays. Understanding the cause and knowing where to act can help resolve the issue faster.
After processing, refunds are typically issued within 15 to 30 days. If the refund hasn’t arrived, it’s likely due to incorrect bank details, mismatched TDS data, or technical delays in the refund system. These can be corrected easily through reissue requests or assistance from the CPC.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons for ITR Refund Delays
When an Income Tax Return (ITR) is processed but the refund has not been received, it usually means the Income Tax Department has completed verification, but the refund amount has not been credited due to a specific issue. The most common causes include incorrect or unverified bank details, mismatches in TDS or Form 26AS data, or delays from the banking network or NSDL. In some cases, refunds are delayed because of pending verification or a backlog at the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC). Technical errors, such as an incorrect IFSC code or inactive bank account, can also cause the refund to fail. Additionally, if the refund amount has been adjusted against an outstanding demand from previous years, the delay may occur until the adjustment is confirmed by the department. Understanding these reasons helps identify the exact issue and take corrective steps promptly.
Step-by-Step Resolution Guide
Resolving refund delays involves a few straightforward actions that taxpayers can perform online.
Verify Bank Details: Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal and check whether your bank account number and IFSC code are accurate and pre-validated. Only pre-validated accounts receive refunds.
Check Form 26AS and TDS Credits: Compare the TDS and advance tax entries in your Form 26AS or AIS with your ITR details. Mismatched entries can hold up refund processing.
Check Refund Status on the Portal: Visit the e-filing portal and select “Refund/Demand Status” under ‘My Account’ to see if the refund is approved, credited, or failed.
Submit a Refund Reissue Request: If your refund has failed or not been credited after 15–30 days, submit a refund reissue request through the portal after revalidating your bank details.
Contact Bank or NSDL: If the portal shows the refund has been issued but not credited, reach out to your bank or NSDL to confirm whether there was a technical issue or rejection.
Reach Out to CPC Bengaluru: When none of the above steps work, contact CPC Bengaluru using their helpline numbers or email support. They can trace refund transactions and guide you on the next steps.
This systematic approach ensures every possible point of delay is reviewed and corrected efficiently.
How to Check Refund Status Online
To check refund status, log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal using your PAN and password. Once logged in, go to the “View Returns/Forms” section and choose the relevant assessment year. Under the ‘Status’ column, you can see if your return is processed, and under ‘Refund/Demand Status,’ you’ll find the refund update. Alternatively, visit the NSDL refund tracking portal (tin.tin.nsdl.com) and enter your PAN and the relevant assessment year. The system will display the refund status — whether it’s processed, failed, returned, or credited. If marked as “Refund Failure,” you’ll need to verify bank details and file a refund reissue request. Checking regularly ensures that you identify issues early and take timely corrective action.
Contacting CPC or NSDL for Assistance
If your refund remains pending even after 30 days of ITR processing, reaching out to CPC or NSDL can speed up resolution. The Centralized Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru, is responsible for refund issuance. You can contact CPC via phone at 1800 103 0025 or +91-80-46122000, or email them through the official portal. When contacting, provide your PAN, assessment year, ITR acknowledgment number, and date of filing for quick identification. For refunds processed but not credited, you may also contact NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies) at +91-20-27218080 for PAN or TAN-related refund issues. These support channels help trace refund failures and coordinate between the tax system and the bank.
Refund Reissue Request Process Explained
If your refund has failed due to incorrect bank details or account inactivation, the Income Tax Department allows you to submit a refund reissue request. To do this, log in to the e-filing portal, go to “Services,” then “Refund Reissue,” and select the relevant assessment year. Confirm and revalidate your active bank account before submitting the request. Once submitted, the system processes the new request, and the refund is reissued within 10 to 15 working days, subject to verification. It’s essential to ensure that the chosen account is linked with your PAN, Aadhaar, and has been pre-validated for refund credits. If any issue persists, contact CPC or your bank to confirm the transaction details. This simple process helps you reclaim your rightful refund without lengthy delays.
