Many taxpayers are facing delays in receiving their Income Tax Return (ITR) refunds this year. The Income Tax Department allows individuals to track their refund status online using their PAN, either through the e-filing portal or the TIN-NSDL website. Understanding your refund status early can help you respond to discrepancies and avoid unnecessary delays.
Who is eligible for an income tax refund?
A refund arises when the total tax paid – through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax – exceeds the actual tax liability after considering deductions and exemptions. The Income Tax Department processes this excess and credits the balance back to the taxpayer.
How to check your refund status using your PAN
The refund status can be checked in two ways:
1. Checking refund status via PAN on the Income Tax e-filing portal
Step 1: Visit the official income tax e-filing website:
https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
Step 2: Log in using your PAN (as User ID) and password.
Step 3: On the homepage, go to:
e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns
Step 4: A list of all your filed returns (Assessment Year-wise) will appear.
The refund status for each AY is displayed in the timeline.
2. Checking refund status via PAN on the TIN-NSDL website
Step 1: Visit the refund status page:
https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refund-status-pan.html
Step 2: Enter your PAN and the relevant Assessment Year.
Step 3: Click Proceed. Your refund status will be shown instantly.
3. When should you normally receive your refund?
Refunds are typically issued within 4–5 weeks from the date of e-verification.
If not received within this period, taxpayers should:
- Recheck the return for errors
- Look for any notices under Sections 143(1), 139(9) etc.
- Verify refund status on the portal
- Ensure bank details are correct and pre-validated
4. Common reasons for refund delays
- Bank account not pre-validated (mandatory for refunds).
- Mismatch between bank account name and PAN name.
- Incorrect or outdated IFSC code.
- Closed or inactive bank account mentioned in ITR.
- PAN not linked with Aadhaar, making PAN inoperative.
5. Types of ITR statuses you may see
1. Submitted and Pending for E-Verification
ITR filed but not yet e-verified or ITR-V not received by CPC.
2. Successfully E-Verified
Verification complete but the return is still under processing.
3. Processed
Return has been fully processed; intimation issued.
4. Defective
Return has errors or missing information.
A notice under Section 139(9) is issued for correction.
Non-response leads to the return being treated as invalid.
5. Case Transferred to Assessing Officer (AO)
CPC has transferred the case to the jurisdictional AO for further examination.
The AO will request supporting details or clarifications.