Income Tax Return 2025: How to Lodge a Complaint for Quick Resolution of an Income Tax Refund

To lodge a complaint for quick resolution of an income tax refund, you can follow these step-by-step methods depending on your case. Here’s a streamlined guide for AY 2025-26 or any current year:

✅ Step 1: Verify Your Return Status

Login to incometax.gov.in

Go to:

e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns

Check:

Whether the return is processed.

If refund is determined.

Whether there are mismatches in 26AS/AIS/TIS.

If it says “Processed with no demand and no refund” but you expected a refund, you can raise a grievance.

✅ Step 2: Lodge Grievance via e-Nivaran (Best Option)

🔹 How to File Grievance on Income Tax Portal:

Login to incometax.gov.in

Go to:

Grievances > Submit Grievance

Fill the form:

Grievance Category: Refund related

Sub-category: Refund not received / Refund delayed / Refund discrepancy

Mention Assessment Year and refund amount claimed

Attach supporting documents if any (e.g., ITR acknowledgment, Form 26AS, AIS)

📌 Pro Tip: Mention clearly in description:

“ITR for AY 2025-26 was processed on [date]. Refund of ₹[amount] not received yet. Kindly expedite.”

✅ Step 3: Contact CPC or File RTI

🔹 CPC Helpline (for Refund Delay)

Toll-Free: 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025

Or email: refund@incometax.gov.in

🔹 File RTI (if no response in 30 days)

You can file RTI at:

👉 https://rtionline.gov.in

Under “Public Authority” select: Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

Ask:

“Please provide the status and reasons for delay in processing refund for ITR filed for AY 2025-26 under PAN XXXXXXX.”

✅ Step 4: Escalate to Ombudsman (if needed)

If refund is delayed beyond 6 months or grievance unresolved, approach the Income Tax Ombudsman (CBDT authority). Though the system is being restructured, you can write to your Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in your region as escalation.

✅ Documents to Keep Ready

ITR-V (Acknowledgement)

26AS and AIS/TIS

Grievance submission acknowledgment

Bank account details (as per ITR)

✅ Tips for Faster Refund in Future

Ensure no mismatch in TDS (26AS) and AIS.

File ITR early in the season.

Link PAN with Aadhaar.