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Jan 07, 2026
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Over 63 lakh ITRs yet to be processed in AY 2025–26: Why refunds are getting delayed
Even after the December 31 deadline for filing belated income tax returns, a large number of taxpayers are still waiting for their returns to be processed, and many are anxiously tracking their refunds.
As per data available on the Income Tax Department website, around 8.80 crore income tax returns (ITRs) have been filed so far for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26. Of these, nearly 8.66 crore returns have been verified, and about 8.02 crore returns have already been processed. That leaves roughly 63 lakh taxpayers whose returns are still under processing — and for many of them, refunds are yet to be issued.
So why are so many returns still pending, and should taxpayers be worried? Tax experts say the delays are largely intentional and compliance-driven, not a sign of system failure.
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