Income Tax Refund: Check Income Tax Refund Status for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
- PRITI SIRDESHMUKH
- Jun 14
- 17 min read
Income tax refunds are often eagerly awaited by taxpayers. After paying more than required, you’re entitled to a refund, but many wonder, "How can I check my income tax refund status?" Let us understand the entire process of checking the status of your IT return e filing with refund claim, the reasons behind possible delays, and the steps to request re-issue of refunds if necessary.
The process of claiming your income tax refund is typically smooth, but knowing the key steps to track it and understand your refund status can make it even more efficient. You can easily track the status of your refund using online services provided by the Income Tax Department.
Table of Content
Understanding Income Tax Refunds
An income tax refund occurs when the Income Tax Department identifies that you've overpaid taxes throughout the year. This excess payment can arise in several ways, such as through TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), advance tax, or self-assessment tax. Essentially, after assessing your tax liability at the end of the financial year, if the total taxes paid by you exceed the tax due, the government will refund the surplus amount to you.
In simpler terms, the income tax refund is a repayment from the government for the excess tax you’ve already paid over your actual liability. This process ensures that taxpayers are not penalized for overpaying and can receive their due back. The refunded amount is typically credited directly to your bank account, provided you have validated the account details during the IT return e filing with a refund claim.
Example:Consider Mr. Kumar, a salaried employee who pays taxes in multiple ways throughout the year. He estimates his total tax liability to be ₹55,000 for the year. However, he ends up overpaying in the following manner:
TDS deducted by employer: ₹20,000
Advance tax paid: ₹50,000
After filing his income tax return and efiling a refund claim, it turns out that his actual tax liability is ₹55,000, but he has already paid ₹70,000. Therefore, Mr. Kumar is entitled to an income tax refund of ₹15,000 (₹70,000 paid - ₹55,000 liability).
This is how a refund arises—when your tax payments exceed your calculated liability.
Situations That Lead to Tax Refunds
Income tax refunds can arise in several situations, each involving the payment of excess taxes throughout the year. Below are the common scenarios in which you could be eligible for an income tax refund:
Excess TDS:
If your employer or clients deduct Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from your earnings and the amount deducted is higher than the tax you owe, you will be eligible for a refund. TDS is deducted on various sources of income like salary, interest, dividends, etc. If the total tax liability is less than the TDS deducted, you are entitled to receive the difference as a refund.
Advance Tax:
Advance tax is paid in installments throughout the financial year by taxpayers who expect their tax liability to exceed ₹10,000. However, if the actual income for the year turns out to be lower than anticipated, leading to lower tax liability, any excess advance tax paid will be refunded by the Income Tax Department.
Self-assessment tax is the tax paid by a taxpayer on income that wasn’t covered by TDS or advance tax. If you’ve paid more self-assessment tax than required, the excess amount will be refunded after your IT return e filing with refund claim is processed.
Claiming Deductions and Exemptions:
If you claim tax deductions under various sections (like Section 80C, Section 80D, etc.) or exemptions, and your actual taxable income is reduced as a result, you may have overpaid taxes. In such cases, you will be eligible for a refund on the excess amount paid.
These situations arise when a taxpayer's payments to the government exceed their liability. After processing your IT return e filing with a refund claim, the Income Tax Department will review the details and issue the refund. If there are delays, the taxpayer can always get IT filing with refund assistance to expedite the process.
Are Income Tax Refunds Taxable?
The income tax refund amount itself is not taxable. The refund simply represents the excess taxes you’ve already paid, and therefore, it is not considered income. However, there is a crucial distinction when it comes to the interest earned on the refund amount.
Interest on Income Tax Refund: While the refund itself isn’t taxed, the interest that is paid on the refund is considered taxable income. This interest is categorized under "Income from Other Sources" in your income tax return.
According to the Income Tax Act, if the refund is more than ₹10,000 in a financial year, you will receive interest at a rate of 0.5% per month (or 6% annually) on the excess refund amount. This interest, however, is subject to tax according to your applicable income tax slab rate.
Example:
Mr. Kumar, who is expecting a refund of ₹15,000, also receives ₹1,000 as interest on his refund. The ₹1,000 interest is taxable and should be declared as income in his tax return under "Income from Other Sources." The rest of the ₹15,000 refund remains tax-free, but the ₹1,000 interest will be taxed based on his applicable tax bracket.
This distinction is important to note when filing your next tax return, as the interest on the refund will impact your taxable income and may increase your overall tax liability for the year.
