New Delhi, July 29 -- Taxpayers expecting an income tax refund this filing season should do more than simply submit their income tax return (ITR) before the deadline. A few overlooked details, such as an unvalidated bank account, mismatched tax credit records or an outstanding tax demand, can delay the refund even after the return has been successfully filed.

A refund becomes due when the taxes already paid during the financial year through tax deducted at source (TDS), advance tax or self-assessment tax exceed the taxpayer's actual tax liability. However, the Income Tax Department processes refunds only after the return is successfully verified and all required details match its records.

The bank account selected for receiving the refu...