Income Tax Refund Delayed? Here's Why and How to Respond to Notices

• Many taxpayers are still awaiting income tax refunds for AY 2025-26, often due to mismatches or red-flagged deductions.
• Common reasons for delay include unverified ITRs, income/tax detail mismatches with Form 26AS/AIS, and outstanding tax demands from previous years.
• Taxpayers may receive intimations under Section 143(1) for preliminary assessment or requests for additional information.
• Incorrect or unvalidated bank account details can also cause refund failures; ensure your PAN-linked account is active and validated.
• Always log in to the e-filing portal to check communications, respond promptly with supporting documents, and track refund status.

Why It Matters: Understand common reasons for income tax refund delays and respond promptly to notices to ensure timely processing.