The Income Tax department has issued most refunds for filers, but some taxpayers are still waiting. If your tax refund is delayed or you want to track its status, here is a clear, step-by-step guide to check your ITR refund online and what to do if it’s held up.
How to check your ITR refund status online
Use the official income tax e-filing portal to get the latest status. Follow these simple steps:
- Login to the income tax e-filing portal using your PAN and password.
- Go to My Account and select Refund/Demand Status (or View Returns/Forms and then the relevant return).
- Enter your assessment year and acknowledgement number (if asked) to view the current status.
- The portal will show a short description such as Refund Paid, Refund Under Process, Refund Adjusted, or No Demand/Refund.
Other ways to verify
- Check the refund entry with your bank account statement — refunds are usually credited via ECS/RTGS to the bank account you declared in your ITR profile.
- Review your Form 26AS to confirm tax credits and adjustments that might affect refund amounts.
- If you filed through a tax practitioner or agent, they can also check the status on your behalf with your authorization details.
Common refund statuses and what they mean
- Refund Under Process — Your return is being reviewed or the refund is being prepared. This may take a few weeks to a few months depending on verification requirements.
- Refund Paid — The department has issued the refund. If you don’t see the amount in your bank account, check your bank details and statement, or contact your bank.
- Refund Adjusted — The refund has been offset against outstanding tax demand or other dues. The portal should show details of the adjustment.
- No Demand/Refund — There’s no refund due for the return as filed.
- Return Processed with Default Demand — If the department finds short payment of tax, it can raise a demand that reduces or cancels the refund.
Why refunds get delayed
- Incomplete or incorrect bank details in the return.
- Return not verified electronically or ITR-V not received/processed (for paper filing).
- Mismatch between ITR details and Form 26AS or third-party data (TDS, TCS, etc.).
- Manual scrutiny or additional checks by the tax department.
- Pending demands or adjustments against outstanding tax liabilities.
What to do if your refund is delayed
- Double-check verification: Ensure your return was e-verified or the ITR-V was acknowledged by the tax office.
- Confirm bank details: Verify the bank account you provided in the ITR profile and check account statements for any credited refund.
- Check intimations: Look for any intimation under Section 143(1) or other communications on the portal that may explain adjustments or demands.
- Wait a reasonable period: Most refunds are processed within a few weeks to a few months. Complex cases or manual checks can take longer.
- Raise a grievance: Use the e-filing portal’s grievance or helpdesk option to lodge a query. Provide your PAN, assessment year, and acknowledgement number.
- Contact the CPC or assessing officer: If there is no update after several months, escalate through the portal or contact the assessing officer listed on your notices.
Documents and information to keep ready
- PAN and ITR acknowledgement number.
- Bank account details used in the return (account number, IFSC).
- Copy of filed ITR and proof of e-verification or ITR-V acknowledgement.
- Form 26AS or TDS certificates to support claimed credits.
- Any intimation or notice received from the tax department.
When to seek professional help
If communication from the tax department is unclear, you receive a demand notice you don’t understand, or the refund involves a large amount, consider consulting a tax professional. They can help interpret notices, file corrections, or represent you with the tax authorities.
Final tips
- Keep your contact and bank details updated on the e-filing portal to avoid processing delays.
- Verify your return promptly after filing to speed up refund processing.
- Monitor the portal regularly for any intimations or status changes.
Checking your refund status is straightforward if you know where to look and what the different statuses mean. If a refund is delayed, start with the portal checks, review your documents, and escalate through official grievance channels if needed.