Income tax refund status 2026: Why many taxpayers are still waiting for refund - Why refunds are still pending

Many taxpayers who filed ITRs for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26) are still waiting for income tax refunds. Such delays are not unusual and do not necessarily indicate an error in the return. Under the law, the Income Tax Department can process returns and issue refunds up to December 31, 2026, and is currently within this permitted timeline. Why refunds are still pending