As the income tax return (ITR) filing for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 picks up pace, concerns are rising over the delay in refund processing. According to the latest update from the Income Tax Department, over 90 lakh returns have been filed and around 86 lakh returns have been e-verified. However, refunds are yet to be issued for many taxpayers and a new development has further added to the uncertainty.
ITR Processing Data No Longer Visible on IT Portal
Until recently, the Income Tax Department's official portal displayed real-time statistics on the number of ITRs processed. However, this section has now gone blank, with the processing count no longer visible below the number of e-verified returns.
A screenshot of the webpage confirms the missing data, leaving taxpayers in the dark about the status of their filings.
Why Are Refunds Taking Time?
Tax professionals suggest that the IT Department is adopting a more cautious approach this year. Refunds will reportedly be issued only after reviewing previous years' returns and assessment orders to detect any fraudulent claims.
"The department is thoroughly scrutinising pending assessments and checking if any taxpayer has past discrepancies. If so, refunds are being put on hold," said a senior tax consultant.
This added scrutiny comes on the back of earlier reports in April 2025, warning that refunds may be delayed this year. At the time, many brushed aside the reports, but with growing delays, concerns among taxpayers are now surfacing.
Honest Taxpayers Affected
Experts worry that this extended verification process may inadvertently penalize honest taxpayers, particularly those who file regularly and have no pending notices or assessments. The lack of clear communication from the department has also drawn criticism.
"There needs to be a transparent system where taxpayers can see why their refund is stuck and when they can expect it," noted another expert.
What's the Current Status?
- ITR filing for AY 2025-26 started in late May 2025, almost a month behind schedule.
- Over 90 lakh ITRs filed so far.
- 86 lakh returns e-verified.
- Refunds are being withheld pending review of old ITRs.
- Processing data removed from the IT Department website.
- Deadline extended: ITR filing is now open till September 15, 2025
What Should Taxpayers Do?
Despite the delays, experts advise taxpayers to stay calm and patient. If your return is accurately filed and all prior assessments are clear, your refund will eventually be processed.
Actionable Tips
- Regularly check your ITR processing status on the income tax portal.
- Review any past assessment notices or unresolved issues.
- Keep a record of all submissions and acknowledgements.
- Avoid multiple inquiries or re-submissions, as it may further delay the process.
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