Income Tax Refund Delayed? Reasons & Solutions for FY22-23 Taxpayers

• Many taxpayers face delays in receiving income tax refunds for FY22-23, but the department has until December 31, 2024, to process returns under Section 143(1).
• Delays can stem from discrepancies in ITR vs. Form 26AS/AIS, incorrect bank details, ineligible deductions, unverified ITRs, or scrutiny of large transactions.
• New NUDGE campaigns (foreign asset reporting, fake donation claims) have also contributed to processing delays due to enhanced compliance checks.
• Taxpayers should check ITR processing status, reconfirm validated bank details, look for outstanding tax demands, and respond promptly to any notices.
• If delays persist after processing, raise an online complaint via e-Nivaran/CPGRAMS or consult a tax expert for complex issues.

Why It Matters: Understand common reasons for income tax refund delays and follow steps to resolve them promptly.