Handling Delayed ITR Status: Understanding the Process and Steps for Resolution

What You Need to Know About ITR Processing and Delays

When dealing with Income Tax Returns (ITR), processing times can vary widely. Typically, ITRs take 2 to 4 months to be processed, but exact timelines can be influenced by various factors, such as the volume of returns received and administrative delays. If your ITR status is stuck in 'successfully e-verified EVC' (Electronic Verification Code) and no refund has been applied, it is important to understand the current status and the steps you can take to address this issue.

Understanding the Tax Year and Assessment Period

The time limit for completing the evaluation (Assessment) is within one year from the end of the assessment year. For the assessment year that ended on March 31, 2021, the deadline for completion of the assessment was March 31, 2022. However, due to the peculiar situations of the current fiscal year, the due date has been extended to November 30, 2020. Further extensions may not be possible, as they are contingent upon the Finance Minister's decision. As of the current date, all ITR processing is conducted through the e-process. Until this end date is reached, there is no expectation of ITR processing or the initiation of provisional assessment under section 143(1), which would precede any refund.

Steps to Take If Your ITR Status is Delayed

1. **Raise a Grievance Online** - If you want to lodge a complaint, you can do so through the Income Tax Portal, addressing your Assessing Officer. This can be done to inquire about the reasons for the delay. Typically, a grievance response is provided within 24 hours.

2. **Visit the Income Tax Office** - Your case may have been transferred to the Assessing Officer in the Income Tax office near you. A visit can help resolve the issue, as officials can provide more personalized assistance and explanations.

3. **Wait for Processing** - You cannot speed up the processing of your ITR. The timeline involves several steps, including:

ITRV Filing ITRV Receipt or Online Validation (e.g., DSC) Batch Processing of Returns Basic Processing Under Section 143(1) Refund Determination Government and Income Tax Department Funding Determinations Payment of Refund Correcting Payee Data (if necessary)

As of now, returns have not been taken up for processing, as experienced by many filers. Given the current situation, it is advised to wait until the extended due date is reached.

Additional Considerations

This year, the returns will not be processed until the extended due date is met, as shared by the experience of returns filed by various individuals. It is recommended to file a grievance through an association in the second week of December 2023 if the processing is still not initiated.

The reason for the extended processing is likely due to the volume of returns and administrative delays, which are common during the busy tax season. Patience and vigilance are key in resolving these issues, as they may take some time to be addressed.

In summary, while you may feel frustrated with the delayed ITR status and lack of refund, it is essential to understand the current processing timelines and steps you can take to resolve the issue. By following these guidelines and providing additional pressure through grievances, you can help ensure that your returns are processed as quickly as possible.