Getting your income tax refund is always a relief. But when the refund gets delayed or does not show up in your bank account, most taxpayers start searching for one thing — how to check income tax refund status.
Whether you filed your return early or just finished it recently, knowing your income tax refund status helps you understand whether your refund is processed, on the way, delayed, or needs reissue.
This guide explains, in simple words, how to check your ITR refund status, why refunds get delayed, how to track refunds on both the Income Tax Portal and NSDL, and what to do if your income tax refund is not received.

What Is an Income Tax Refund?

An income tax refund is the amount the Income Tax Department returns to you when you paid more tax than required.
This usually happens when:

• Excess TDS is deducted
• Advance tax is paid more than your actual liability
• You claim deductions later while filing ITR
• Errors in tax calculation were corrected

Once your ITR is verified and processed, the refund is issued by CPC Bangalore and credited to your bank account.

Why It’s Important to Track Your Income Tax Refund

Tracking your ITR refund status helps you:

• Know if your refund is processed or still pending
• Identify refund failure reasons
• Avoid delays by updating bank details
• Check if your refund is credited but not received
• Raise a refund reissue request if needed

Most importantly, checking your income tax refund status online takes just a minute.

How to Check Income Tax Refund Status Online (Step-by-Step)

There are two official methods:

1. Income Tax e-Filing Portal
2. NSDL (TIN) Refund Portal

Both show different types of information, so it’s best to check both.

Method 1: Check Income Tax Refund Status on e-Filing Portal

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Income Tax Portal
   Go to: https://www.incometax.gov.in
   2. Log in with PAN + Password
   Use OTP if required.
   3. Click “e-file” on the top menu
   4. Select “Income Tax Returns”
   5. Click “View Filed Returns”
   6. Choose the Assessment Year (for example: AY 2024–25)
   7. You will see your Refund Status
   Possible messages include:

• Refund processed
• Refund determined and sent to bank
• Refund failed
• Refund adjusted against outstanding demand
• Refund under processing

This is the most accurate place to check income tax refund status online because it shows the real-time status from CPC.

Method 2: Check Income Tax Refund Status on NSDL (TIN Portal)

NSDL shows refund dispatch details.

1. Visit the NSDL Refund Status Page
   Search: NSDL refund status
2. Enter your PAN
   3. Select Assessment Year
   4. Enter Captcha → Submit
   You will see:

• Refund amount
• Mode of refund (NEFT / ECS)
• Payment reference number
• Date of credit
• Refund failure reason (if any)

Tip: If your refund shows “Refund failed” on NSDL but “Processed” on the e-filing portal, you need to update bank details and place a refund reissue request.

What Each Refund Status Means (Simple Explanation)

Here are the most common income tax refund status messages:

1. “Refund processed”
   Refund is cleared and will be credited soon.
2. “Refund issued”
   Amount has been sent to your bank.
3. “Refund credited”
   Money is deposited in your account.
4. “Refund failed”
   There is an issue with bank account details.
   Fix: update bank account and reissue request.
5. “Refund under process”
   ITR is still being processed.
6. “Refund adjusted against outstanding demand”
   Your refund is used to clear past tax dues.
7. “Refund determined, sent to banker”
   Processing is done; bank will credit the amount.

Why Income Tax Refund Gets Delayed

Many users search “income tax refund not received” or “income tax refund delay reasons”.
These are the top causes:

1. Bank account not pre-validated
   Refund cannot be credited.
2. ITR not verified
   Refund does not start.
3. Mismatch in details
   PAN, bank account name mismatch.
4. Processing delays at CPC
   During peak season.
5. Outstanding tax demand
   Refund is adjusted.
6. Incorrect bank IFSC or account number
   Refund fails.

How to Raise Income Tax Refund Reissue Request

If refund failed or not received:

Step 1: Log in to Income Tax Portal
Step 2: Go to “Services”
Step 3: Select “Refund Reissue”
Step 4: Choose the failed refund
Step 5: Add and validate a new bank account
Step 6: Submit request

Refund is usually reissued within 7–15 days.

How to Check Income Tax Refund Status Without Login

You can check via:

1. NSDL Refund Portal
   Only PAN + AY required.
2. Bank SMS / Email Alerts
   Most banks send NEFT credit alerts.
3. UPI Apps (Passbook)
   Search for CPC or ITD refund entries.

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Income Tax Refund Processing Time in 2026

Most refunds are processed within:

• 7 to 45 days after ITR verification

Refunds may take longer during:

• July filing rush
• System upgrades
• Manual verification cases

Refund Credited but Not Received?

Many users complain: “Refund credited but not in my bank account”

This happens due to:

• Dormant account
• Bank rejecting NEFT
• Account closed
• Wrong IFSC after branch merger

Check NSDL portal for exact failure reason.

Final Tips for Faster Income Tax Refund

• Always pre-validate your bank account
• Double-check IFSC and account number
• Verify your ITR within 24 hours of filing
• Track your refund on both e-filing and NSDL
• Raise a refund reissue if refund failed
• Keep PAN and bank details updated

You may also read this: How To Pay GST Payment

FAQs

Q1. How can I check my income tax refund status online?
You can check your income tax refund status on two platforms:

1. Income Tax e-Filing Portal → Login → e-file → View Filed Returns → Refund Status
2. NSDL Refund Status Portal → Enter PAN + Assessment Year.

Q2. What does “Refund Credited” mean?
It means the refund amount has been successfully transferred from the Income Tax Department to your bank account. Check your bank statement or UPI passbook.

Q3.Can I check my refund status without logging in?
Yes, use the NSDL Refund Status Page. You only need your PAN and Assessment Year.

Q4. What should I do if my refund failed?
You must raise a Refund Reissue Request on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Go to: Services → Refund Reissue → Select Failed Refund → Submit.

Q5.Why is my income tax refund delayed?
Common reasons include:

• Bank account not pre-validated
• Incorrect IFSC or account number
• ITR not verified
• Processing delays at CPC
• Pending tax demand
• Mismatch in PAN–bank details