Follow Us :

Delays in income tax refunds, even after the stipulated number of months, are faced by many tax payers. Running from pillar to post at the income tax office, having to deal with impolite income tax officials become a part of the ordeal. At such times tax payers often feel helpless with absolutely no recourse. To address such issues, the government has set up the Tax Ombudsman in select cities, to address grievances and to provide tax payers a platform to put forth his issues and problems.

What is the Income Tax Ombudsman?

The Ombudsman is an independent body initiated by the government and comprises of former Income Tax officials or officials from the Indian Revenue Service. These officers have been empowered to settle grievances and take up matters to the highest authority, with the sole aim of resolving it. They act as an arbitrator and are independent of the jurisdiction of the income-tax department.

tax-refund-stuck

Issues handled by Ombudsman:

  • Delay or discrepancy in tax refunds
  • Impolite behaviour of tax officials
  • Interest waiver
  • Seizure of account books by department
  • Issues relating to allotment of Permanent Account Number
  • Non credit of tax paid, including tax deducted at source.
  • Non-acknowledgement of letters or documents sent to the Department
  • Other administrative matters that have been violated

The Ombudsman however will not help if the issue is being looked at as an appeal, revision, reference or writ by any income-tax authority or appellate authority or tribunal or court.

Location of Ombudsman Offices

Currently there are 12 offices for ombudsman, located in Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, Ahmadabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Bhopal and Kochi. To locate your nearest Ombudsman go to the link:  http://www.incometaxindiapr.gov.in/incometaxindiacr/home.jsp?p1=ombudsman_contacts

Complaints addressed to the Ombudsman could be sent to the nearest Ombudsman Office.

Process to Address Grievances through Ombudsman

Ø Before you approach the ombudsman

If you are facing an issue, before you approach the Ombudsman, you should have already submitted a written complaint with your income tax officer. If the complaint has not been satisfactorily addressed, or if the officer rejects your complaint, or if no reply is received within 30 days of writing the complaint, only then should the issue be raised to Ombudsman. The complaint should be filed with the Ombudsman within one year, after the 30 day wait for a response from the I-T official.

Ø Submitting Documents and Details to Ombudsman

There is no standard format for addressing a complaint to the Ombudsman. However, while filing your complaint to the Ombudsman, the following details must be included.

a) Name, address and PAN of assessee

b) Facts and details about the grievance- date wise complaints filed, responses, and the time gap involved etc

c) Copies of the letter of the first complain made to the income-tax authorities

d) Other documents such as relevant income proof supporting your claim and complaint

e) The relief requested from the Ombudsman

Ø Resolving of Complaints

The Ombudsman acts as an intermediary between the Income Tax Department and the tax payer. It tries to resolve the issue by hastening the process. The Ombudsman has the power to pay penal interest for the duration of the delay. For cases where no resolution is passed in a month’s time of receiving the written complaint, Ombudsman could pass a decision called award. If deemed probable, a monetary compensation could be paid by the Ombudsman.

Decision of the Income Tax Ombudsman

The Ombudsman has been empowered by the government to help tax payers and also better the whole tax process. All decisions taken would be in line with the prevailing tax laws and only if the submitted documents are deemed fit. The decision of the Ombudsman thus has to be abided by the Income Tax Department and the tax payer. Once the Ombudsman decision is passed, tax payers need to make known their acceptance of the ombudsman decision of the final settlement within 15 days of receiving the letter stating the ombudsman’s decision, or as per the time frame mentioned in the letter. If one fails to do so, any award proposed shall lapse and be of no effect.

Source: InvestmentYogi is one of the leading personal finance websites in India

(Republished With Amendments)

Read about TDS on rent under Section 1941 here

Join Taxguru’s Network for Latest updates on Income Tax, GST, Company Law, Corporate Laws and other related subjects.

