Central Government to Pay 15% Interest on Tax Refunds Delayed Over Three Months, Excluding Taxpayer-Caused Delays.

If a refund is delayed by the Assessing Officer, the Central Government must pay the taxpayer simple interest at 15% annually on the refund amount if not processed within three months. This applies to cases where income is not solely from interest on securities or dividends. If the delay is due to the taxpayer, that period is excluded from interest calculations. Disputes over the period to be excluded are resolved by the Principal Chief Commissioner or equivalent authority. These provisions do not apply to assessments from April 1, 1989, onward.

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