Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is an important financial responsibility, but it becomes even more rewarding when you are eligible for a refund. An ITR refund occurs when the tax you have paid (through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax) exceeds your actual tax liability. After filing your ITR, it is essential to track the refund status to ensure that it is processed and credited to your bank account.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to check ITR refund status online in 2025, covering different methods, possible refund statuses, and tips to avoid delays.
Why Check ITR Refund Status?
- To confirm whether the refund has been approved and processed.
- To identify if there are delays due to errors or mismatched details.
- To track the date of refund credit into your bank account.
- To stay updated on any adjustments against outstanding tax demands.
Documents/Details Required to Check ITR Refund Status
- PAN Number
- Assessment Year (e.g., FY 2024–25 corresponds to AY 2025–26)
- Acknowledgment Number (ITR-V) – optional but useful for tracking
- Bank Account Details (linked with pre-validated account)
Methods to Check ITR Refund Status Online
There are two main platforms where you can check refund status:
1. Through Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Step 1: Visit www.incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN/Aadhaar and password.
Step 2: Go to ‘e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns’.
Step 3: Select the relevant Assessment Year and click on View Details.
Step 4: Under the status column, you can check if your refund is processed, issued, or pending.
2. Through NSDL (TIN) Portal
Step 1: Visit the NSDL Refund Tracking website.
Step 2: Enter your PAN number and Assessment Year.
Step 3: Submit the details to view refund status.
Step 4: The portal will show whether the refund has been credited, failed, or not processed yet.
Types of ITR Refund Status
| Status Message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Refund Paid | Refund has been credited to your bank account. |
| Refund Failed | Bank details mismatch or inactive bank account. |
| Refund Adjusted Against Tax Demand | Refund adjusted towards outstanding tax dues of previous years. |
| Refund Returned | Refund sent but returned due to incorrect bank details. |
| Refund Not Determined | ITR is still under processing, no refund calculated yet. |
| Refund Sent to Bank | Refund has been sent to your bank, awaiting credit confirmation. |
Overview Table
| Method | Platform Used | Details Required | Status Updates Shown | Time Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Portal | [www.incometax.gov.in] | PAN, Password, AY | Filed return status & refund progress | Instant |
| NSDL Portal | tin.tin.nsdl.com | PAN, AY | Refund issued/failed/adjusted | Instant |
| Email/SMS Updates | Registered Email/Mobile | PAN linked with ITR | Refund credit or failure intimation | Few hours |
| Bank Account Check | Net Banking/Passbook | Bank account details | Direct credit confirmation | Same day |
| CPC Helpline | Call/Email CPC | PAN, AY, ITR details | Manual assistance on refund status | 2–3 days |
| Tax Consultant | Via ARN/ITR copy | PAN, ITR-V | Third-party verification assistance | Varies |
Common Reasons for Delay in Refund
- Incorrect bank account details – Refund fails if IFSC code or account number is wrong.
- Non-prevalidated bank account – Only pre-validated accounts receive refunds.
- ITR not verified – Without e-verification, the return is not processed.
- Mismatch in income details – Differences between ITR, Form 16, and Form 26AS.
- Adjustment against tax dues – Refund adjusted against pending tax liabilities.
How to Ensure Smooth Refund Processing
- Always e-verify your ITR within 30 days of filing.
- Link your PAN with Aadhaar to avoid rejection.
- Ensure your bank account is active and pre-validated on the portal.
- Cross-check income details with Form 26AS and AIS before filing.
- Track refund status regularly and respond promptly to notices, if any.
Pro Tips
- Refunds are usually processed within 20–45 days of filing, provided verification is completed.
- If refund fails, update bank details on the income tax portal and re-initiate request.
- Save acknowledgment slips and refund intimation emails for future reference.
FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to receive ITR refund in 2025?
Refunds are typically processed within 20–45 days after verification.
Q2: What should I do if my refund fails due to incorrect bank details?
Update and revalidate your bank account on the income tax portal and re-submit the request.
Q3: Can my refund be adjusted against previous tax dues?
Yes, the department can adjust refunds against outstanding tax liabilities after notifying you.