44 Comments

  1. Pramod Kumar says:

    Sir
    My pan no is 7709 . Not received my refund against 19-20 year. I am senior citizen over 60 plus age and in covoid time facing hardship

  2. Pramod Kumar says:

    Sir
    My pan no is —aiupk7709a
    I have not received my itr refund for the year 19–20. I am senior citizen having age 60 plus and facing lot of difficulties in such hard time of corna.
    I was told that refund adjusted anainst 17-18 and 18–18. I AM not agree with this adjustment and already sent my opinion .
    Inspite of this not received refund. For every year I have attached supporting document of f16 — inspite of that not received refund. This has created tensions and mental agony.
    Thanks
    Pramod kumar

  3. E.Babu says:

    Respected sir’
    I am not received ITR refund for the assessment year 2018-2019
    I requested to admit the return amount please
    My Pan number AHZPB5541P
    Thanks

  4. Kumar Bharat Bhushan yati says:

    My PAN No. AAPPY5167R . The case relate to AY 2010-2011. The refund of IT was adjusted against a demand under Section 143-1(a) of the I.T.Act 1961 From my A.Y.-2018-19 However, since requisite TDS was already debited from me, I took up with my employer (State Bank of India). With prolonged pursuation, the TDS was credited to my PAN which is now reflected in Form 26 AS for AY 2010-11. Please do the needful and arrange for refund of excess of Tax amount with interest.

  5. Kumar Bharat Bhushan yati says:

    My PAN No. AAPPY5167R . The case relate to AY 2010-2011. The refund of IT was adjusted against a demand under Section 143-1(a) of the I.T.Act 1961, However, since requisite TDS was already debited from me, I took up with my employer (State Bank of India). With prolonged pursuation, the TDS was credited to my PAN which is now reflected in Form 26 AS for AY 2010-11. Please do the needful and arrange for refund of excess of Tax amount with interest.

  6. Gauree shanker gurjar says:

    Sir I am already done my income tax return on 06 aug 19 ack no 751350600020819 and PAN Card No AJDPG8043M my refund not recd till date

  7. anil pate says:

    How income tax deptt. can demand tax for 2008-9 when it was already paid. And how it can recover the same from refund due for current year. Can anybody through any light on this. And if all interest details are available through pan no. then how wrong/excess interest filled in it return is accepted without verification by income tax deptt.

  8. ADITI BANERJEE says:

    TDS refund for AY 2017-18 has been adjusted with AY 2008-09 though I have received refund for AY2008-09after rectification by the AO , Bamboo villa, Kolkata. Thereafter since last Feb 2018 I have been running from door to door but no response by AO or CPC both of them are not responding to my request. Even the complaint lodged to Regional Grievance officer, Kolkata on 9th September 2018 has not been taken care of. What should I do further?

  9. CHANDRA DEV BHATT says:

    I wanted that I should be given a list of refund due amount and refund credited amount with name of the bank and date of payment for past 10 years . Please guide me the procedure

  10. Mayur.agarwal says:

    Hello sir,
    My pan number is APAPA0092B and haven’t got my refund money though I have given writen application. Refund for the assessment yr 2016-2017 ,2017-2018 ,2018-2019 refund money I.e Rs.7600, Rs 7470, Rs.16980
    Plz do the needful

  11. Rajaram Katkar says:

    Kindly furnish me the Address of Ombudsman related to ITO(23) (1) (3) at Parel, Mumbai 400012 as I am not getting it after trying several times & several days

  12. Dipika Rajaram Katkar says:

    I have paid tax on 31st March, 2016 but reflected in the earlier year 26AS data eventhough the bank has correctly recorded & given acknowledment part to me.

    there is no mistake from bank & me but technical mistake of AS26 Income tax system. Even after sending mails & letters to Income tax dept & CPC, Income tax Officer has repeatedly informed me that this is technical mistake & ITO has referred the matter to IT Tech officials. Matter is still pending without refund. pl. explain how to get refund

  13. SUNIL KUMAR says:

    MY PAN NO IS BDMPS0849B I HAVE REQUEST REFUND RS 19660 ASST.YEAR 2017-18.TO INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT.BUT IT DEPARTMENT NOT CLEAR MY SAID AMOUNT YET.TAKE SOME ACTION.

  14. Dinesh Kumar says:

    My PAN No. AEPPK2546C . The case relate to AY 2009-2010. The refund of IT was adjusted against a demand under Section 143-1(a) of the I.T.Act 1961, which was not sent to me. However, since requisite TDS was already debited from me, I took up with my employer (State Bank of India). With prolonged pursuation, the TDS was credited to my PAN which is now reflected in Form 26 AS for AY 2009-2010. The ASSTT./Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax , Circle 3, Deoghar (Jharkhand) has not refunded the amount of Tax deducted from me, two times, despite my personal visit/ various letters. Please do the needful and arrange for refund of excess of Tax amount with interest.

