3 min read
20 March 2026

In India, income tax can be paid in several ways, such as advance tax, self-assessment tax, tax deducted at source (TDS), or by claiming foreign tax credit. These payments are usually spread across the financial year based on your income and tax obligations. However, once the year ends and you calculate your final tax liability, you may discover that you have paid more tax than required. This often happens due to excess TDS deductions or conservative advance tax payments. When this situation arises, the Income Tax Department allows you to claim the excess amount as an income tax refund by filing your return correctly.

Want to learn about them? In this article, we will explain all three ways in which you can check the status of your income tax refund for AY 2025-26. Also, you will understand how to claim your income tax refund and the common reasons why a refund may be delayed.

Furthermore, you will learn about the various types of refund status messages and what each of them means.

Latest updates

Income tax filing rules explained AY 2026-27 vs. Tax Year 2026-27: Key changes you must know

The introduction of the Income Tax Act, 2025 has created some confusion among taxpayers, especially regarding the difference between Assessment Year (AY) and Tax Year. Many people are also unsure about rules related to revised returns, belated returns, and updated returns for FY 2025-26. Understanding these changes can help taxpayers avoid filing errors and penalties.

AY 2026-27 relates to income earned during FY 2025-26 and this return will still be governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961. On the other hand, Tax Year 2026-27 refers to income earned in FY 2026-27, which will fall under the new Income Tax Act, 2025. Both years will be treated separately on the income tax portal.

Taxpayers can still file a revised return for AY 2026-27 under Section 139(5) if corrections are needed. A belated return may also be filed till 31 December 2026, though late fees may apply depending on income. Those who need to disclose extra income after filing can use the updated return or ITR-U facility within the permitted timeline.

The new law keeps most filing procedures similar but makes the distinction between assessment year and tax year clearer. Taxpayers should carefully verify the correct year and filing deadline before submitting returns.

ITR filing FY 2024-25: Why are tax refunds delayed this year? AIS mismatches, verification checks, and more explained

During this assessment year, many taxpayers are experiencing longer waiting periods for their income tax refunds. Even straightforward returns are taking more time than usual to process. One key reason is the delayed release of ITR forms, which pushed filing timelines closer together. In addition, the Income Tax Department has strengthened verification procedures, including detailed checks of AIS and Form 26AS data. This has increased scrutiny, especially where income or tax details do not match perfectly. Processing limitations at the Centralised Processing Centre have also added to the slowdown. As a result, refunds—particularly higher-value ones—are being issued more cautiously and over an extended period.

May 2026 income tax calendar: Important TDS, TCS deadlines and other due dates explained

Taxpayers and businesses should pay close attention to important tax deadlines falling in May 2026. The month includes several due dates related to TDS, TCS, certificates, declarations, and statements under both the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax Act, 2025. Missing these timelines may result in penalties or additional interest charges.

The first major deadline is May 07, 2026, which is the due date for depositing TDS and TCS collected during April 2026. It is also the last date for certain declarations under Section 394(2) of the Income-tax Act, 2025 for buyers purchasing goods without tax collection.

Another important date is May 15, 2026. By this date, taxpayers must issue TDS certificates for deductions under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, and 194M for March 2026. Government offices must also submit Form 24G for April 2026. In addition, quarterly TCS statements and reports relating to client code changes by recognised exchanges and associations are due on the same date.

May 30, 2026 is also significant as it is the deadline for issuing TCS certificates for the last quarter of FY 2025-26. Taxpayers must also furnish information required under Section 285B for the previous financial year and submit certain challan-cum-statements under the Income-tax Act, 2025.

Meal card tax benefit: Who is eligible before July 31 deadline for income tax returns 2026?

From April 01, 2026, the tax-free limit on employer-provided meal benefits has increased from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 per meal. This allows salaried employees to receive a larger non-taxable food allowance from their employers. Earlier, this benefit was not available under the new tax regime, but the revised rules now extend it to both tax regimes from FY 2026-27 onwards.

Meal vouchers and food cards are treated as salary perquisites under income tax rules. Since the exempt amount is removed before tax calculation, it directly lowers taxable salary. Under the revised structure, employees may receive tax-free meal benefits of up to Rs. 400 per working day for two meals, provided the amount is used only for food and non-alcoholic beverages.