Income Tax Refund - An Illustration
To understand the process of Income Tax Refund in a practical context, let’s walk through an example:
Example:
Mr. Singh is a freelancer who estimates his taxable income for FY 2024-25 to be ₹12,00,000. Throughout the year, he makes the following payments:
TDS Deducted: ₹12,000
Advance Tax Paid: ₹60,000
Upon filing his Income Tax Return (ITR) and completing the e-filing with refund claim, his actual tax liability is calculated at ₹1,50,000.
Now, let's calculate his refund:
Particulars | Amount (Rs.) |
Tax Liability | ₹1,50,000 |
(Less) Tax Already Paid | |
TDS | ₹12,000 |
Advance Tax | ₹60,000 |
Total Tax Paid | ₹72,000 |
Refund Receivable | ₹78,000 |
So, Mr. Singh is entitled to a refund of ₹78,000 (₹72,000 paid - ₹1,50,000 liability). The refund will be credited to his pre-validated bank account, ensuring that the process is seamless and hassle-free.
Steps to Claim Your Income Tax Refund through E-Filing
Claiming your Income Tax Refund is a straightforward process. By filing your ITR online through the e-Filing portal, you can ensure that the refund is processed quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:
1. File Your Income Tax Return (ITR)
Choose the correct ITR form based on your income type and file it online via the e-Filing portal.
Ensure that you fill in accurate bank account details to facilitate the smooth transfer of your refund amount directly to your bank account.
2. E-Verify Your Return
After filing your ITR, it’s essential to e-verify your return. This step speeds up the process.
You can e-verify your return via Aadhaar OTP, EVC via your bank account, or by sending the signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru.
E-verification ensures quicker processing, which leads to faster issuance of your refund.
3. Wait for Processing
Once your return is verified, the Income Tax Department processes your return and issues a refund if any taxes were overpaid.
The typical processing time is around 4 to 6 weeks, although it may vary based on the complexity of the return.
4. Check Refund Status
After filing and e-verifying your return, you can check the status of your IT return e filing with a refund claim via the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Simply log in with your PAN and check the Refund/Demand Status under your My Account section.
How to Check Your ITR Refund Status for AY 2025-26?
If you’re concerned about the status of your income tax refund, you can check it through any of the following three methods:
1. Through the Income Tax Portal
Visit the Income Tax Portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
Log in with your PAN and password
Click on 'e-File', select 'Income Tax Returns' and then select ‘View Filed Returns’
You can see the status of your current and past income tax returns.
Click on 'View details,' and you will see the status of your income tax refund, as shown in the image below.
2. Through the NSDL Portal
Go to the NSDL Portal at www.protean-tinpan.com.
Enter your PAN and the Assessment Year for which the refund is awaited.
Click Submit to check the refund status.
3. Through TRACES
Log in to the Income Tax Portal.
Go to ‘View Form 26AS’ under ‘e-File.
You will be re-directed to TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System (TRACES) page, where you can find refund details. Click on ‘View Tax Credit (Form 26AS/Annual tax statement) at the bottom of the page.
Select the Assessment Year from the drop-down menu, and select view as ‘text’.
Why is my Refund Delayed?
Refund delays can occur for several reasons. Below are some common causes and the actions you can take to resolve the issue:
1. Incorrect Bank Details
Ensure that the bank account details provided during IT return e filing with refund claim are correct and pre-validated.
A mismatch in account details is a common cause of refund delays.
2. Mismatch in Forms
There could be a discrepancy between your filed return and Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement), leading to processing delays.
Review both documents for consistency and correct any discrepancies.
3. Late Filing
If you file your IT return e filing with a refund claim close to the deadline, the refund processing might take longer, especially if many returns are being processed simultaneously.
4. Processing Errors
Errors in the return may also cause delays. Always double-check your form for accuracy and correct data entries.
If your refund is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, you can raise a grievance through the e-Filing portal for further investigation.
What Does My Refund Status Mean?
Once you have filed your Income Tax Return (ITR), it's important to track the status of your refund. The Income Tax Department provides different refund statuses to indicate the stage of your refund process. Understanding these statuses helps you determine where your refund stands and what actions, if any, are required.