TaxBuddy vs ClearTax: Which Platform Helps Faster?
For salaried taxpayers dealing with refund delays or filing-related issues, choosing the right platform can make a significant difference. TaxBuddy’s AI-powered filing system automatically verifies bank details, reconciles TDS with Form 26AS, and alerts users about refund discrepancies. It also provides free post-filing support, meaning that refund follow-ups, reissue requests, and even notice handling are included in the plan. In contrast, ClearTax offers a straightforward DIY platform ideal for basic returns but charges extra for expert or refund-related assistance. TaxBuddy’s hybrid approach — combining AI automation with human experts — ensures faster resolutions and minimal refund delays. For users who want precision and guided filing without worrying about post-filing tasks, TaxBuddy is the better choice.
Key Helpline Numbers for ITR Refund Queries
Purpose | Helpline Number |
Income Tax e-filing, Refund, Intimation, Rectification | 1800 103 0025 / 1800 419 0025 |
CPC Bengaluru Office | - |
PAN & TAN NSDL Queries | - |
These helpline numbers are operational on working days during standard hours and help taxpayers get direct clarification from the concerned department. Keeping your PAN, acknowledgment number, and bank details handy ensures a faster response when contacting support.
Conclusion
Refund delays after ITR processing are common but usually simple to fix. Most issues arise from unvalidated bank details, mismatched TDS credits, or processing lags. By verifying records, submitting refund reissue requests, and contacting CPC or NSDL when needed, taxpayers can ensure a timely refund. For those who prefer a guided and accurate approach, TaxBuddy offers an AI-powered platform with expert-backed post-filing support to track, resolve, and expedite refund issues.
For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download theTaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1. Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options? TaxBuddy offers both self-filing and expert-assisted plans, allowing taxpayers to choose based on their comfort and complexity of return. The self-filing plan is built on an AI-driven interface that guides users through every step, automatically fetching data from Form 16, AIS, TIS, and Form 26AS to ensure accuracy. This option is ideal for salaried individuals with simple tax structures. On the other hand, the expert-assisted plan connects users directly with qualified tax professionals who prepare, review, and file returns on their behalf. This plan also includes post-filing support, such as handling refund delays, rectifications, and income tax notices.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR? The official Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal remains the government’s primary platform for all taxpayers. However, for a smoother and more guided experience, private platforms like TaxBuddy stand out. TaxBuddy combines AI automation with human expertise to ensure accurate filing and maximum deduction claims. Its mobile app allows users to upload Form 16 or AIS data directly, and within minutes, it generates a ready-to-file ITR draft. For complex cases involving multiple income heads, capital gains, or business income, TaxBuddy’s expert-assisted services make the process seamless while maintaining compliance with the latest tax laws.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return? An income tax return can be filed either through the official Income Tax e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in) or through verified tax platforms like TaxBuddy. While the government portal is completely free, it requires manual data entry and technical knowledge of ITR forms. Platforms such as TaxBuddy simplify this by auto-importing your Form 16 and TDS data, matching it with Form 26AS, and helping you file the correct ITR form automatically. TaxBuddy also provides AI-powered checks to avoid common errors that cause refund delays or notices, ensuring faster and more accurate filing.
Q4. How long does it take to receive a refund after ITR is processed? Generally, once an ITR is processed successfully by the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC), refunds are issued within 15 to 30 days. However, the timeline can vary based on factors like the accuracy of bank details, workload at CPC, and interbank transaction delays. If the refund takes longer, it’s advisable to check the status on the e-filing portal and confirm that your bank account has been pre-validated for refunds. Using a platform like TaxBuddy helps ensure that refund requests are correctly submitted, tracked, and followed up, minimizing waiting time.
