How to Raise Grievance for Delayed Refund on Income Tax Portal
- Asharam Swain
- Nov 27, 2025
- 9 min read
Delayed income tax refunds have become a common concern for many taxpayers, often caused by mismatched data, pending validations, or processing backlogs on the Income Tax Portal. The quickest way to resolve this issue is by using the e-Nivaran grievance redressal system built into the portal, which allows taxpayers to submit refund complaints and track responses directly from the dashboard. This mechanism provides a structured path to report refund delays, attach supporting documents, and receive timely updates from the Centralised Processing Centre, ensuring the refund issue is handled with clarity and transparency.
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How to Raise Grievance for Delayed Refund on Income Tax Portal
A delayed income tax refund usually indicates a pending verification, an error in bank details, or a mismatch in tax data. The Income Tax Portal offers a dedicated system called e-Nivaran, which allows taxpayers to report refund delays formally. The process involves logging in, filling a grievance form with refund details, submitting relevant documents, and tracking the status online. The system registers the issue with the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC), ensuring the refund delay is examined and resolved. TaxBuddy’s guided tax filing support also helps users navigate such situations more confidently by identifying errors early and avoiding refund delays.
Understanding Why Income Tax Refunds Get Delayed
Refunds often get delayed due to mismatched income details, incorrect Form 16 entries, unvalidated bank accounts, errors in AIS/TIS, or processing backlogs at CPC. Refunds may also be held if additional verification is required, such as recalculation under Section 143(1), scrutiny selection, or PAN-bank linkage issues. When the details do not match across Form 26AS, AIS, and the ITR filed, the system pauses refund initiation until corrections are completed. Many delays occur simply because the bank account is not pre-validated, which is mandatory for refund credit. Identifying the specific reason helps determine whether a grievance is necessary.
Step-by-Step Process to Raise a Grievance on the Income Tax Portal
The grievance submission process begins by logging into the Income Tax e-Filing portal using PAN and password. After logging in, the user must navigate to the e-Nivaran section and select “Submit Grievance.” The system automatically fills in basic details, making the process easier. The grievance must be categorised correctly under “Refund” or “ITR Processing.” The description box should include the assessment year, ITR acknowledgement number, date of filing, and details of the delayed refund. Once reviewed, the grievance can be submitted, and a unique Grievance ID is generated for future tracking.
How to Use the e-Nivaran System for Refund Issues
e-Nivaran is the Income Tax Department’s centralized grievance redressal mechanism designed to handle refund issues systematically. It routes complaints directly to the relevant assessment or processing unit, ensuring faster attention. Users can choose from categories such as delayed refund, refund failure, incorrect refund amount, refund reissue request, or processing delay underSection 143(1). The system maintains transparency by time-stamping submissions and enabling real-time status tracking. It serves as the official channel for refund-related queries, reducing the need for physical visits or manual follow-ups.
Key Details to Mention While Submitting a Refund Grievance
A well-drafted grievance improves the chances of faster resolution. Essential details include the assessment year, ITR acknowledgement number, mode of filing, date of filing, processing status, and refund amount expected. The description should mention whether bank account validation is complete and whether any error message appears under the refund status. If previous communications or CPC emails were received, mentioning them helps officers understand the history of the case. Clear, concise, factual information ensures the grievance is processed without further clarification.
Documents Required for Raising a Delayed Refund Grievance
Supporting documents help the department verify refund delays quickly. Commonly required documents include the ITR acknowledgement (ITR-V), refund status screenshots from the portal, bank account validation screenshots, Form 26AS, AIS summary, and any communication received from CPC. Documents must be uploaded in PDF format, up to 5 MB. If the refund got reissued or failed at the bank, attaching the bank statement for relevant dates also helps. These documents allow the grievance cell to cross-check records and expedite the resolution process.
