Overview
- Most returns have been processed since the September 16 deadline, but a segment of taxpayers still awaits refunds as cases move into extended verification.
- Experts cite late ITR utility rollouts, stricter data-matching and a heavier Centralised Processing Centre workload as the main drivers of slower processing this year.
- CBDT chairman Ravi Agrawal said high‑value or red‑flagged refunds are under analysis and that letters have been sent asking affected taxpayers to file revised returns if issues persist.
- Common blockers include unvalidated or incorrect bank details, invalid IFSC codes, inoperative PAN due to Aadhaar‑PAN issues, pending e‑verification and mismatches with AIS, Form 26AS or Form 16.
- Tax advisers recommend reconciling AIS, TIS and Form 26AS, pre‑validating bank accounts, using the correct ITR form and filing Form 67 for foreign tax credit claims, along with checking the portal for notices.