Below is a comprehensive list of common refund status messages you might encounter and their meanings:
Status | Meaning | What to Do |
No Result Found | This means that, according to the IT department, no records were found for the ITR filed, and the PAN and acknowledgment number added need to be cross-checked. | Double-check the PAN and acknowledgment number entered. If the issue persists, recheck the information or contact the Income Tax Department for clarification. |
Refund is already credited to your pre-validated bank account | This states that the refund is already credited to your pre-validated bank account. In case of any doubt, contact: CMP, State Bank of India, Address: Survey No.21 Opposite: Hyderabad Central University, Main Gate, Gachibowli, Hyderabad -500019 | If you haven't received the refund, confirm your bank details and contact your bank to verify the deposit. If necessary, update your bank details on the e-Filing portal. |
Refund Cheque is already encashed | Your income tax refund is processed and credited to your bank account. If you have not received it, please contact: CMP, State Bank of India, Address: Survey No. 21 Opposite: Hyderabad Central University, Main Gate, Gachibowli, Hyderabad -500019 | If you haven’t received the cheque, verify the address on your ITR and check with your bank or SBI for further details. |
Refund not determined | According to the IT Department, no refund was determined in this case. | Verify your ITR and ensure the tax paid exceeds the tax liability. If necessary, file a rectification request through the e-Filing portal. |
Unable to credit refund as the account number provided is incorrect | This clearly states that the bank account number provided is incorrect. You need to apply for refund reissue by providing a pre-validated account number. | Update your bank account details in the e-Filing portal and raise a refund re-issue request. Ensure the bank account is pre-validated. |
This shows that the ITR filed was defective under the Income Tax Law. Please check on the e-filing website to find the correct reason. | Review the ITR for errors, such as missing information or incorrect data. File a revised return to correct the mistakes. | |
ITR Processed but need to submit rectification request | There might be a mismatch in the calculation done by the department and ITR filed. File a rectification request justifying the refund claimed. | Log in to the e-Filing portal and file a rectification request with proper documentation to explain the mismatch. |
Return submitted. ITR Transferred to Jurisdiction AO | This implies the return will be processed by the jurisdictional AO. Contact the AO and make the necessary submissions to claim the refund. | Reach out to the jurisdictional AO for further guidance and submit any required documents for refund processing. |
Pending for e-verification | This means that the ITR was submitted successfully but not e-verified within 30 days of ITR submission. Verify to process the return and claim the refund. | Complete the e-verification process through Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or by sending the ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru. |
Processed with no demand/refund | It shows that the ITR is processed without any demand or refund. To understand this, check the intimation order u/s 143(1) on your email id. | If you believe a refund is due, verify the deductions and tax payments made. File a rectification request if discrepancies are found. |
Processed with demand due | In this case, the return is processed, and there is a demand, i.e., tax payable to the IT department. To understand this, check the intimation order u/s 143(1) on your email id. Also, submit the response to this through the e-filing website under the e-file → Response to Outstanding Tax Demand. | Check the demand details in the intimation order and pay the dues promptly to avoid penalties. |
Processed with refund due | This implies that the return is processed with a refund and it will be credited in some days to the pre-validated bank account. | Wait for the refund to be credited to your bank account. If it’s delayed, raise a grievance on the e-Filing portal. |
Refund Failure | Due to incorrect bank account details, the refund was not credited successfully. Please apply for refund reissue under “My account” → Service → Refund Reissue Request | Verify your bank account details on the e-Filing portal and raise a refund re-issue request. Ensure the account is pre-validated. |
E-Return for this PAN and Acknowledgment Number has been Digitally Signed | The ITR is digitally signed and filed successfully. | No action required. Wait for the Income Tax Department to process your ITR and issue the refund. |
Under Processing | This means the Income Tax Department has still not processed your Income Tax Return. Please check your refund status after a month to see if it has been updated. | Be patient. Once the ITR is processed, the refund status will be updated. Check again after some time. |
Refund Issued | This means the Income Tax Department has sent the refund to you (by cheque or by direct credit to the bank account number you provided while e-filing). No further action required. | Confirm with your bank for direct deposit or check your mailbox for a refund cheque. |
Return Submitted and Verified | The return is submitted and verified. So, wait for some days for the refund to be credited. | Your return is successfully verified. Wait for the Income Tax Department to process your refund. |
Invalid Original Return, File Revised Return | The return was treated as invalid and there is a need to file a revised return to claim the refund. | File a revised return with corrected information and re-submit for processing. |
Refund Re-Issue Failure | Refund reissue request was failed due to some incorrect details. Raise the new request to get the refund. | Submit a new refund re-issue request on the e-Filing portal with correct bank details. |
Rectification Filed | Rectification request has been filed and is processing. | Wait for the rectification request to be processed. Monitor the status on the e-Filing portal for updates. |
How to Request a Refund Re-Issue?