How to Track Your Grievance Status on the Portal
Tracking is available through the same e-Nivaran section under “Grievance Status.” Users can view whether the grievance is open, under review, transferred to CPC, resolved, or closed with remarks. Status updates may include actionable steps, such as validating the bank account or submitting a rectification request. The portal also displays the officer handling the complaint and the expected response cycle. Most grievances are addressed within 7–15 working days, although complex verification issues may take longer. Regular tracking ensures no update goes unnoticed.
Common Reasons Behind Refund Hold, Error, or Failure
Refunds may be held due to a mismatch in Form 26AS or AIS, discrepancies in TDS claims, incorrect bank details, unlinked PAN-Aadhaar, or processing errors. Refund failures occur if the bank rejects the credit due to inactive accounts, mismatched names, or incorrect IFSC codes. Sometimes refunds are withheld because the return is under review or a notice under Section 143(1)(a) or 139(9) is pending response. Understanding the underlying issue helps determine whether to file a grievance, rectify errors, or validate the bank account first.
How to Fix Refund Issues Before Raising a Grievance
Before initiating a grievance, it helps to check if the bank account is pre-validated, ensure PAN and Aadhaar are linked, verify Form 26AS and AIS for mismatches, and confirm that no notices are pending response. If an error was made during filing, submitting a rectification under Section 154 is often more effective than filing a grievance. For bank-related failures, using the “Refund Reissue Request” option may resolve the issue faster. Addressing these core issues prevents unnecessary grievances and speeds up refund processing.
Legal Framework for Refund Processing Under Income Tax Act
Refund processing is governed by Section 143(1) of the Income Tax Act, which mandates summary assessment and refund issue after verification. Interest on delayed refunds is covered under Section 244A. Grievance redressal timelines are directed by CBDT circulars that instruct quicker processing and structured handling through e-Nivaran. The department also permits rectification and condonation requests for errors or delays up to six years from the end of the relevant assessment year. These legal provisions ensure that refund-related grievances are handled transparently and within defined timelines.
When to Seek Additional Support for Refund-Related Problems
Support may be needed when refund delays extend beyond the usual timeframe, multiple grievances remain unresolved, bank validations repeatedly fail, or the portal reflects contradictory information. In such cases, consulting a tax expert helps identify underlying issues, prepare proper documentation, and submit rectification requests or follow-up grievances correctly. Many users rely on digital platforms like TaxBuddy for streamlined refund tracking, expert review of mismatches, and guided assistance in resolving refund-related complications through correct filings.
Conclusion
Raising a grievance on the Income Tax Portal is the official and effective way to resolve refund delays once preliminary checks, such as bank validation and data mismatch review, are complete. The e-Nivaran system allows structured submission, documentation, and tracking to ensure timely redressal. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download the TaxBuddy 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 provides both self-filing and expert-assisted filing options, catering to different types of taxpayers. The self-filing option is suitable for individuals with straightforward income sources, allowing them to file returns using an AI-driven interface that auto-extracts data from Form 16, PAN, and AIS. For taxpayers with capital gains, foreign income, F&O trades, rental income, or multiple income streams, the expert-assisted plan ensures their return is prepared and reviewed by a qualified tax expert. This combination of automation and human expertise helps minimize errors and ensures compliance with the latest tax rules.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR? The official Income Tax e-Filing Portal is the statutory platform for all taxpayers in India. However, many individuals prefer using trusted platforms like TaxBuddy for a smoother and more intuitive experience. TaxBuddy simplifies data entry, highlights potential mismatches, auto-pulls tax data, and offers expert review for complex cases. While the government portal is ideal for direct filing, TaxBuddy enhances the process through guided steps and post-filing support, making it one of the best choices for hassle-free filing.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return? Income tax returns can be filed directly on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal using a registered PAN-based login. Alternatively, returns can be filed through authorized online platforms like TaxBuddy, which provide a streamlined interface, guided filing workflows, and automated data extraction from AIS, Form 16, and Form 26AS. These platforms reduce the chances of errors and help users understand their tax position before submission.