However, for income tax returns due by July 31, 2026, the earlier exemption limit of Rs. 50 per meal will continue to apply because these returns relate to FY 2025-26. Employees using meal cards from providers such as Sodexo and Pluxee can claim this benefit only if they choose the old tax regime.

The revised exemption limit of Rs. 200 per meal will become applicable for returns filed in FY 2026-27. Any amount exceeding the allowed limit will be added to taxable salary and reflected accordingly in Form 16.

What is an income tax refund?

An income tax refund is the amount returned to you when the tax paid during a financial year exceeds your actual tax liability. While filing your Income Tax Return, your final tax is calculated after considering your total income, eligible deductions, exemptions, and applicable tax rates. If the tax already paid through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax is higher than this calculated amount, the excess becomes refundable. To receive this refund, it is essential to file your ITR accurately and within the prescribed deadline. Any errors or missing information can delay or reduce the refund amount.

When is ITR refund issued?

An income tax refund is issued when you have paid more tax than your actual liability for the financial year.

  • Excess tax deducted or collected at source (TDS/TCS) compared to your final tax liability.
  • Advance tax paid higher than what was required based on your total income.
  • Extra payment made while filing self-assessment tax during ITR submission.
  • Missed claims for eligible deductions or exemptions (such as Sections 80C, 80D, 80E, 80G, etc.) that are later included while filing or revising your return.

How to check your ITR refund status for AY 2025-26?

After filing and verifying your ITR, you might want to know whether your refund has been processed. There are three reliable ways to check your refund status for the AY 2025–26.

Let’s understand each method in detail so you can track your refund easily:

1. How to check income tax refund status through the Income Tax Portal

This is the most commonly used method. It gives you complete details about your:

  • ITRs filed
    and
  • Refund status

All the information is directly made available on the official income tax portal. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal and log in using your:
    • PAN
    • Password
    • Captcha code
  • Step 2: After logging in, click on ‘e-File’ in the top menu. Then select ‘Income Tax Returns’ and choose ‘View Filed Returns’.
  • Step 3: Now, a list of your current and previous income tax returns will appear.
  • Step 4: Click on ‘View Details’ for the relevant Assessment Year. In the instant case, select AY 2025–26.
  • Step 5: On the details page, you will see the:
    • Refund status
    • The amount refunded
    • The mode of payment
    • The date of the refund issue

2. How to check income tax refund status through the NSDL portal

This method allows you to check the status of your tax refund via the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) website. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Visit the NSDL refund tracking page.
  • Step 2: Enter your PAN and select the Assessment Year (2025–26) from the dropdown. Then enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
  • Step 3: Click on ‘Proceed’ under the ‘Taxpayer Refund (PAN)’ option.
  • Step 4: You will be taken to a page displaying the refund status. It will show the following details:
    • The date of refund
    • The mode of payment (NEFT, cheque, etc.)
    • The refund amount

3. How to check income tax refund status through TRACES

In this method, you check if a refund has been credited to your account by looking at the tax credit entries in your Form 26AS on the TRACES portal. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your credentials.
  • Step 2: Go to ‘e-File’, click on ‘Income Tax Returns’, and select ‘View Form 26AS’.
  • Step 3: You will be redirected to the TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) page. Click on ‘Confirm’ and then proceed to the TRACES website.
  • Step 4: Scroll to the bottom and click ‘View Tax Credit (Form 26AS)’.
  • Step 5: Choose Assessment Year 2025–26 and set view format to ‘Text’.
  • Step 6: You will see details of:
    • Any tax refund paid
    • The credited amount
    • The date of payment

By using any of these three methods (Income Tax Portal, NSDL Portal, or TRACES), you can check your income tax refund status.

Things to check if your refund is delayed

  • Make sure the bank account information you entered while filing the return is correct and pre-validated on the income tax portal.
  • Confirm that the account is in your name and it is correctly spelt. Your name must match your PAN and Aadhaar records.
  • Check if the bank account is still active. If you have closed the account or changed it after filing the ITR, update the new account details on the income tax portal.

Possible reasons why a refund may be rejected or held

  • If there are any errors in your return, such as incorrect income details or deduction claims, the department may hold or reject the refund.
  • If the tax information in your ITR does not match the details in Form 26AS (tax credit statement), the refund may be delayed or denied.
  • If you filed your return close to the due date, the refund may take longer due to the high number of returns being processed at that time.

What you can do

If there is an unusual delay and none of the above issues apply to your case, you can raise a grievance on the income tax portal. Request them to update you on your refund status.

