Interest on refunds: entitlement to monthly simple interest and additional annual interest where orders trigger refunds.
Interest on refunds is payable as simple interest at a monthly rate from specified starting dates determined by refund source (tax collected at source/advance tax/treatment as paid; tax paid under specified provisions; excess payments under demand notices), with an additional annual interest where refunds follow certain appellate or rectification orders. Periods attributable to the assessee/deductor are excluded; immaterial refunds below a threshold do not attract interest for defined categories; interest is adjusted if subsequent orders change the underlying amount and assessing officers may demand excess interest.