Income Tax Refund Status: How to Track Your ITR Refund Online and Interest on Delays
Why Income Tax Refunds Get Delayed
Income tax refund status online is one of the most searched queries every tax season. Waiting for your refund can be stressful, especially when you’ve filed and verified your return on time. But a delay doesn’t always mean there’s an error.
According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), refunds are sometimes held back when deduction or exemption claims appear inconsistent or incomplete. In such cases, the department may ask taxpayers to file a revised return or submit additional documents.
Another reason is prioritization. Smaller refunds are processed first, while larger or complex cases take longer due to extra checks. The CBDT has clarified that most pending refunds are expected to be cleared by December 2025.
How to Check ITR Refund Status Online
There are two official ways to track your refund:
Method 1: Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Visit incometax.gov.in.
- Log in using your PAN/ID and password.
- Click on ‘e-File’ → ‘Income Tax Returns’ → ‘View Filed Returns’.
- Select the relevant assessment year.
- Click ‘View Details’ to see the lifecycle of your return, including refund status.
This method gives the most detailed view — whether your return is under processing, completed, or requires action.
Method 2: TIN-NSDL Website Using PAN
- Visit the TIN-NSDL refund status page.
- Enter your PAN and select the assessment year.
- Click ‘Proceed’ to view your refund status instantly.
This is a quicker method, though less detailed compared to the e-filing portal.
What Do Different ITR Statuses Mean?
Understanding the status messages is crucial:
- Submitted and pending e-verification: Return filed but not verified.
- Successfully e-verified: Verification complete, processing pending.
- Processed: Return assessed, refund (if any) will be issued.
- Defective: Errors or missing details must be corrected.
- Case transferred to Assessing Officer: Local officer may contact you for clarification.
Who Is Eligible for an Income Tax Refund?
You get a refund when the total tax paid (TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax) exceeds your final liability after deductions and exemptions. The excess amount is credited back to your bank account by the Income Tax Department.
Interest on Delayed Refunds
If your refund is delayed, the department pays interest at 0.5% per month.
- For returns filed on time, interest is calculated from April 1 of the assessment year until the refund is issued.
- For late filings, interest starts from the date of filing.
- This applies to refunds arising from TDS, TCS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax.
Keeping your bank details updated and responding promptly to notices ensures faster credit.
Common Reasons Refunds Get Stuck
- Incorrect bank account details.
- Pending e-verification.
- Mismatch in TDS claims.
- Errors in deductions or exemptions.
- Case flagged for manual review.
Tips to Ensure Faster Refunds
- Always e-verify your return immediately after filing.
- Double-check bank account details in the e-filing portal.
- Respond quickly to any notices from the department.
- File returns before the deadline to avoid interest calculation delays.
- Keep track of refund status regularly.
Why Tracking Refund Status Matters
Refunds are not just about money. They reflect compliance and accuracy in tax filing. By tracking your refund status online, you:
- Stay updated on processing.
- Avoid panic over delays.
- Know when to expect interest payments.
- Identify if action is required on your part.
Trending Queries
- “How to check income tax refund status online?”
- “Why is my ITR refund delayed?”
- “Interest rate on delayed income tax refund”
- “ITR refund status using PAN”
- “Income tax refund December 2025 update”
External Links (Trusted Sources)
- Income Tax Department – e-Filing Portal
- TIN-NSDL Refund Status
- CBDT – Central Board of Direct Taxes
- Income Tax in India – Wikipedia
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