Alternatively, check for any:

  • Notices
  • Demands
  • Intimation messages sent by the department

These messages usually explain the reason for any delay or issue. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
  • Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns
  • Now, if you have received any intimation, you can find it here

How to track refund after rectification?

After submitting a rectification request, you can easily monitor the status of your refund through a few simple steps online.

  • Step 1: Log in to the income tax e-filing portal and click on “View Details” under your filed return. This section shows the ITR life cycle, including whether your refund has been issued, adjusted, or failed.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the “e-File” tab, choose “Rectification”, and select “View Rectification Status”. Here, you can check if your request is submitted, under processing, or completed.
  • Step 3: Visit the Protean (NSDL) website, enter your PAN and the relevant assessment year, and verify whether the refund amount has been credited to your bank account or is still being processed.

How to claim an income tax refund?

You can claim an income tax refund when filing ITR for a particular financial year. Once you fill out the ITR form, the system auto-calculates your tax payable as per your applicable income tax slab, and also tells you the refund amount you qualify for. However, this refund is calculated based on the details that you enter and therefore, may not reflect the actual figure. The actual refund is calculated and paid to you only after the IT department processes your income tax return.

If you are planning to use your tax refund towards a down payment for your dream home, exploring financing options early can be beneficial. Bajaj Finance provides home loans up to Rs. 15 Crore* with flexible repayment tenures up to 32 years. Check your eligibility for a home loan today. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.

Check your Form 26AS

Any excess tax paid must be correctly reflected in your Form 26AS, which is your annual tax credit statement. If the tax details shown here do not match your ITR, the Income Tax Department may withhold or reject your refund until the mismatch is resolved.

How do you receive an income tax refund?

If the income tax department owes you a refund, it pays the same to you in one of the following ways.

  • Credits the refund amount directly to your bank account via ECS or NEFT
  • Sends a cheque or demand draft by post to the address that you submit in your ITR

How to check your income tax or TDS refund status?

To know your refund status follow these steps.

  • Visit the NSDL website by clicking here
  • Enter your PAN
  • Select the relevant financial or assessment year for which you want to check refund status
  • You can now view your tax refund status

You can also check your income tax or TDS refund status in your income tax e-filing account. All you have to do is log into your account, and click on ‘Refund Status’ under the ‘My Account’ tab.

List of the different types of income tax refund status

Different types of income tax refund statuses include:

  1. Refund approved: Your refund has been processed and approved by the income tax department.
  2. Refund sent: The refund amount has been issued and sent to your registered bank account.
  3. Refund failed: There was an issue processing your refund, often due to incorrect bank details or other discrepancies.
  4. Refund rejected: The income tax department has rejected your refund claim, possibly due to incomplete documentation or incorrect filing.
  5. Refund Pending: Your refund is under process and awaiting approval or further verification from the tax authorities.

These statuses indicate the different stages of the income tax refund process.

What are the Different Types of Income Tax Refund Statuses?

Upon checking your income tax refund status via the e-filing or TIN NSDL portal, the system displays a result or a refund status. Here are what the various online tax refund statuses mean.

  • No e-filing is done: This can either mean that you have not filed your ITR for the financial year or that your submission was not successful. If your submission was unsuccessful, you can re-file your ITR return.
  • Not determined: This means that your income tax return is not processed, and you must wait for a few more days before you check your ITR refund status.
  • No demand, no refund:: his means that you don’t have any refund. If you feel that you are eligible for one, re-check your ITR and rectify errors, if any.
  • Refund unpaid: Your refund is not paid because you may have submitted wrong bank account details or an incorrect address. In this case, log into your e-filing account and correct the details. Submit a refund reissue request and then track refund status.
  • Demand determined: This means that the IT department denies your refund as you have not paid your taxes in full and there are certain outstanding dues. In this case, check for any mismatch or errors by comparing the notification sent by the tax department and your e-filing form. If there is a discrepancy, rectify it by paying your dues within the stipulated time frame. If there is no error, file a rectification and support your claim with the necessary documents.
  • Refund determined and sent out to refund banker: This means your claim for a refund is processed and its details have been sent to SBI, the refund banker. In this case, you have to wait for the banker to credit your refund.
  • Refund paid: This means that your claim for a refund is processed and the banker has initiated payment. To track the refund status further you must contact your banker.
  • Rectification processed, refund determined, and details sent to refund banker: This means the that IT department had notified you asking you to rectify your ITR. Your rectified ITR is processed and accepted, and your refund has been re-calculated and sent to the banker. Check your bank account to confirm receipt.
  • Rectification processed and demand determined: This means that the IT department had notified you to rectify your return. You have filed a rectification and has been accepted, but you still have to pay certain outstanding dues within the stipulated time frame. In this case, verify your return, pay the dues and check the ITR refund status after a few days.
  • Rectification processed, no demand and no refund: This online refund status means that your rectified ITR is processed, there are no outstanding dues and neither is a refund due.

