The Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) has officially confirmed that the refund process for individuals with a balance in their favor from the 2025 Annual Declaration will take a maximum of 40 business days from the date of the refund request. This announcement comes as many taxpayers express their concerns regarding delays in receiving their refunds after filing their annual declarations.
In a statement shared through their official channels, the SAT clarified that the 40-day timeline does not commence upon filing the annual declaration but rather from the specific request for a refund. “Once you make your request, if it is appropriate, it will be processed within a maximum period of 40 business days,” the SAT stated.
As the deadline for individuals to file their annual declarations approaches on April 30, 2025, it is crucial for taxpayers to understand the circumstances under which automatic refunds may not apply. According to the SAT, there are several scenarios that could lead to delays or disqualify a taxpayer from receiving their refund automatically.
For instance, if a taxpayer's balance in favor exceeds 150,000 pesos, if they have income from co-ownership or marital partnership, or if they suspended their RFC during 2024, they will not receive a direct deposit. Additionally, if a taxpayer is not located at their registered tax address, files their declaration outside of the 2024 fiscal year, or uses a password instead of the required e.firma, their refund may be jeopardized.
Other common issues that could lead to a rejection of the automatic refund include failing to select the “Refund” option when filing the declaration or submitting it after the July 31, 2025 deadline. In 2023, the SAT reported that 70% of automatic refunds were processed in less than 10 business days, but manual refunds can take significantly longer.
Taxpayers who find themselves in a situation where their refund is not processed automatically should not lose hope. They can check the status of their refund by visiting the SAT website at www.sat.gob.mx. By logging in with their RFC and password or e.firma, they can navigate to the “Estado de tu devolución” section to see if their request is under review or has been rejected.
If a refund is not received within the stipulated 40 business days, taxpayers are encouraged to raise a clarification through the Tax Mailbox or schedule an appointment at the SAT offices. This process ensures that any discrepancies can be addressed promptly.
Taxpayers should also be aware that the balance in favor is generated when they demonstrate that they have paid more taxes than necessary, often through deductions for medical expenses, educational fees, mortgage interest, retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums. It is essential for taxpayers to ensure that their declarations are complete and accurately reflect their financial situation to avoid delays.
Moreover, if a taxpayer’s automatic refund is rejected, they must resolve the underlying issues before requesting a manual refund. Common reasons for rejection include an inactive Tax Mailbox, a bank account that does not have the RFC registered, or discrepancies in the taxpayer's address.
To request a manual refund, taxpayers should follow these steps: log into the SAT website, navigate to the “Refunds and Compensation” section, select the “Refund Request” option, choose the balance they wish to recover, fill out the necessary form, attach required documents, and submit the request while saving the acknowledgment for their records.
As the April 2025 deadline approaches, it is vital for taxpayers to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities regarding the refund process. By understanding the requirements and potential pitfalls, they can ensure a smoother experience when filing their annual declarations.
In summary, the SAT's confirmation of a 40-day maximum refund period provides clarity for taxpayers who are concerned about the status of their refunds. As millions of individuals prepare to file their annual declarations, knowing the rules surrounding automatic refunds can help mitigate confusion and ensure that those eligible receive their funds in a timely manner. The SAT continues to emphasize the importance of accurate and complete submissions to facilitate the refund process.