  15. Chandra Shekher Kandpal says:

    Dear Concern
    My PAN number is ADEPK6766A and Name is Chandra Shekher kandpal. I filled my Income Tax return during July last year for the Assessment year 2018-19. But it is too late to get the refund approximately Rs 150000/. I neither got the refund nor any reply from the Income Tax Department till today.

  16. MOHAN DHAS says:

    My PAN no. – ACAPM4028N
    IT Refund for AY 2018~19; Refund Amt.- Rs.5690/-
    Unable to credit in Bank due to incorrect A/C no.
    Correct Axis Bank A/C no. – 074010100105880
    IFSC code – UTIB0000074
    Branch – Ramapuram, Chennai – 600089

  17. Kirit Gajjar says:

    I have filled my return on last 3rd Aug’18, Same day was e-verified. but still date it is showing same status ‘successfully e-verified’. it should be proceed.

  18. Sunita Kumari says:

    I filed my income tax return for processing year 2016-17 as per TDS deducted as shown in 26AS and got refund Rs. 2800.00. But after few days 26AS was updated with more Rs. 5160. for which I filed revised return. Later on CPC Bangalore transferred case to AO Chandigarh. Since then we made so many written and visited request but never getting back refund of Rs. 5160

  19. Suachinpao says:

    Dear Sir,
    Not received ITR refund for the assessment year 2028 – 2019.
    It is requested to admit the return amount please.

    Pan No – BIYPS1118J

  20. Suachinpao says:

    Sir,
    Not received ITR refund for the assessment year 2018 – 2019.
    Requested to admit the return amount please.

    PAN NO – BIYPS1118J
    Suachinpao

  21. SHIVAM SHUKLA says:

    It is submitted that I am Shiva Shukla from Pune, I want to e-filing ITR but I am unable to rest password after changing password successful showing and activated after 12h, I login my new password not open and showing again and again password or user id invalid. sir, I m very worry about this things if I will not file on due date income tax deptt to be fined Rs. 5000/- on me.

    Sir therefore, I Kindly request you to take action as special case accordingly so that I can file my ITR for the Financial year 2017-18 on due date and save rs 5000/. Details of PAN Card and other relevant particulars are given below for your action pl:-

    a) PAN Number : FSRPS6321G
    (b) Taxpayer Name : SHIVAM SHUKLA
    (c) Date of Birth : 10 JAN 1996
    (d) Father’s Name : RAMESH PRASAD SHUKLA
    (e) Mailing Address : santosh1542@gmail.com

    Mob No : 7218608839

    with regards

    Shivam Shukla
    (Army) Pune

  22. KRISHNAPRASAD HOLEHONNUR RAGAVENDRAMURTHY says:

    Sir,

    I have filed it return for Ay 2017-18 vide ack no 938123300260717 for which refund of Rs 51750\- yet to receive vide order no CPC\1718\G4\20873219
    mY PAN NO IS AIAPR4680B

  23. Mir Masarath Ali says:

    Sir,
    My Tax refund of Rs 32,530/
    For the assessment year 2017-2018
    is pending.
    My PAN No is AACPA1899B
    Name :Mir Masarath Ali

  24. KARUPPUSAMY SIVASUBRAMANIAM says:

    I have not received refund for tax filing done for the year 2017-2018. Filing dated 28/07/2017
    PAN NO:BELPS4047D
    ACKNOWLEDGE NO:953855680280717

  25. P.G. MOHANAN PILLAI says:

    I have not received refund for tax filing done for the year 2017-2018. Even status is showing as ” e-verified successful” .Can you please help us for same.
    My ack no is :142634520050817 submitted dated 05/08/2017.
    Pan no :AEAPP6718C

    Thanks,

    Neelam Singh

  26. Neelam Singh says:

    Sir,

    I have not received refund for tax filing done for the year 2017-2018. Even status is showing as ” e-verified successful” .Can you please help us for same.
    My ack no is :773566030130517 submitted dated 13/5/2017.
    Pan no :AGJPS3017N

    Thanks,

    Neelam Singh

  27. BEENA SURANA says:

    MY NAME IS BEENA SURANA. MY PAN IS AAZPS9329P. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED REFUND FOR 2 YEARS A.Y. 2013-14 & A.Y. 2014-15. I HAVE FILED THE RETURNS IN UDAIPUR I.T. OFFICE. BUT THEY SAID MY PAN IS LYING WITH MUMBAI A.O. OFFICE AND THE HAVE APPLIED FOR ACQUISITION OF PAN AS SOON AS RECEIPT OF RETURN FOR A.Y. 2013-14. BUT TILL NOW NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY EITHER OF THE I.T. OFFICES. I HAVE SUBMITTED ONLINE GREIVANCE APPLICATION FOR THIS IN INCOME TAX PORTAL BUT SAME HAS NOT BEEN RESPONDED. PLEASE HELP ME GET MY REFUND.