Now that you know the ins and outs of an income tax refund, file your ITR carefully to stay tax compliant and reduce your tax liability as well.

How to read IT refund statuses?

Understanding different refund status messages helps you know the exact stage of your refund and what action, if any, is required from your end.

  • Refund not sent to Refund Banker: Your assessing officer has not yet forwarded the refund for processing. You may need to wait.
  • Refund credited to bank account: The refund has already been deposited. If not received, contact your bank.
  • Refund failed due to incorrect details: Your bank account details may be incorrect. Update them and request a refund reissue.
  • Refund cheque encashed: The cheque issued has been successfully received and cleared. You may confirm with family members if unsure.
  • Refund expired: If the cheque is not deposited within 90 days, it becomes invalid. You must apply for reissue.
  • Refund returned: The cheque could not be delivered and was sent back. You need to request a reissue.
  • Refund adjusted: Your refund has been used to clear outstanding tax dues from previous years. The department usually informs you before such adjustment.

How much income tax refund can I receive?

The amount of income tax refund you receive depends on various factors, including your total tax liability for the financial year and the amount of tax already paid through TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or advance tax. If the taxes paid exceed your actual tax liability, you are eligible for a refund of the excess amount. The refund amount can vary greatly from individual to individual based on their income, deductions claimed, and tax-saving investments made during the year.

Smart financial planning often involves using tax refunds for significant investments like property purchase. With a home loan from Bajaj Finance, you can leverage your refund as a down payment and benefit from attractive interest rates starting at 7.25% p.a.* Check your loan eligibility and available offers now. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.

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Income Tax Notice Section 142 1​

Section 80CCD 2 of Income Tax Act

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Section 80CCD 1 of Income Tax Act

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Section 80GG Deduction of Income Tax Act


How to request for refund re-issue?

If your income tax refund could not be credited to your bank account (say, due to incorrect bank details, a closed account, or any other reason), you can request the Income Tax Department to reissue the refund. This can be done through the income tax e-filing portal.

Follow the steps below to submit a refund re-issue request:

  • Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal
  • Step 2: Go to the ‘Services’ menu
    • After logging in, click on the ‘Services’ tab in the main menu.
    • Select ‘Refund Reissue’ from the dropdown.
  • Step 3: Create a new refund reissue request
    • Now, you will see an option to ‘Create Refund Reissue Request’.
    • Click on it.
  • Step 4: View failed refund details
    • The system will show you a list of Assessment Years where your refund has failed.
    • Identify the relevant year for which the refund was not processed.
  • Step 5: Select the Assessment Year
    • Choose the correct Assessment Year (AY).
    • Click on ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.
  • Step 6: Validate the bank account
    • On the next screen, your bank details will be displayed.
    • If the bank account is not yet validated, follow the instructions to validate it.
  • Step 7: Submit the request
    • Once the correct and validated bank details are in place, click on the ‘Submit’ button.
    • This will complete your refund re-issue request.

After submission, the Income Tax Department will process your request. If everything is in order, the department will initiate the refund to the validated bank account.

When will you get your income tax refund this year?

The time it takes to receive your income tax refund depends on:

  • The timing of your ITR filing
    and
  • The completeness of your tax credit data

According to several tax experts, if there are no issues or queries raised by the Income Tax Department, refunds are usually processed quickly. In many cases, taxpayers have received their refunds within one to three weeks of filing their ITRs. This applies mostly to cases where:

  • The return is error-free
    and
  • All necessary tax details are already available with the department

However, there can be delays in certain cases. In particular, taxpayers whose refund is linked to TDS that was deducted in the last quarter of the financial year (January 2025 to March 2025) may face delays. That’s because in these cases, refunds may not be issued until June 2025 or later.

