By vmg@gmail.com 
For many taxpayers, filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) doesn’t truly feel complete until the refund is credited to their bank account. Although the Income Tax Department’s Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) has improved processing speed, refund delays are still common in 2025.
This year, most delays are happening due to:
- Mismatch in ITR data
- Doubtful or incorrect deduction claims
- Notices issued by the Income Tax Department
- Bank account validation issues
If your ITR status shows “Processed” but your bank balance hasn’t changed, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide on checking refund status and contacting the right authority.
✅ Step 1: Check Your ITR Refund Status Online
Before contacting anyone, first confirm where your refund is stuck.
🔍 How to Check ITR Refund Status:
- Visit 👉 https://www.incometax.gov.in
- Log in using your PAN and password
- Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns
- Select the relevant Assessment Year (AY 2025–26)
📝 Meaning of Refund Status:
| Status Shown | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Processed with Refund Due | Refund approved but not yet transferred |
| Refund Failed | Transfer failed due to bank account issues |
| Refund Paid | Refund sent, but may need tracking |
📞 Step 2: Whom to Contact for ITR Refund Delay?
Based on your refund status, here’s who you should contact:
🏢 1. CPC Bengaluru – For Processing Delays
If:
- ITR is stuck in “Under Processing”
- Refund approved but not credited
📞 CPC Toll-Free Numbers
- 1800 103 0025
- 1800 419 0025
☎️ Direct Numbers (Bengaluru)
- +91 80 4612 2000
- +91 80 6146 4700
🕘 Working Hours:
Monday to Friday | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🏦 2. SBI – If Refund Shows “Paid” But Not Received
The State Bank of India (SBI) is the official refund banker for the Income Tax Department.
If the portal shows “Refund Paid” but money is not credited, the issue may be:
- Incorrect bank account details
- Inactive or closed bank account
- IFSC mismatch
📞 SBI Refund Enquiry Toll-Free Number
- 1800 425 9760
⚠️ Common Reasons for ITR Refund Delay in 2025
- Bank account not pre-validated
- PAN not linked with bank account
- ITR mismatch with Form 26AS / AIS
- Outstanding tax demand
- Scrutiny or notice under Income Tax Act
🧠 Pro Tip for Faster Refunds
✔ Always pre-validate your bank account
✔ Link PAN with Aadhaar & bank
✔ Respond quickly to any ITR notice
✔ File ITR early and accurately