How to Check Income Tax Refund Status Online
- PRITI SIRDESHMUKH
- 8 hours ago
- 9 min read
Taxpayers expecting a refund after filing their Income Tax Returncan easily track the status online. Refunds arise when excess tax is deducted through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax payments. In 2025, the Income Tax Department has enhanced refund processing speed and transparency. Refund status can now be verified through official portals such as the Income Tax e-Filing site, NSDL, or TRACES. Each platform provides real-time updates on refund amount, issue date, and mode of payment. Understanding these steps ensures timely tracking and resolution of refund-related delays or errors.
Table of Contents
Understanding Income Tax Refund in India
An income tax refund is the amount returned by the Income Tax Department when the tax paid by a taxpayer exceeds the actual tax liability for the financial year. This usually happens when advance tax, self-assessment tax, or TDS deducted by employers or banks is higher than the tax due after filing the ITR. Once the return is processed and verified, the excess amount is refunded directly to the taxpayer’s pre-validated bank account. The refund process is automated and linked with PAN and Aadhaar, ensuring accuracy and transparency. The speed of refund credit depends on how quickly the return is verified and processed.
How to Check Income Tax Refund Status on the Income Tax E-Filing Portal
The Income Tax e-filing portal offers a simple way to check refund status in real-time. Taxpayers can log in to the official website (https://www.incometax.gov.in/) using their PAN, password, and captcha code. Once logged in, go to the “e-File” menu, select “Income Tax Returns,” and click on “View Filed Returns.” Choose the relevant Assessment Year, for example, AY 2025–26. On this page, click “View Details” to see the refund status, amount, and mode of payment (NEFT or cheque). The portal will also show the date of refund issue and any remarks regarding processing. If a refund is delayed or failed, you will see an appropriate message indicating the cause, such as pending verification or incorrect bank details.
Check Income Tax Refund Status through the NSDL Portal
Taxpayers can also track their refund through the NSDL Refund Status Portal (https://tin.tin.proteantech.in/oltas/refund-status-pan.html). This method does not require login credentials. Simply enter your PAN, select the relevant Assessment Year, and fill in the captcha code to proceed. The NSDL portal will display the refund status, amount, issue date, and payment method. It also shows messages such as “Refund Returned,” “Refund Failed,” or “Refund Credited,” along with possible reasons. This method is particularly helpful for taxpayers who want to check refund status without signing into the Income Tax portal.
How to Track Refund Using the TRACES (Form 26AS) Portal
Refund details can also be verified through Form 26AS, which is accessible via the TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) portal. Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal, select “View Form 26AS,” and you’ll be redirected to the TRACES interface. Form 26AS provides a consolidated record of all tax credits, including TDS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax. It also shows refund entries credited by the Income Tax Department under “Part D.” This is a reliable method to confirm whether a refund has been processed and credited, even if the taxpayer has not yet received a notification.
Common Refund Status Messages and Their Meaning
When checking refund status, taxpayers may come across various messages. Some of the common ones include:
Refund Issued: The refund has been successfully credited to your bank account.
Refund Failure: The refund could not be credited due to incorrect or non-validated bank details.
Refund Returned: The refund was issued but returned to the department due to account closure or mismatched information.
Processed with Adjustment under Section 245: Part or all of your refund was adjusted against outstanding tax dues from previous years.
Pending for e-Verification: The return has not yet been verified, and processing will begin once e-verification is complete.
Defective Return under Section 139(9): The return has errors or missing details that must be rectified before processing.
Each of these messages indicates a specific stage in the refund process, helping taxpayers understand whether any action is required from their side.
Reasons for Delay in Income Tax Refunds
Refund delays can occur for several reasons, most of which are related to incomplete compliance or mismatched data. Common causes include:
Non-verification of ITR after filing.
Mismatch in bank account details, such as incorrect IFSC codes or unvalidated accounts.
Errors in TDS entries or discrepancies between Form 26AS, AIS, and ITR data.
Processing delays due to high volumes of returns during peak filing periods.
Defective returns that require correction under Section 139(9).