Furthermore, this delay occurs because tax deductors (such as employers or banks) are allowed until May 31, 2025, to file their TDS returns. Only after these TDS returns are filed and processed by the department, the deducted tax starts reflecting in the taxpayer’s Form 26AS or AIS (Annual Information Statement).

Until then, the Income Tax Department does not have complete information to validate the refund claim.

Therefore, it is better to wait and file your return only after all your TDS deductions are updated in your tax records (as visible in Form 26AS or AIS). This reduces the chances of:

  • Mismatch
  • Errors
  • Delays in refund processing

Factors influencing your income tax refund?

Several factors can affect how quickly your income tax refund is processed and credited to your account.

  • Incomplete or failed e-verification: If you do not complete e-verification after filing your ITR, the return will not be processed. The return is treated as invalid if not verified within 30 days of filing. In such cases, you may need to file a fresh return, which delays your refund further.
  • Outstanding tax demands: If there are unpaid tax dues from earlier years, the department may adjust your refund against those dues. This can reduce or completely offset the refund amount you were expecting.
  • Processing time: Typically, refunds are processed within a few weeks to a few months after successful e-verification. However, during peak filing periods like July, processing may take longer, especially for complex forms.
  • Refund reissue request: If your refund fails due to incorrect bank details or other reasons, you may need to request a reissue. These requests are handled in batches, which can delay the credit of funds.
  • Multiple e-filings before processing original ITR: Filing multiple revised returns before the original return is processed can create confusion in the system. In some cases, earlier filings may get processed later, affecting the timeline and accuracy of your refund.
  • Filing inaccurate ITR forms: Choosing the wrong ITR form can lead to a defective return notice. You will then need to correct and resubmit your return, which delays both processing and refund issuance.
  • IFSC code or bank account changes: Changes in bank details, such as updated IFSC codes due to bank mergers or inactive accounts, can result in failed refund transfers. You will need to update your details and request a reissue.
  • Past history: If you have received tax notices in previous years, your returns may be reviewed more carefully. This additional scrutiny can slow down the processing of your refund.
  • Physical ITR-V processing: Sending a signed ITR-V form physically to the CPC in Bengaluru takes time due to postal delays and manual handling. This can significantly delay verification and refund processing, especially during busy months like July and August.
  • Technical errors: System glitches or technical issues in the income tax portal can also delay refunds. In such situations, you may need to wait or contact the helpdesk for assistance.
  • Other uncommon factors: In certain cases, such as high-value refunds above Rs. 1 crore or refunds linked to legal orders, manual approval is required. These cases take longer to process and may take up to six months for the refund to be issued.

Conclusion

If your income tax refund is delayed, start by checking whether your bank account details on the income tax portal are correct and pre-validated. If you have changed your bank after filing your return, make sure to update the new account information.

Also, log in to the income tax portal and check for any notices or intimation messages that might explain the delay. If everything seems correct and the refund is still not processed, you can raise a complaint (grievance) through the portal to get help.

Apart from the income tax website, you can also track your refund status through the NSDL and TRACES portals. These two alternatives also give you quick access to refund information. By using them, you can even avoid logging in repeatedly to the main portal.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the possible reasons for the delay in getting a tax refund?

Delays in tax refunds can occur due to various reasons such as discrepancies in the tax return, delays in return filing, incorrect bank details, changes in the bank account, or any outstanding tax dues.

Can I rectify the mistakes before placing a request for a re-issue of income tax refunds?

Yes, you can rectify mistakes using the income tax department's online platform before placing a request for a re-issue of income tax refunds.

How many days will it take for an income tax refund?

Normally, income tax refunds are processed within 20 to 60 days from the date of e-verification of your income tax return.

What is the processing time for refund reissue requests?

The processing time for refund reissue requests typically varies from 20 to 45 days from the date of application.

Why is my refund request taking so long?

Your refund request may take longer due to reasons like high volumes of refund claims, issues with the bank account details provided, or discrepancies detected by the tax department in your filed return.

How do I check my TDS refund status?

You can check your TDS refund status on the TIN-NSDL website or the Income Tax e-filing portal:

  • Via TIN-NSDL website:
    1. Visit TIN-NSDL.
    2. Enter your PAN and Assessment Year (AY).
    3. Enter the captcha and click on Submit to view the refund status.
  • Via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal:
    1. Log in to www.incometax.gov.in.
    2. Go to 'My Account' > 'Refund/Demand Status'.
    3. Enter relevant details and check the status.
How many days is the TDS amount refunded?

