Check Income Tax Refunds Status AY 2025–26 

Many taxpayers are still waiting for their income tax refunds for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26. Recently, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman shared an official clarification about why refunds are being delayed, when they will be released, and what taxpayers should do if their refund is stuck. This article covers all important details.

Important Updates about Income Tax Refund Status for Assessment Year 2025–26

1. Current Status of ITR Processing

Refunds are released only after the Income Tax Return (ITR) is fully processed.

• Total ITRs filed for AY 2025–26: 7.82 crore+
• Total ITRs processed so far: 6.92 crore
• Pending ITRs: 1 crore+

Refunds belonging to taxpayers whose ITRs are still not processed are currently on hold.

2. Why Refunds Are Being Delayed

According to CBDT Chairman Mr. Ravi Agrawal, there are two major reasons for refund delays:

a) Verification of High-Value Refunds

Refunds worth lakhs of rupees are being analyzed closely.
These cases are temporarily held to ensure the accuracy of deductions claimed.

b) Detection of Red Flags in Deductions

Refunds have been stopped for taxpayers who may have claimed:

• Fake deductions
• Excess deductions not justified under law

The Income Tax Department has done similar verification in previous years and is continuing the same process this year.

3. Low-Value Refunds Will Be Issued Soon

The Department has confirmed that low-value refunds will be issued by:

• End of November
• or End of December

So taxpayers with small refund amounts can expect early credit.

4. Request to Revise ITR for High Refund Claims

Taxpayers who claimed high refund amounts may receive an email titled:

“Response to confirm or revise the claim of refund.”

They are advised to:

• Confirm their refund if correct
  or
• Revise their ITR if any deduction is wrongly claimed

🗓 Deadline to revise ITR: 31 December

This step can help avoid future penalties.

How to Check ITR Refund Status

You can check your refund status in two ways:

Method 1 – Through ITR View Section

After logging in to the Income Tax portal, go to View Filed Returns. Your refund status will be displayed at the top, and if credited, the date will also be shown.

Method 2 – Official Refund Status

1. Login to the Income Tax Portal
2. Go to Services → Know Your Refund Status
3. Select Assessment Year 2025–26
4. Scroll down and submit

You will be able to view:

• Refund status
• UTR Number
• Transaction reference
• Date of credit

How to File a Grievance (If Needed)

If the refund is delayed for a long time, follow this method:

1. Log in to Income Tax Portal
2. Go to Submit Grievance
3. Select CPC–ITR
4. Choose category and select Others
5. Enter Assessment Year and Acknowledgment Number
6. Upload ITR acknowledgment (optional)
7. Submit the grievance
   

Final Advice

If the Income Tax Department has not asked for confirmation or revision, the only option is to wait. Based on the official statement:

• Low-value refunds will be credited by the end of November or December
  

Conclusion

The delay in income tax refunds for AY 2025–26 is mainly due to strict checks on high-value refunds and suspected fake deductions. Taxpayers are advised to check their Intimation Letter and respond immediately if the department asks for confirmation or revision. Those eligible for low-value refunds can expect them soon.