How to Check Income Tax Refund Status Online?

Check your income tax refund status online by visiting the Income Tax e-Filing portal or the NSDL (Protean) portal. These platforms are used to check and track your income tax refund. ITR is only half of the process. You have to wait for your refund money. If you are also in a situation where you completed the ITR process and are waiting for a refund. Track your refund status with the tips. 

Key takeaways 

• Income Tax e-Filing portal is used to check and track an income tax refund status.
• You need a PAN and the relevant assessment year to track your refund status.
• You get an idea about your refund, whether it is processed, issued, pending, or failed.
• Refund Money is directly transferred to your pre-validated bank account linked to your PAN.
• Incorrect bank details or pending tax verification can delay your income tax refund.
• You need to check your refund status because it helps you stay updated and resolve issues quickly.

What is an income tax refund?

When you file an income tax return (ITR) and pay more tax than you actually owe during that financial year, the Income Tax Department returns your amount. That amount is known as an income tax refund. 

You get a refund only if: 

• If your employer deducted more TDS than required.
• If you have claimed tax deduction or exemption while filing ITR.
• If your actual tax liability is lower than the tax already paid.
• If you have paid excess tax.

These are the cases when you can claim a refund.  

Also Read: ITR Filing Process: Step-by-Step Guide to File Income Tax Return

What is the eligibility for filing an income tax refund? 

You are eligible for an income tax refund only if:

• You have paid excess tax.
• You have claimed deductions under Section 80C and Section 80D.
• You have claimed deductions under home loan interest.
• If you are an NRI or paid tax on the same income in two countries, you are also eligible for relief under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

If you fit any one of the above criteria, you can go for an income tax refund. 

How to check my income tax refund status​?

There are mainly 3 methods by which you can track your income tax refund. 

1. Check the income tax refund status via the Income Tax E-filing Portal without login 

This is the online platform where you can check your refund easily. To do so, follow the steps: 

1. Visit the official E-filing portal www.incometax.gov.in
2. Tap on the profile bar.
3. Log in by filing a User ID.
4. Then add your password, if you have forgotten it, you can reset it by clicking on the forgot password and reset it by adding an Aadhar number. 
5. After logging in click on 3 dots and tap on “Know Your Refund Status”

The status of your refund will be displayed on the screen. 

2. Check the income tax refund status via the Income Tax E-filing Portal with login 

You can check your refund status even before logging in, but here is a method to check it after logging in to the Income Tax E-filing Portal. 

1. Visit the official Income Tax E-filing Portal www.incometax.gov.in
2. Log in to it.
3. Navigate to e-files.
4. Go to the Income Tax Return.
5. Click on File Returns.
6. Then select the relevant Assessment Year.

Now you are able to see processing stages, refund status, and reasons for failure (if any).

3. Check the income tax refund status via Protean (formerly NSDL) Tax Information Network

Follow these steps to check your income tax refund.

1. Visit the official website https://tin.tin.proteantech.in/oltas/refund-status-pan.html
2. Enter your PAN card number.
3. Then select the assessment year.
4. Solve the captcha image text and click Proceed.

If the refund has already been processed and sent, it will automatically appear in your Income Tax account and transaction records.

Assessment Year (AY) vs. Financial Year (FY)

In the above process you saw that you need to select the Assessment Year. It is important to choose the correct year. When you choose the wrong year, your refund is most likely to fail. Understand the difference between Assessment Year (AY) and Financial Year (FY).

Use this quick reference checklist and understand what an assessment year and a financial year are

What is the meaning of status? 

When you check your income tax refund status, it doesn't necessarily mean that your refund has been issued. If no refund has been processed, the portal will display the reason. Here are the meanings of the different refund statuses you can see. 

• Refund Has Been Encashed: That means your refund has been successfully credited to your bank account. 
• E-filing Not Done: This means you have not completed or filed your ITR successfully yet.
• Refund Not Determined: This means the Income Tax Department has not approved a refund. Check your ITR details for any errors.
• Unable to Credit Refund: This means the refund could not be credited because your bank account details are incorrect. Update your bank details and request reprocessing.

These texts you will see on display. It indicates the status of your income tax refund.

What steps should I take if a refund fails or is not received?

If you have not received your income tax refund yet, just follow the steps below. 

1. Check the Income Tax e-Filing portal and know the exact reason for failure.
2. Then verify your bank details. Ensure that you have correctly added a bank account on the e-Filing portal and linked it with your PAN.
3. Then submit your refund issue.
4. Contact your bank.
5. After this, contact the Income Tax Department.
6. Keep your documents ready. 

• Acknowledgement Number of your ITR
• PAN
• Assessment Year
• Registered bank account details
• Refund reference number

Most of the refund fails due to an incorrect bank account. Make sure that your bank account is pre-validated and is linked with your PAN.

Conclusion 

At the end of the article, you can check income tax return status via the Income Tax e-Filing portal, NSDL (Protean) portal, or the official mobile application. If you see the reasons for delay or failure displayed, understanding them is important. 

You need to understand the reason and take action accordingly. Contact the Income Tax Department for help. If you are looking for refund tracking methods in one place, LoansJagat can definitely help you. It makes it easier for taxpayers to check their refund status immediately. 

Frequently asked questions 

How to check my income tax refund status​?

You can check your income tax refund status in the Income Tax e-filing portal and the NSDL (Protean) portal.

How long does an Income Tax refund take?

The income tax refund timeline is within 7 to 30 days after your Income Tax Return (ITR) is successfully e-verified. 

Why is my Income Tax refund delayed?

Your income tax refund can be delayed for several reasons, such as your Income Tax Return (ITR) not being e-verified or a mismatch between the information you reported and official records, such as Form 26AS.

What details are required to check Income Tax refund status?

You need PAN (Permanent Account Number) and the Assessment Year (AY) to check income tax refund status. 

Can I check my Income Tax refund without logging in?

Yes, you can check your Income Tax refund status without logging in. You can use the dedicated pre-login quick services provided by the Income Tax Department.

What does “Refund Issued” mean?

Refund Issued means that the Income Tax Department has successfully authorized and processed your tax refund.

What should I do if my refund fails?

You must update your bank account details and submit a Refund Re-issue Request on the e-filing portal.

Can I track my Income Tax refund after it is issued?

Yes, you can track refund status through the Income Tax portal or bank.

Why is my Income Tax refund amount different from expected?

Maybe it is because the Income Tax Department recalculated your tax liability, adjusted old tax dues, or reduced your claimed tax deductions.

Can I reissue my Income Tax refund if it fails?

Yes, you can absolutely reissue your Income Tax refund if it fails. 

Sources

https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/status-of-tax-refund

https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/refund_status_user_manual

https://www.tataaia.com/blogs/term-insurance/income-tax-refund--who-is-eligible---claim-refund-process.html