TDS refunds are generally processed within 30-45 days from the date of processing the Income Tax Return (ITR) by the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC).

  • If the refund is delayed beyond 90 days, interest at 6% per annum is provided.
  • You can track the refund status on the NSDL or Income Tax e-filing portal.
What is the Income Tax Department refund adjustment?

If a taxpayer has a pending tax liability from previous assessment years, the Income Tax Department can adjust the refund against the outstanding tax dues.

  • You will receive an intimation notice under Section 245 before the adjustment.
  • If you disagree, you can respond through the Income Tax portal within the given timeframe.
How can I check my NSDL refund status?

To check your income tax refund status via NSDL, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the NSDL Tax Information Network.
  2. Enter your PAN and Assessment Year.
  3. Fill in the captcha code and click Submit.
  4. The portal will display the current refund status (Processed, Sent, or Pending).
What is the typical processing time for income tax refunds for FY 2024-25?

Usually, the Income Tax Department takes between 20 and 45 days to process and issue refunds after your ITR is successfully verified. Be aware that the exact time depends on the type of ITR form you have used:

  • For simple forms like ITR-1 and ITR-4, the refund may be processed within 20 working days.
  • For complex forms like ITR-2 and ITR-3, it may take more than 45 working days.

Furthermore, please note that the refund process does not start until you verify your return. You can verify your ITR online using:

  • Aadhaar OTP
  • Net banking
  • Other electronic methods

Alternatively, you can send a signed copy of the ITR-V form to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru within 30 days of filing. Only after this verification is completed will the department begin processing your refund.

While waiting for your refund, it is an excellent time to plan major financial decisions like home purchases. Bajaj Finance offers loans up to Rs. 15 Crore* with interest rates starting at 7.25% p.a.* and hassle-free processing. Check your home loan eligibility and offers. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.

My income tax refund is delayed for FY 2024-25. What could be the reasons and what should I do?

If your income tax refund is delayed, there can be several possible reasons. Let’s check out what may have gone wrong:

  • ITR not verified
    • Your return must be verified within 30 days after filing.
    • If you have not done this, the Income Tax Department will not start processing your refund.
  • Incorrect bank details
    • The refund will fail if you entered the:
      • Wrong account number
      • Incorrect IFSC code
      • Mismatched account holder name
    • Also, if the account is inactive or not pre-validated, there will be delays in refund processing.
  • Mismatch in tax data
    • Your return may be flagged for review if the information in your ITR (like income or TDS) does not match what’s shown in:
      • Form 26AS
      • AIS (Annual Information Statement)
      • TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary)
  • Outstanding tax dues
    • If you have pending tax from previous years, the refund might be adjusted against that under Section 245(2) of the Income Tax Act.
  • Errors in return
    • Mistakes like incorrect calculations or missing details in your ITR can delay refund processing.
  • Return selected for scrutiny
    • If your return is picked for a detailed check by the department (under Section 148), the refund will take longer to process.
  • Filing too late
    • Returns filed closer to the due date usually take more time to process due to high traffic.

What to do if your refund is delayed?

If your refund is delayed, perform the following checks:

  • Track your refund status
    • Check the refund status on the Income Tax Portal or NSDL portal.
    • The status will often show the reason for the delay.
  • Verify your ITR
    • Make sure your return has been e-verified.
    • If not, do it immediately.
  • Check bank details
    • Log in to the portal and confirm that your bank account is:
      • Correctly linked
      • Pre-validated
      • Active
  • Look for notices
    • Log in to the portal.
    • Check for any notices from the department (e.g., under Sections 143(1) or 245(2)).
    • Respond if required.
  • Raise a refund reissue request
    • If your refund failed due to incorrect bank details, request a reissue through the 'Services' tab on the portal.
  • Raise a complaint
    • If the refund is delayed without any explanation, file a grievance through the ‘e-Nivaran’ section on the portal.
  • Contact the CPC
    • If nothing works, call the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC).
    • The latest helpline numbers are usually listed on the official Income Tax Department website.

Can I check my income tax refund status without logging into the e-filing portal?

Yes, you can check your income tax refund status without logging into the e-filing portal. There are two simple methods to do this:

Method I: Using the NSDL Portal

You can use the NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) website to check your refund status. This method does not require you to log in or have an account.