If your income tax refund hasn’t been processed due to issues such as incorrect bank details or errors in your income tax return, you can request a refund re-issue. Follow these steps to submit a request for re-issuance:
Log in to the e-Filing Portal:
Visit the Income Tax Department’s official e-Filing portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
Enter your PAN, password, and captcha code to access your account.
Navigate to ‘Services’:
Once logged in, go to the ‘Services’ tab in the top navigation menu of the portal.
Select ‘Refund Reissue’:
In the ‘Services’ dropdown, choose the ‘Refund Reissue’ option. This option allows taxpayers to request the re-issuance of a refund if it has failed due to issues such as incorrect bank details or discrepancies in the tax return.
Enter the Correct Details:
In the Refund Reissue Request section, you will be required to enter your correct bank account details, including the IFSC code and account number for verification purposes. Ensure that the details are accurate to avoid further delays.
Submit Your Request:
After verifying the bank details, click ‘Submit’ to raise the request for a refund re-issue. You will receive a confirmation on the portal regarding the status of your re-issue request.
Other Key Concepts
Time Duration for a Tax Refund
Income tax refunds are typically processed by the Income Tax Department within 4 to 6 weeks from the date of e-verification or submission of the return. However, this timeframe can vary based on the complexity of your return and the volume of returns being processed. In some cases, the refund may be processed faster, while in others, it may take longer. Factors influencing the duration include:
The accuracy of your return: Mistakes or discrepancies in the return can delay the processing time.
The method of submission: E-filed returns are generally processed faster than paper-filed returns.
E-verification: Returns that are e-verified through Aadhaar OTP or EVC tend to be processed quicker.
Mode of Receiving Refund
Once your refund is processed, you will receive it through one of the following modes:
Direct Bank Transfer: If you have provided accurate and pre-validated bank account details, the refund will be directly credited to your account via NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer).
Refund Cheque: If direct transfer is not possible, the refund amount will be sent to your address by a cheque. This is generally a slower method and can take additional time to reach your address through postal services.
Ensure that your bank details are updated correctly in the e-Filing portal to avoid delays.
Interest on Income Tax Refund
If the refund amount is more than 10% of the total tax paid, the Income Tax Department will provide interest on the refund. The interest is calculated at 6% per annum (0.5% per month) and is provided until the refund is credited to your account. For example, if your refund is delayed by 3 months, you will be eligible for 1.5% interest (0.5% per month for 3 months) on your refund amount.
Example: Let’s say your refund is ₹10,000, and it is delayed by 3 months. The interest on your refund will be calculated as:
Interest = ₹10,000 x 0.5% x 3 months = ₹150Therefore, you will receive ₹10,150 instead of ₹10,000.
The interest component is taxable under the head ‘Income from Other Sources’ in the year you receive the refund. So, make sure to include it in your income when filing the next year’s return.
How to Claim Refund After Missed ITR Filing?
If you missed the original deadline to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year, you can still claim your tax refund by filing a Belated Return. A belated return is a tax return filed after the due date but before the end of the assessment year.
For FY 2024-25, the last date to file a belated return is 31st December 2025. Once you file the belated return, if you have overpaid taxes during the year, you will be eligible for a refund, provided there are no outstanding dues.
Here’s how you can claim the refund after missing the ITR filing deadline:
Log in to the e-Filing Portal: Use your PAN to log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Choose the Correct Assessment Year (AY): Select AY 2025-26 for FY 2024-25 and choose the appropriate ITR form (e.g., ITR-1, ITR-4, etc.).
File the Belated Return: Enter all necessary income details, tax paid, deductions, and claims for refunds.
E-Verify: Ensure that your return is e-verified to expedite the refund process.
Wait for Processing: After successful verification, the Income Tax Department will process the belated return and issue the refund if applicable.
Income Tax Refund Helplines
For any refund-related queries or assistance, the Income Tax Department has set up several helpline numbers and email addresses for taxpayers to reach out for support. Here are the available options:
General Queries
Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 180 1961
For Refund-related Issues: 1800-425-2229 or 080-43456700
For e-Filing of Returns Helpdesk
Toll-Free: 1800 103 0025
Other Contact Numbers: +91-80-46122000, 1800 419 0025
Email Support for Refund-related Queries
ITR V Receipt and Refund Reissue: itrvprocessing@incometax.gov.in
General Support and Queries: contactus@incometaxindia.gov.in
Aaykar Sampark Kendra (ASK)
For face-to-face assistance, you can visit the nearest Aaykar Sampark Kendra (ASK) for grievance redressal.
