If you paid more tax than due, through TDS or advance tax, you can get the extra amount back as a refund after filing your Income Tax Return (ITR). The refund is processed after the Income Tax Department processes your return. Here is how to check your income tax refund status.
Method 1: e-filing portal
- Log in at incometax.gov.in with your PAN and password.
- Go to e-File, then Income Tax Returns, then View Filed Returns.
- Select the relevant assessment year to see the status, including whether the refund is issued.
Method 2: Protean (NSDL) website
- Visit the refund status page on the Protean TIN website.
- Enter your PAN, select the assessment year and captcha.
- View the status of the refund sent by the refund banker.
Common refund statuses
- Refund issued: sent to your bank account.
- Refund failed: the bank account may be invalid or closed.
- Processed with no demand or refund: no refund is due.
- Under processing: the return is still being processed.
Also Read: How to Link PAN with Aadhaar Online: Status Check, Rs 1,000 Fee and What Happens to an Inoperative PAN | Jio Platforms IPO Allotment: How to Check Status
Why refunds get delayed
- The ITR is not verified. You must e-verify within the set time after filing.
- The bank account is not pre validated on the portal.
- Your PAN is inoperative because it is not linked with Aadhaar.
- There is a mismatch between your ITR and Form 26AS or AIS.
- An outstanding demand from an earlier year may be adjusted against the refund. You will get an intimation under Section 245.
How to fix a failed refund
- Pre validate your bank account on the portal under My Profile.
- Make sure the name on the account matches your PAN.
- Raise a refund reissue request under Services on the portal.
Interest on refunds
Under Section 244A, interest is generally paid on refunds as per the rules. It is added automatically.
Beware of refund scams
The department does not send links asking for card details or OTPs to “claim” a refund. Check only on the official portal.
Bottom line
Track your income tax refund status on the e-filing portal, e-verify your return, and keep a pre validated bank account and an operative PAN.
Source / स्रोत: Income Tax e-filing portal, Protean (NSDL) refund status