Q5. What if incorrect bank details were entered in my ITR? If the bank details mentioned in your ITR are incorrect, the refund will fail or be returned to the Income Tax Department. In such cases, you can log in to the e-filing portal, correct the bank details, and submit a “Refund Reissue Request.” The revised bank details must be pre-validated and linked to your PAN before reissue. TaxBuddy’s experts assist users in identifying such errors early and guide them through the correction and reissue process, ensuring the refund reaches the correct account without repeated failures.
Q6. Can mismatched TDS data delay refunds? Yes, discrepancies between your declared income and TDS data shown in Form 26AS, AIS, or TIS can delay refund processing. If the Income Tax Department finds a mismatch, your refund may be held for review until the issue is rectified. Common reasons include incorrect TAN details entered by the employer or delayed TDS deposit. TaxBuddy’s AI-driven engine automatically matches your uploaded Form 16 and 26AS data, flags inconsistencies, and helps rectify them before filing, which prevents refund delays caused by mismatched information.
Q7. What does “ITR processed but refund not received” mean? This message means that the Income Tax Department has reviewed and accepted your return, but the refund amount has not been credited to your bank account yet. The delay can occur if the bank account is not pre-validated, is inactive, or has incorrect IFSC details. It can also happen if the refund was issued but rejected by the bank. In such cases, checking the refund status on the e-filing portal or NSDL site and submitting a refund reissue request usually resolves the problem. Platforms like TaxBuddy help users track and follow up on such refund issues through expert-led support.
Q8. How do I contact CPC Bengaluru for refund queries? The Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru handles refund-related issues for all electronically filed returns. You can contact CPC at toll-free numbers 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025, or call +91-80-46122000 / +91-80-61464700. When contacting CPC, keep your PAN, acknowledgment number, and date of filing ready for quick reference. You can also raise a grievance on the Income Tax e-filing portal under the “Grievances” section. TaxBuddy users get the added benefit of expert assistance in communicating with CPC and tracking updates until refund credit confirmation.
Q9. What if my refund was sent to the wrong account? If your refund has been credited to the wrong account, contact the CPC immediately through their helpline numbers or via an official grievance on the e-filing portal. You may also need to coordinate with your bank if the account belongs to the same bank branch. In most cases, the Income Tax Department re-issues the refund to the correct account once proof of ownership and updated bank details are provided. TaxBuddy experts help users draft the communication and follow the exact refund reissue steps required by CPC, ensuring quick recovery of the refund.
Q10. Can refund issues be resolved through TaxBuddy? Yes, refund-related issues can be effectively resolved through TaxBuddy’s expert-assisted plans. TaxBuddy provides end-to-end post-filing support that includes tracking refund status, identifying failed transactions, and filing refund reissue requests. Its experts coordinate with CPC and NSDL if required, ensuring that taxpayers don’t need to navigate technical portals or wait indefinitely. Additionally, TaxBuddy proactively monitors users’ refund status and notifies them of updates, making it a reliable partner for post-filing support and compliance.
Q11. Is there a time limit to claim a refund? Yes, a taxpayer can claim a refund within one year from the end of the relevant assessment year. For instance, if you filed your return for Assessment Year 2024–25, you can claim a refund until March 31, 2026. Beyond this period, you can file a condonation request to the Income Tax Department explaining the delay, though approval is discretionary. To avoid such complications, timely filing and verification are essential. TaxBuddy ensures timely submission of returns and refund claims, minimizing the risk of lapses or rejections.
Q12. How can I ensure faster refunds next time? To ensure faster refunds, file your ITR early, verify your return promptly, and pre-validate your bank account before submission. Always reconcile Form 16, 26AS, and AIS data to prevent mismatches that could delay refund processing. Opting for an AI-assisted platform like TaxBuddy helps streamline this process. The platform auto-fetches tax data, validates account details, and performs accuracy checks before submission. Expert-assisted plans also include post-filing monitoring, ensuring your refund is processed and credited without unnecessary delay. Consistent accuracy and early filing are the most effective ways to speed up refund timelines.
