Expecting an income tax refund after filing your ITR? Here's how to track your refund status online — through both the income tax portal and NSDL — and what to do if your refund is delayed.
How to Check ITR Refund Status
- Method 1 — Income Tax Portal: Log in to incometax.gov.in → e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns → Select year → Check 'Refund Status'
- Method 2 — NSDL portal: Visit tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatuslogin.html → Enter PAN and assessment year → View refund status
- Method 3 — SMS: REFUND <space> <PAN> <space> <AY> to 57575 (works for some banks)
Refund Status Meanings
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Return Received | ITR filed and received; not yet processed |
| Return Processing Completed | CPC processed your return; refund or demand determined |
| Refund Issued | Refund sent to your bank account; check in 5–7 working days |
| Refund Failed | Bank account validation failed; re-issue required |
| Refund Adjusted | Refund adjusted against past tax demand under Sec 245 |
| No Refund | Return processed — no refund applicable (check computation) |
How Long Does ITR Refund Take?
Once your ITR is processed and you e-verify it, refund is typically credited within 30–90 days. For AY 2025-26, CPC processed most e-verified returns within 15–45 days. Factors affecting refund time: any scrutiny flags, mismatch with Form 26AS, bank account not pre-validated on portal, unresolved prior year demands.
Why Is My Refund Delayed?
- Return not e-verified — refund can only be issued after e-verification
- Bank account not pre-validated on income tax portal (pre-validate at incometax.gov.in → Profile → Bank Accounts)
- Bank account name doesn't match PAN name exactly
- Outstanding demand from previous years — refund adjusted under Sec 245 (you'd receive a notice before adjustment)
- Return selected for scrutiny/processing mismatch
- Wrong bank account number or IFSC entered while filing
How to Raise Refund Re-issue Request
If refund failed due to incorrect bank account: Log in to incometax.gov.in → Services → Refund Re-issue → Submit request with correct bank account details (must be pre-validated). After submitting refund re-issue request, it typically takes 3–4 weeks for the refund to be re-credited.
Refund Adjusted Against Demand — Section 245
If you have an outstanding tax demand from a previous year, the Income Tax Department will send a notice under Section 245 before adjusting your current refund against that demand. You have 30 days to respond — either agree with the adjustment or submit that the demand is incorrect (with documentary evidence). If you don't respond, adjustment happens automatically.