How to Check Your Income Tax Refund Status for AY 2024-25

With the completion of the ITR filing process, taxpayers who have diligently paid their taxes, or even overpaid due to excess TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), are now looking forward to receiving their refunds. These refunds can provide a financial boost, helping individuals manage expenses, make investments, or simply add to their savings. However, the journey doesn't end with filing; ensuring that your refund is processed smoothly requires attention to detail and timely action.

[Read: Oops! Missed the ITR Filing Deadline: What Is a Belated Return and How to File It]

For those expecting an income tax refund, the next critical step is to verify that their return has been accurately processed and to check the status of their refund. Understanding how to track your income tax refund status is essential to avoid unnecessary delays or complications. Whether you are a seasoned taxpayer or filing for the first time, staying informed about the refund process can save you from potential headaches down the road.

In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to check your income tax refund status, explore the various platforms available for tracking, and provide tips on what to do if your refund is delayed. With the ITR filing season behind us, it's time to ensure that your refund reaches you without any hitches.

The process is straightforward and can be done through multiple platforms.

1. The Income Tax Portal

Step #1 - Visit the official website, and go to the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal at http://www.incometax.gov.in. Enter your User ID (PAN), password, and captcha code, and click on the 'Login' button to access your account.

Step #2 - Post login, click on 'e-File', choose 'Income Tax Returns' and then select 'View Filed Returns'. This will show you the status of your current and past income tax returns.

Step #3 - Now you can check the status of the filed ITR for the desired assessment year, here you can also check the life cycle of filed ITR.

Step #4 - Click on 'View details,' and you'll see the status of your income tax refund, as shown in the picture below.

This way you can check the income tax refund status from Income Tax Portal. However, if your PAN is inoperative, your refund will fail and you will see a warning message to link your PAN with the Aadhaar - 'Refund cannot be issued as PAN is inoperative, kindly link your PAN with Aadhaar after paying requisite fees u/s 234H'.

Another reliable platform to check your income tax refund status is the TIN NSDL (Tax Information Network) website.

[Read: Is the Revised New Tax Regime Truly Beneficial for You? Find Out Here...]

2. Through the NSDL Portal

Step #1 - Visit the NSDL Portal 'www.tin.nsdl.com'

Step #2 - Enter your PAN details, select the Assessment Year from the drop-down option for which the tax refund is awaited and enter the Captcha Code.

Step #3 - Click 'Proceed' under the 'Taxpayer Refund (PAN)' option, you will be directed to the page that displays your income tax refund status as below and you may click on 'Proceed'.

3. Through TRACES Website

Step #1 - Log in to the income tax portal http://www.incometax.gov.in., click on 'e-File', select 'Income Tax Returns' and hit 'View Form 26AS'

Step #2 - You will be directed to the TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System (TRACES) page, and click on 'View Tax Credit (Form 26AS/Annual tax statement)' at the bottom of the page.

Step #3 - You may select the assessment year from the drop-down menu, and click on view as 'text'. Further, select either of the options given 'View/Download' or 'Export as PDF' and you will be directed to a page that displays the details of the income tax refund status.

Moreover, if you prefer checking your refund status through a more personalized approach, you can contact the Income Tax Department's helpline. Dial the Income Tax Department's toll-free number: 1800-103-0025 or mail at - ITR.helpdesk@incometax.gov.in.

How long does it take to receive your ITR refund?

The time it takes for the tax department to process an income tax return (ITR) varies depending on several factors, such as the type of ITR form filed, the nature and amount of deductions or exemptions claimed, and the complexity of the return.

In general, simpler forms like ITR-1 are processed more quickly compared to more complex forms like ITR-3, which are used by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with business or professional income.

• ITR-1: Usually the returns are processed within 10 days, with refunds being issued in about 15 days.

• ITR-2: This usually takes between 20 to 45 days to process, though it may occasionally take longer due to the detailed review required. The ITR-2 form requires additional information, such as capital gains, which undergo thorough verification.

• ITR-3: ITR-3 includes more complex data, such as business income, which necessitates a more in-depth examination. Thus, processing tax refund for taxpayers with ITR-3 generally takes longer, typically between 30 to 60 days.

What are the Different types of Refund Status?

When you check your refund status, you might come across different terms. Understanding the various types of status will help you know where your income tax refund stands.

• Refund Paid - Your refund has been processed and sent to your bank account or dispatched by cheque.

• Refund Failure - The refund could not be credited to your account due to incorrect bank details or other technical issues. You may need to update your bank information.

• No Demand No Refund - This status indicates that your tax liability and tax paid are equal, so there's no refund due.

• Refund Processed, But Payment Not Made - The refund has been processed, but the payment has not been initiated. You may need to wait for a few days or contact the Income Tax Department for clarification.

• ITR Processed - Your ITR has been processed, but the refund calculation is still under review.

• Refund Returned - The refund could not be delivered to you and has been returned to the Income Tax Department. You may need to update your address or bank details.

Tax refunds are processed by the tax department after you have successfully e-verified your return. Generally, it takes around 4-5 weeks for the refund to be credited to your bank account. If you haven't received the refund within this period, you should consider these steps:

- Check intimation for any discrepancies or errors in your ITR (Login to e-filing portal > e-File > Income Tax Returns > View filed returns)

- Check your email for notifications from the Income Tax (IT) department regarding the status of the refund.

- Check the refund status using the methods provided below

What to do if your Income Tax Refund is Delayed?

Sometimes, your refund might get delayed due to various reasons. Here's what you can do if you're facing a delay:

• Recheck Your ITR Details

  Ensure that all the details in your ITR, such as your bank account number, IFSC code, and personal information, are correct. Even minor errors can delay the refund process.

• Verify ITR

  If you haven't verified your ITR, do so immediately. The Income Tax Department doesn't process unverified returns, which can cause delays in refunds.

• Contact Your Assessing Officer

  If your refund is significantly delayed, consider reaching out to your Assessing Officer. They can provide insights into why the refund is delayed and guide you on the next steps.

• Raise a Grievance

  If all else fails, you can raise a grievance with the Income Tax Department through their e-filing portal.

In conclusion, tracking your income tax refund status is a crucial step in ensuring that your tax filing process is complete and accurate. While the process is generally straightforward, being proactive and informed can help you avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

Whether through the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal, the TIN NSDL website, or by contacting the helpline, there are multiple ways to stay updated on your refund status. By following the guidelines and tips provided, you can ensure a smooth and timely refund process, bringing your annual tax journey to a satisfying close. Remember, staying vigilant and promptly addressing any issues will ensure that your hard-earned money is returned to you without hassle.

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MITALI DHOKE is a Research Analyst at PersonalFN. She is an MBA (Finance) and a post-graduate in commerce (M. Com). She focuses primarily on covering articles around mutual funds including NFOs, financial planning and fixed-income products. Mitali holds an overall experience of 4 years in the financial services industry.
She also actively contributes towards content creation for PersonalFN’s social media platforms in the endeavour to educate investors and enhance their financial knowledge.
 

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