Section 244A - Interest on refunds

Interest on refunds: entitlement to monthly simple interest for delayed tax refunds and additional interest tied to corrective orders.

Section 244A entitles an assessee to simple interest on tax refunds, calculated monthly or part-monthly from prescribed commencement dates (linked to the assessment year, furnishing of return, payment of tax, or claim forms) to the date the refund is granted; small refunds may be excluded. Additional interest is payable where refunds arise from specified orders, subject to exclusion of periods when refunds are lawfully withheld during pending assessment proceedings. Delay attributable to the assessee or deductor is excluded and disputes over excluded periods are finally decided by designated Commissioners; subsequent orders that change refundable amounts adjust the interest accordingly.