Social Media
The Income Tax Department is also available on various social media platforms where you can get answers to your queries. You can reach out to them via their official Twitter handle @IncomeTaxIndia.
These helplines and resources ensure that you have the support you need during the refund process. Whether you are filing for the first time, facing delays, or need clarification on the refund status, these contact details will help guide you through the necessary steps.
FAQs
Q1. What is an Income Tax Refund?
An income tax refund occurs when you have paid more taxes than you owe for a particular financial year. This happens due to excess TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), advance tax, or self-assessment tax. If you have overpaid, the Income Tax Department refunds the excess amount after processing your Income Tax Return (ITR). The refund is typically credited to your pre-validated bank account.
Q2. How does a Refund Situation Arise?
Refunds can arise in the following situations:
Excess TDS: Your employer or clients may have deducted more tax at source than your actual tax liability.
Advance Tax Payments: If you've paid more advance tax than needed based on your estimated income.
Self-Assessment Tax Overpayment: If you overpaid your tax liability under self-assessment while filing your ITR.
Deductions and Exemptions: After filing your return, claiming deductions or exemptions can reduce your taxable income, leading to a refund.
Q3. Is the Income Tax Refund Taxable?
No, the income tax refund itself is not taxable because it is the excess tax you have already paid. However, if your refund includes interest (on delayed refunds), that interest is taxable as ‘Income from Other Sources’ and should be reported in your ITR for the year it is received.
Q4. How to Check the Status of My Income Tax Refund?
You can check the status of your ITR refund using the following methods:
Income Tax Portal: Log into your e-Filing account, go to ‘Refund/Demand Status’, and view the status.
NSDL Portal: Visit the NSDL website, enter your PAN and Assessment Year, and check the refund status.
TRACES Portal: Log in to the Income Tax portal, click on ‘View Form 26AS’ under ‘e-File’ and select ‘View Tax Credit’ to see the refund status.
Q5. Why Is My Income Tax Refund Delayed?
Refunds can be delayed due to various reasons:
Incorrect Bank Details: Ensure your bank account is pre-validated and the details are correct.
Return Discrepancies: Any errors in the filed ITR or mismatch with Form 26AS can delay refunds.
High Volume of Returns: If you file closer to the deadline, the volume of returns may delay processing.
Processing Errors: Errors in your ITR filing can cause delays in refund processing.
Q6. What Does the ‘Refund Processed’ Status Mean?
If your refund status reads ‘Refund Processed’, this indicates that the Income Tax Department has successfully processed your return and determined that a refund is due. The refund amount will be credited to your pre-validated bank account soon. If it's delayed, ensure the bank details are correct and up-to-date.
Q7. Can I Claim My Refund After Missing the ITR Filing Deadline?
Yes, you can file a belated return to claim your refund even after missing the deadline. The last date for filing a belated return for FY 2024-25 is 31st December 2025. After filing the belated return, the refund will be processed if excess tax has been paid.
Q8. How to Request a Refund Re-Issue?
If your refund wasn’t processed due to errors, you can request a refund re-issue by following these steps:
Log into the e-Filing portal.
Go to ‘Services’ > ‘Refund Reissue’.
Provide the correct bank account details.
Submit your request. The Income Tax Department will process the re-issue based on your updated information.
Q9. What Does 'Refund Issued' Mean in the Refund Status?
If your refund status says ‘Refund Issued’, it means the Income Tax Department has dispatched your refund. You should check your bank account for a direct transfer or your mailbox for a cheque. If you haven’t received it, verify your bank details and reach out to the department.
Q10. How Do I Know If My Refund is Processed or Not?
If the status shows ‘Under Processing’, it means the Income Tax Department is still reviewing your ITR. After processing, the status will be updated to ‘Refund Issued’ or ‘Refund Paid’ if the refund has been credited to your account.
Q11. What Should I Do If My Refund Status Says ‘Refund Failure’?
If your refund status shows ‘Refund Failure’ due to incorrect bank details, you must update the bank details in the e-Filing portal and submit a refund re-issue request. Ensure your bank account is pre-validated to avoid further issues.
Q12. Can I Get Interest on My Income Tax Refund?
Yes, interest is provided on your income tax refund if the refund amount exceeds 10% of the total tax paid. The interest is calculated at a rate of 6% per annum (0.5% per month) and is added to your refund amount. This interest is taxable as ‘Income from Other Sources’ in the year you receive it.
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