Refund adjustments against pending tax dues under Section 245. Ensuring timely e-verification, accurate data entry, and pre-validation of bank accounts can significantly reduce the chances of such delays.
How to Raise a Refund Re-Issue Request Online
If a refund fails due to incorrect bank details or a closed account, taxpayers can submit a refund re-issue request. To do this, log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal and go to “Services” → “Refund Re-issue.” Select the relevant assessment year and choose the reason for re-issue. Update your bank details, ensuring the account is pre-validated and linked with PAN. Once submitted, the request will be processed, and the refund will be credited to the updated account within a few weeks. Taxpayers should regularly monitor the refund status to confirm successful credit after re-issue.
Recent Updates on Income Tax Refunds in 2025
In 2025, the Income Tax Department implemented several improvements to enhance refund processing. With the integration of AI-based systems, refunds for simpler returns are now processed within days of e-verification. The CBDT has issued new circulars ensuring quicker adjustments under Section 245 to prevent undue delays. Additionally, courts have ruled that refunds cannot be withheld solely due to minor mismatches between ITR and Form 26AS, allowing taxpayers to provide alternate proof of TDS. These changes reflect the government’s efforts to make refund settlements faster, more transparent, and taxpayer-friendly.
How TaxBuddy Helps Track Income Tax Refund Status Seamlessly
TaxBuddy simplifies refund tracking through its intelligent tax management platform and mobile app. Users can easily check refund status, identify reasons for delay, and receive personalized guidance to resolve issues such as refund failure or defective returns. The platform integrates with official e-filing and NSDL systems to provide real-time updates. It also assists in initiating refund reissue requests and validating bank accounts to avoid future failures. TaxBuddy’s AI-driven features ensure accurate data handling and compliance, making it a reliable partner for individuals seeking error-free tax filing and smooth refund processing.
Conclusion
Tracking income tax refund status online has become effortless with the availability of multiple official portals such as the e-filing website, NSDL, and TRACES. By understanding how each platform works and staying updated on the latest procedures, taxpayers can ensure the timely receipt of their refunds. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download theTaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1. Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options?
TaxBuddy provides both self-filing and expert-assisted plans to suit the needs of different taxpayers. The self-filing option is ideal for salaried individuals and those with straightforward returns. It uses automation to pre-fill data from Form 16, PAN, and Aadhaar, ensuring quick and accurate filing. For more complex cases—such as capital gains, business income, crypto, or NRI filings—the expert-assisted plan connects users with qualified tax professionals. These experts review every detail, ensure compliance, and provide post-filing support, including notice handling. This flexibility makes TaxBuddy a preferred choice for both beginners and professionals.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR?
The official portal of the Income Tax Department (www.incometax.gov.in) is the primary government-authorized platform for filing returns. However, taxpayers often prefer private platforms like TaxBuddy for a smoother experience. TaxBuddy’s platform integrates AI automation, auto-validation, and guided workflows, reducing the chances of errors. It also provides an intuitive interface, real-time calculation checks, and expert support that the government portal does not offer. Those unfamiliar with tax terms or who want to maximize deductions find TaxBuddy’s combination of technology and expert review to be the most efficient way to file ITR accurately.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return?
An income tax return can be filed directly on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing website or through authorized e-filing platforms such as TaxBuddy. On the government portal, taxpayers need to log in using their PAN credentials, upload relevant documents, and manually enter required details. On TaxBuddy, the process is more streamlined—users can upload their Form 16 or connect through Aadhaar, and the system auto-fills necessary data. The platform then validates entries, calculates refunds or dues, and submits the return after user confirmation. This makes the process faster and more user-friendly for all categories of taxpayers.
Q4. How long does it take to get a refund after ITR verification?
Once an Income Tax Return is e-verified, the refund is usually processed within four to five weeks. However, the actual time may vary depending on the accuracy of the return, bank validation, and the volume of filings during that period. Simple returns under the new tax regime are processed faster due to automation at the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC). Refunds are directly credited to the pre-validated bank account via NEFT or RTGS. Taxpayers can track the refund status online using their PAN and assessment year on the e-filing or NSDL portal.
