ITR filing FY 2024-25: Why are tax refunds delayed this year? AIS mismatches, verification checks & more explained

Income tax refunds are significantly delayed this assessment year, with processing times extended even for routine cases. Official data shows a substantial drop in refund outgo compared to last year, attributed to late form releases, increased verification, and processing constraints. Experts anticipate a continued trend of slower processing, particularly for high-value refunds.