How to Check Income Tax Refund Status Online?

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a vital annual task for every taxpayer in India. One of the most awaited outcomes of this process is the income tax refund—a reimbursement from the Income Tax Department when you've paid more tax than your actual liability during a financial year. If you're expecting a refund, it's essential to know how to track its status. This guide will discuss and explain how to view or check the status of your income tax refund online, using updated processes and official sources.

What is an Income Tax Refund?

An income tax refund is the excess amount returned to a taxpayer when more tax has been paid than the actual tax liability. This overpayment can result from:-

• Excess Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) by employer or bank
• Advance tax or self-assessment tax paid in excess
• Deductions or exemptions not initially considered
• Mistakes in computing taxable income

After you file and verify your ITR, the Income Tax Department processes the return through the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) and, if eligible, credits the refund to your bank account.

Common Scenarios That Lead to a Refund

• Higher TDS deducted than the final tax liability
• Overpayment of advance tax
• Correction in income calculations post-filing
• Unclaimed deductions or exemptions now accounted for

When Can You Check Your Refund Status?

You can begin by checking your refund status once your ITR is successfully e-verified and processed by the Income Tax Department. This usually takes the duration 2–5 weeks after e-verification.

Requirements to Check Refund Status

Before checking your refund status, ensure you have: -

• Your PAN (Permanent Account Number)
• Acknowledgement number of the ITR
• Relevant Assessment Year (AY)
• Access to registered mobile and email
• A pre-validated and PAN-linked bank account
• Login credentials for the Income Tax e-Filing portal

Recent Update: Real-Time PAN–Bank Linking

As of June 17, 2025 the Income Tax Department and NPCI have introduced a real-time PAN–bank account validation system. This ensures the faster verification of bank accounts details and quicker refund processing.

Ways to Check Refund Status Online

You can check the status of your IT refund through two main platforms: -

1. Income Tax e-Filing Portal (official and most updated method).
2. TIN-NSDL (Protean eGov Technologies) Portal (for refunds before AY 2023–24).

Method 1: Using the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Step-by-Step Guide: -

1. Visit: https://www.incometax.gov.in
2. Login: Use your PAN as the user ID and enter your password then complete the OTP verification if required.
3. Navigate to: e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns
4. Select the appropriate Assessment Year and click “View Details.”
5. Check Refund Status: -
      - Filing date.
      - Return status. (processed/pending)
      - Refund status. (issued/pending/failed)
      - Download Section 143(1) intimation to view or check tax computation and refund amount.

Note: - For AY 2023–24 onward, refunds must be checked only on the e-Filing portal.

Method 2: Using the TIN-NSDL (Protean) Portal

(For refunds related to Assessment Years before 2023–24)

Steps:

1. Visit: https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refund-status-pan.html
2. Enter:
      - Your PAN
      - The Assessment Year
      - Captcha code
3. Click “Proceed” to view your refund status.

Common Refund Status Messages and Their Meanings

What to Do If Refund Is Not Received?

If your refund has been marked as “issued” but you haven’t received it, take the following steps: -

1. Verify Your Bank Details

Ensure that your: - 

• Bank account is active.
• Account details are correctly entered in the ITR.
• Account is pre-validated and PAN-linked (especially using new NPCI facility).

2. Request a Refund Re-Issue

If the refund failed or was returned: -

• Log in to https://www.incometax.gov.in
• Navigate to: Services → Refund Re-Issue
• Select the relevant ITR
• Provide correct bank account details and submit

3. Contact the Income Tax Helpdesk

For refund or processing-related issues: -

• Phone: 1800 103 4455 / 1800 419 0025
• Email: refunds@incometax.gov.in

4. Contact SBI (Refund Banker)

If your refund was issued but not credited:

• Phone: 1800 425 9760
• Email: itro@sbi.co.in

Tips to Ensure Fast Refunds

E-verify your return immediately after filing.

• Pre-validate and link your bank account with PAN using the e-filing portal or NPCI.
• File your return well before the due date.
• Verify Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) for accurate tax credit data.
• Avoid errors in income, deductions, or bank details in your ITR.

Conclusion

Tracking your income tax refund status is now easier and more transparent than ever. Using the Income Tax e-Filing portal or the TIN-NSDL portal (for older assessment years), you can stay informed about your refund’s status—whether issued, under processing, adjusted, or failed. By ensuring accurate filing, PAN-linked bank accounts, and timely e-verification, you can speed up your refund and avoid any unnecessary delays.

Stay updated, stay compliant, and don’t hesitate to follow up if your refund is delayed. A proactive approach ensures that your hard-earned money is returned to you without hassle. In this case CRSPL Business Consultants can help you out with a hassle-free process.

Moreover, always keep track of emails and SMS notifications from the Income Tax Department and your bank for real-time updates on refund credits. Always maintain copies of your ITR acknowledgment, Form 26AS, and CPC communications for future reference. If discrepancies or delays arise, do not ignore them—initiate a refund reissue request or contact support immediately. Timely action can prevent extended delays and unnecessary stress. Lastly, stay informed about updates in tax rules, refund mechanisms, and e-filing tools introduced by the department to make the most of your taxpayer experience. Regular awareness and prompt action are key to avoiding refund issues and ensuring financial peace of mind.