Q4. How long does it usually take to receive an income tax refund after filing an ITR? Refund timelines vary depending on the complexity of the return, accuracy of bank details, and the workload at the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC). Simple salary returns are often processed within 7–45 days. However, returns involving capital gains, foreign income, or large TDS claims may take longer. Refunds are issued only after successful processing under Section 143(1). Ensuring pre-validated bank accounts and accurate AIS/TDS data speeds up the process significantly.
Q5. Why does the Income Tax Department delay refunds even after the ITR is processed? Refunds may be delayed due to bank validation failures, mismatches in AIS or Form 26AS, pending responses to system-generated notices, technical banking issues, or refund rejections by the bank. Additionally, if the CPC identifies discrepancies in reported income, TDS claims, or deductions, the refund may be paused for internal checks. Submitting a grievance through e-Nivaran helps escalate and resolve these issues.
Q6. How can taxpayers check the current status of their income tax refund? Refund status can be checked through two sources: the Income Tax Portal and the TIN NSDL Refund Tracking page. The Income Tax Portal reflects whether the return is processed under Section 143(1) and whether the refund has been issued. The NSDL page provides real-time bank-level refund information, including success, failure, or hold status. Users of platforms like TaxBuddy also receive status alerts and guided steps if any action is required.
Q7. What should be done if the refund fails due to incorrect bank account details? If a refund fails due to incorrect or inactive bank account details, the taxpayer must log into the Income Tax Portal and submit a “Refund Reissue Request.” Before that, the bank account must be corrected and pre-validated under the Profile section. Once validated, the refund request gets reprocessed by CPC. Uploading correct bank proof ensures seamless credit during the reissue.
Q8. Is interest paid on delayed income tax refunds? Yes. Under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, taxpayers are entitled to interest on delayed income tax refunds if the delay exceeds the prescribed timeline. The interest is generally 0.5% per month and is calculated from the date of return filing or the end of the assessment year, whichever is later. The interest amount is automatically included in the refund but is taxable in the year of receipt.
Q9. What steps should be taken if the refund amount received is incorrect? If the refund amount differs from the expected figure, taxpayers must first download the intimation under Section 143(1) from the Income Tax Portal. The intimation explains adjustments made during processing. If the adjustment is incorrect, a rectification request under Section 154 can be filed. When the processing error remains unresolved despite correction, submitting a grievance under e-Nivaran becomes necessary. Platforms like TaxBuddy assist users in preparing accurate rectification requests.
Q10. What should be done if the Income Tax Portal shows 'Refund Paid' but the amount is not credited to the bank? If the portal shows “Refund Paid,” but the amount is not visible in the bank account, taxpayers should check the NSDL refund status to verify whether the bank rejected the credit. Common reasons include mismatched names, inactive accounts, or incorrect IFSC codes. A bank statement may be required to identify failed transactions. If the refund was rejected, a “Refund Reissue Request” must be submitted on the portal after correcting the bank details.
Q11. Can a grievance be raised without logging into the Income Tax Portal? The portal allows both pre-login and post-login grievance submission. Pre-login grievances can be submitted by entering PAN and contact details, but the post-login method is strongly recommended. The logged-in option auto-fills personal and ITR details, allows document upload, and enables easy tracking under the e-Nivaran section. Resulting resolutions are faster because all relevant data is readily available to CPC.
Q12. What is the correct way to escalate refund issues if basic troubleshooting does not work? If validation, rectification, and refund reissue attempts do not solve the problem, escalation through e-Nivaran is the recommended route. For prolonged delays or repeated failures, contacting the jurisdictional assessing officer or CPC helpline may also be required. Taxpayers who face recurring refund issues often prefer using platforms like TaxBuddy, where tax experts analyse the error, identify mismatches, and submit the correct requests for faster resolution.
