Have you received your income tax refund yet? If not, read how to do it here
You cannot file a new or amended return if you fail to meet the deadline.
New Delhi: The tax season of Assessment Year 2024-25 is nearing its end and taxpayers are eagerly awaiting their Income Tax Return (ITR). Understandably, there may be some delay in receiving the ITR due to several reasons, including the issue of “defective income tax returns” (ITR).
The deadline for filing ITR was July 31, 2024, with over 7 crore returns submitted. As of August 23, the Income Tax department had processed 5.34 crore of these returns, leaving over 2 crore verified ITRs still unprocessed. One notable reason for this delay is the issuance of “defective ITR” notices by the tax department this year.
What is Defective ITR?
A defective Income Tax Return (ITR) is one whose form or schedule contains incomplete or inconsistent information or other issues that impede proper processing. On detection of a defect, the Income Tax Department issues a notice under Section 139(9) of the Income Tax Act to the taxpayer's registered email address or by post. This notification is also available on e-filing portal.
What to do if you receive a defective ITR notice?
On receipt of a defective ITR notice, you have two options: file a fresh return or amend the existing return if time allows during the assessment year. Alternatively, you can directly address the notice under section 139(9). Urgent action is required; Failure to meet the deadline means you cannot file a new or amended return. Consequently, your ITR for assessment year 2024-25 may be treated as invalid or unfiled.
Deadline for correcting defective ITR
When you receive a defective ITR notice, you are given 15 days from the date of notice to rectify the problem, which may be specified in the notice. If necessary, you can apply for an extension by requesting an adjournment. It is important to understand and resolve faulty ITRs early to avoid delays in receiving your tax refund. It is important to check your registered email and e-filing portal regularly so as not to miss any important communication from the Income Tax Department.
How to check your ITR refund status?
You can easily track your income tax return status online through the official website of Income Tax Department.
Follow these steps to check your refund status:
Visit the e-filing website of the Income Tax Department.
Login using your PAN credentials.
Navigate to the 'My Account' section on the home page.
Click on “Refund/Demand Status” option.
Your income tax return status will be displayed with details like assessment year, current status, any reasons for failure of return and payment method.