Follow these steps:

  • Go to this link - https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refund-status-pan.html
  • Enter your PAN number.
  • Select the correct Assessment Year from the dropdown.
    • For example, for the financial year 2024–25, the relevant Assessment Year is 2025–26.
  • Enter the captcha code shown on the screen.
  • Click ‘Proceed’.

Now, the system will then display the status of your refund. This could include information like:

  • Refund issued
  • Refund failed
  • Return under processing

Method II: 2. Using the ‘Know Your ITR Status’ feature on the income tax portal (Pre-login)

The Income Tax Department also provides a way to check refund status through a pre-login feature on its website. Follow these steps:

  • Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in
  • On the homepage, look for the “Income Tax Return (ITR) Status” or “Know Your ITR Status” option. These are available under the Quick Links section.
  • Enter your ITR Acknowledgement Number (a number you receive after submitting your ITR).
  • Next, enter your mobile number to receive an OTP. This number does not need to be the one registered on the income tax portal.
  • Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number and proceed.

Once verified, the portal will show the status of your ITR and whether a refund has been:

  • Issued
  • Failed
  • Still under process

By using these two methods, you can avoid logging in to the official income tax portal every time to check the refund status.

What does "Refund Paid" or "Refund Failure" status mean, and what should I do in such cases?

When you file your ITR and are eligible for a refund, the Income Tax Department updates the status of your refund. Each status gives information about what stage your refund is in.

For your reference, below are some common income tax refund statuses along with their interpretations:

Status I: Refund determined

This means the income tax department has completed checking your return and has confirmed that you are entitled to receive a refund. However, the refund has not yet been sent to your bank. You only need to wait at this stage.

Status II: ITR processed and sent to the refund banker

This means your ITR is processed, and the refund has been forwarded to the refund banker. The State Bank of India (SBI) is responsible for issuing refunds. You should expect the refund to be credited to your bank account soon.

Status III: Refund paid

This status means your refund has been credited to your bank account. The status message will also show:

  1. The last four digits of the credited bank account
  2. The reference number of the transaction
  3. The date on which the refund was credited

If you don’t see the money in your account despite this status, check your bank statement or contact your bank with the reference number.

Status IV: Refund failure or refund returned

This means the refund amount could not be deposited into your bank account. This usually happens due to:

  1. Wrong account number, IFSC code, or bank name
  2. Bank account not validated on the e-filing portal
  3. PAN name does not match the bank account name
  4. The account is inactive, closed, or not suitable for refunds (e.g., a loan or fixed deposit account)

What to do for "Refund Failure":

If your income tax refund has failed and was not credited to your bank account, follow these steps:

  • Check your bank details
    • Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal.
    • Go to the section where your bank account details are listed.
    • Make sure these details are correct:
      • Account number
      • IFSC code
      • Account holder name
    • The bank account must also be pre-validated.
    • For those unaware, pre-validation means the portal must have confirmed your account as ready to receive the refund.
  • Raise a refund reissue request
    • On the dashboard, under the ‘Services’ menu, you’ll find an option called ‘Refund Reissue’.
    • Click it and select the assessment year for which the refund failed.
    • Choose the correct bank account or update the details if necessary.
    • Submit the reissue request.

How many days will it take to refund an ITR?

In most cases, an income tax refund is credited within four to five weeks after successful ITR processing. However, timelines can vary depending on verification checks and data matching. If the refund is delayed beyond this period, taxpayers should check their registered email for notices, review their ITR status on the e-filing portal, and respond promptly to any clarification requests raised by the department.

Why is the ITR refund delayed?

ITR refunds can be delayed due to several reasons. Common causes include late availability of ITR forms, mismatches between AIS, Form 26AS, and the return filed, and additional verification checks by the Income Tax Department. Processing constraints at the Centralised Processing Centre can also slow down refunds, particularly for cases involving larger amounts or detailed income scrutiny.

How to know if a refund is approved?

You can check whether your income tax refund is approved by logging into the official Income Tax e-Filing portal. After signing in, navigate to the ‘Income Tax Returns’ section and view the status of your filed return. If the refund is approved, the status will show it as processed, along with details of the refund amount and expected credit date.

Is income tax refund delayed over Rs. 50,000?

There is no rule that refunds above Rs. 50,000 are automatically delayed. The Income Tax Department processes refunds of all amounts in the same manner. Whether your refund is Rs. 10,000 or Rs. 1 lakh, it follows the same procedure. However, higher-value refunds may undergo additional verification, which can sometimes extend the processing time.

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