CBDT has issued order dated 05.08.2019 wherein they have increased the time limit for processing of tax refunds to 31st December 2019 for Assessment Year 2017-18.
The intimation under section 143(1) has to be sent up to one year from the end of the financial year in which return is furnished. Due to certain reasons not attributable to assessee, the returns could not be processed on time and therefore, refunds cannot be issued. This step has been taken to ensure that the legitimate refunds should be issued to the assessees.