    BEENA SURANA
    +91-7742634534
    jitusurana@yahoo.com

  28. ARUP KUMAR BARAT . says:

    Respected Sir,
    I beg to state that I had submitted “SAHAJ Individual Income Tax Return AY 2013-14” on dated 12 July 2013 to THE INCOME TAX OFFICER,1(3), INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT, VERAVAL, P.O. VERAVAL, DIST- JUNAGARH (GUJARAT). My TDS refund was Rs.2050.00.( Rs. Two thousand fifty. ) only.
    But, the I.T.Department, Veraval had not refund TDS till date.
    I had given letter to the I.T.Department, Veraval and contact over phone.
    But, the I.T.Department, Veraval had not take necessary action .
    I had send two letters to the DIRECTOR GENERAL OF INCOME TAX (ADMINISTRATION) on dated 09.04.2015 and 21.07.2015. But, the DIRECTOR GENERAL OF INCOME TAX (ADMINISTRATION) had not gave any response from his end to refund TDS Rs.2050.00.( Rs. Two thousand fifty. ) only.
    I had send two letters to the OMBUDSMAN (AHMEDABAD) OF INCOME TAX on dated 10.10.2015 and 18.11.2015. But, the OMBUDSMAN (AHMEDABAD) OF INCOME TAX had not gave any response from his end to refund TDS Rs.2050.00.( Rs. Two thousand fifty. ) only.

    Kindly, take necessary action to refund TDS Rs.2050.00.( Rs. Two thousand fifty. ) only from your end.

    Thanking you,
    yours faithfully,
    ARUP KUMAR BARAT (PAN NO.- AFAPB1299M).

    Address:- FLAT NO.- F1, DEV-ASHISH PARK (APPARTMENT),
    NEAR 80 FEET ROAD, P.O.- VERAVAL, DIST.-JUNAGARH,(GUJARAT), PIN CODE:-362265.
    PHONE NO.-09427740901.
    EMAIL ID- arupkumarbarat5@gmail.com

  29. JAYANT Alekar says:

    It surprising that there is accredit refund due to me CPC bengluru sent a recovery challan notice to me.& after protest is not ready to rectify THEIR MISTAKE.

  30. P.S.R.SWAMI says:

    The CPC, Bangalore made a wrong demand from me for AYs. 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2008-09.vide its lr.CPC/1112/H1/11038627850 dt.19-10-2011 for the amount aggregating to Rs. 89,578. My PAN AJMPP8791L. I received communication from SBI that an amount of Rs.29,280/ refundable to me was adjusted on 23-12-2011 against this demand of CPC. I replied showing all the details that no amount is due from me except Rs.3,563/- which was not paid inadvertently thinking the assessment order wrongly as no challan demanding the amount was attached. I requested to adjust this amount from the amount wrongly adjusted and refund the balance amount and drop the demand. But so far I did not receive any reply though I have been regularly following up with the CPC Bangalore since March 2012, reminded on 29-11-2012 and again reminded on 30-03-2013. Is the TAX payer supposed to bear this for an indefinite period and suffer for the wrong demand made. During my life time since I am a Senior Citizen and completing 68 years by 10-10-2013, I think I can never clear this wrong demand because the wrong demand gets multiplied year by year.

  31. harunal rasid says:

    how to solve that an amount of Rs 917563.72 had been WRONGLY credited into my form 26as FOR THE A.YR 2012-13 but I have submitted my return followed by my actual tds.

  32. vswami says:

    This, on the face of it, is not seen to provide a pragmatic or straight forward hassle-free solution; at least for those tax payers in whose cases the AO has neither cared to send the mandatory Intimation u/s 143 (1)nor granted a genuinely due refund, with no scope left or any need for an inquiry or investigation into the data adequately available on record. If not made truly simple and taxpayer- friendly, the office of ombudsman is bound to go down as yet another eye wash, with no remarkable improvement in the surrounding detestable state of affairs prevailing for long.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search Post by Date
March 2024
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031