Q5. What should I do if my refund fails due to incorrect bank details?
If a refund fails because of invalid or incorrect bank account details, the taxpayer needs to file a refund re-issue request. Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal, go to “Services” → “Refund Re-issue,” and select the relevant assessment year. Update your bank details, ensuring the account is active, PAN-linked, and pre-validated. Once submitted, the system reprocesses the refund to the new account. It is advisable to cross-check IFSC codes, account numbers, and bank status before submitting. TaxBuddy also assists users with this process, ensuring the refund reaches the correct account without further delay.
Q6. Can refund status be checked without logging in to the e-filing portal?
Yes. Refund status can be checked through the NSDL Refund Tracking portal without needing to log in to the e-filing site. Taxpayers simply need to enter their PAN, select the relevant Assessment Year, and fill the captcha code. The portal displays refund details such as issue date, payment mode, and any failure messages. This method is convenient for quick checks or for users who do not have access to their income tax login credentials. Additionally, the NSDL portal provides direct updates from the bank or CPC, giving taxpayers real-time refund tracking capability.
Q7. Why does the status show ‘Processed with Adjustment under Section 245’?
This status means that the Income Tax Department has adjusted the refund amount against outstanding tax dues from previous years. Under Section 245 of the Income Tax Act, the department is allowed to offset pending tax liabilities before releasing a refund. Taxpayers usually receive an intimation email or SMS detailing the adjustment and the balance refund, if any. It is important to verify the accuracy of such adjustments through the income tax portal. In case of disagreement, a clarification or rectification request can be submitted online to contest the adjustment.
Q8. Can a refund be claimed after missing the ITR due date?
Yes, taxpayers who miss the original filing deadline can still claim refunds by filing a belated return before the end of the assessment year. However, refunds for belated returns may take longer to process. Filing beyond the due date also attracts a late filing fee under Section 234F. If a taxpayer misses both the original and belated deadlines, the refund can only be claimed by filing an updated return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A). TaxBuddy assists users in preparing and submitting such returns to help recover eligible refunds even after the due date.
Q9. How does TaxBuddy assist with refund-related issues?
TaxBuddy provides comprehensive support for refund-related matters. Its AI-driven dashboard allows users to check refund status in real time, identify errors such as invalid bank accounts or mismatched TDS entries, and automatically guide them to initiate refund reissue requests. For unresolved or delayed refunds, TaxBuddy’s tax experts intervene to analyze CPC communications, correct defective returns, and ensure proper credit to the taxpayer’s bank account. The platform also assists in cases where refunds are adjusted under Section 245 or withheld due to pending verifications.
Q10. What documents are needed to verify refund credits?
To verify refund credits, taxpayers should keep the following documents ready:
PAN card (to log in and track refund status)
Pre-validated bank account details (linked with PAN)
Form 26AS (to check TDS and refund entries)
ITR acknowledgment number (to reference the filed return)
Refund intimation email or SMS (sent by CPC)
AIS (Annual Information Statement) for additional income or deduction data These documents help confirm whether the refund has been processed, credited, or adjusted against any pending dues.
Q11. What are the most common causes of refund delay?
Delays in refund credit can occur due to multiple reasons, such as unverified ITRs, incorrect bank account details, mismatches between Form 26AS and ITR data, or pending rectifications. Sometimes, the refund is delayed if the return is marked defective under Section 139(9) and the taxpayer fails to correct it in time. Refunds can also be held for manual review if the system flags discrepancies between reported income and AIS entries. TaxBuddy helps identify these issues and ensures prompt resolution through expert review and revalidation.
Q12. Does the new tax regime affect refund processing speed?
Yes. Refunds under the new tax regime are generally processed faster because the return structure is simpler, with fewer exemptions and deductions to verify. The automated CPC system quickly matches tax paid with income declared and credits the refund once verification is complete. Under the old regime, additional checks are often needed due to the multiple deductions claimed under Sections 80C to 80U. Taxpayers choosing the new regime can therefore expect quicker refunds, provided all details and bank validations are accurate and timely verified.
