Waiting for your ITR refund? Learn how to check income tax refund status online for AY 2025–26 using the e-Filing portal or NSDL. Track refunds, understand delays, and fix issues step by step.
Waiting for your income tax refund can feel uncertain—especially when timelines stretch or refund messages seem unclear. Many taxpayers worry whether their refund is stuck, delayed, or already credited without notice.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The good news is that tracking your income tax refund status is simple once you know the right portals and understand what each status actually means.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to check refund status of ITR, how to track ITR refund online using both login and no-login methods, and why delays are common during income tax refund status 2025–26 for FY 2024–25.
What Is an ITR Refund?
An ITR refund arises when the total tax you’ve already paid—through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax—is higher than your final tax liability calculated while filing the return.
This excess amount is returned to you after your return is processed by the Income Tax Department India.
No Separate Refund Application Required
It’s important to understand that there is no separate application for a refund.
Once you file your return correctly and complete verification, the refund process begins automatically as part of ITR processing. Your role is mainly to ensure accuracy and complete verification on time.
Before You Track Your Income Tax Refund (Quick Checklist)
Before checking your refund status, make sure a few basics are in place.
ITR Filing & Verification Status
Your ITR must be filed for Assessment Year 2025–26, and the filing process must be completed through e-verification of ITR. Without verification, the return is treated as incomplete, and refunds are not processed.
The refund is not triggered until the department acknowledges your verified return.
Bank Account Readiness
You should also ensure that a pre-validated bank account is added on the portal. Refunds are credited only to validated accounts.
If pre-validation wasn’t done at the time of filing, your refund may be deferred until this step is completed.
Matching Tax Records
Lastly, confirm that income and TDS details in your return match Form 26AS / AIS. Even a small mismatch can delay refund processing and trigger additional checks.
Method 1: Check ITR Refund Status via the e-Filing Portal (Recommended)
The e-Filing portal provides the most accurate and complete view of your refund progress.
It not only shows whether a refund is due, but also explains why it may be delayed, adjusted, or under review.
Step-by-Step: Tracking via Login
Start by logging in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your PAN and password.
After logging in:
- Navigate to e-File
- Select Income Tax Returns
- Click on View Filed Returns
From the list of returns, choose AY 2025–26 and click View Details.
What You’ll See on the Portal
On this screen, you can view:
- ITR processing status
- Whether a refund amount has been determined
- The current refund stage, such as under processing, issued, or failed
The portal may also display the lifecycle of your return, including whether any adjustment or intimation under Section 143(1) has been issued.
Why This Method Is Best
This method is recommended because it shows real-time updates directly from the tax department and gives the clearest picture of what’s happening behind the scenes.
Method 2: Track ITR Refund Online via NSDL (No Login Needed)
If you want a quick check—or you’re unable to access your account—you can track your refund without logging in.
How to Check Refund Status Using PAN
To do this, open the TIN-NSDL / Protean refund status page.
Enter your PAN and select the relevant Assessment Year, then submit the form.
The refund status will appear on the screen, showing whether it is paid, refunded, failed, or not determined. In many cases, it also shows the payment mode and date.
This facility is powered by NSDL Protean and works well for quick confirmations.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ITR Refund in 2025?
For FY 2024–25, most refunds are credited within 4–5 weeks after successful e-verification, assuming there are no mismatches or processing issues.
When Refunds Take Longer
Timelines can extend if your return is selected for verification by the Centralized Processing Center (CPC Bengaluru).
Delays are more common when:
- Refund amounts are high
- Additional deduction checks are required
- Tax data needs cross-verification
In some cases, processing may take 6–8 weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the return.
Common Income Tax Refund Status Meanings (Decoded)
Understanding refund messages can prevent unnecessary stress.
Most Common Status Messages
- Under Processing: CPC has not completed assessment yet.
- Processed with Refund Due: Refund approved, credit pending.
- Refund Issued: Money already sent by bank transfer or cheque.
- Refund Failure: Credit attempt failed, usually due to incorrect or inactive bank details.
Other Important Statuses
- Processed with No Demand/Refund: No balance payable or refundable.
- Processed with Demand Due: Outstanding tax adjusted against refund.
- Refund Determined & Sent to Refund Banker: Refund approved and forwarded to State Bank of India for payment processing.
Why Is My Income Tax Refund Delayed?
Refund delays during income tax refund status 2025–26 are common due to stricter verification measures.
Common Reasons for Delay
One major reason is a mismatch with Form 26AS or AIS, where income or TDS figures don’t align with your return.
High refund claims often undergo additional scrutiny, especially if deductions appear unusual.
Other frequent causes include:
- Pending e-verification of ITR
- Incorrect or unvalidated bank accounts
- Outstanding tax demands or unresolved notices
In such cases, refunds may be held back or adjusted after formal intimation.
ITR Refund Processed but Not Received? Do This
If your refund shows as processed but the amount hasn’t reached your bank, don’t panic.
Step-by-Step Checks
First, confirm that your bank account is correctly pre-validated and active.
Next, check whether the refund has been sent to the refund banker (SBI).
If the credit failed, submit a Refund Reissue Request through the e-Filing portal.
For prolonged delays or unclear issues, raising a grievance on the portal often helps escalate the matter and get clarity faster.
How to Update Bank Account for Income Tax Refund
Keeping bank details accurate is crucial for timely refunds.
Updating Your Bank Details
Log in to the e-Filing portal and go to My Profile, then open the Bank Account section.
Add or edit your account details, complete pre-validation, and set the correct account as primary for refunds.
This single step resolves a large number of refund failures.
Interest on Delayed Income Tax Refund (Section 244A)
If the Income Tax Department delays issuing your refund beyond the prescribed time, you may be eligible for interest under Section 244A.
This interest is calculated from the due date of filing until the refund is issued.
However, interest is not paid when delays are caused by the taxpayer, such as late filing or pending verification.
Income Tax Refund Helpline & Support
If you need help with refund-related issues, official support is available.
Contact Details
- Income tax refund helpline number (India):
1800-103-0025 / 1800-419-0025 - International callers:
+91-80-46122000 / +91-80-61464700 - Email: refunds@incometax.gov.in
- SBI refund banker support: 1800-425-9760
FAQs: ITR Refund Status (Quick Answers)
You can check your refund status without logging in by using the NSDL Protean portal with your PAN and assessment year.
Refunds are typically credited within four to five weeks after e-verification, though complex cases may take longer.
When a status says “refund determined and sent to refund banker,” it means approval is complete and SBI will credit the amount shortly.
If your refund hasn’t arrived even after processing, bank validation issues or tax adjustments are usually the reason.
Final Takeaway
Tracking your income tax refund status 2025–26 doesn’t have to be stressful.
Use the e-Filing portal for detailed updates, rely on NSDL for quick checks, and make sure verification and bank details are accurate.
A little proactive checking can save you weeks of waiting—and help ensure your refund reaches you without unnecessary delays.
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