How to Check Your Income Tax Refund Status
Track an income tax refund through the e-Filing portal and TIN-NSDL — what each status means (processed, sent for refund, failed) and what to do when the refund is held back.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- incometax.gov.in ↗
If you over-paid tax through TDS / advance tax / self-assessment, the refund is processed by CPC (Central Processing Centre) after your return is verified and processed. Tracking is done either on the e-Filing portal (most accurate) or on TIN-NSDL (alternate view).
The two most common issues are:
- Failed refund — the bank account on file isn't pre-validated, or has been closed. Fix by updating + pre-validating the bank account in your e-Filing profile, then raise a Refund Re-issue request.
- Refund on hold — CPC sees a pending demand from earlier years, or your PAN-Aadhaar link is incomplete, or the return is under scrutiny. Each reason has a specific fix; the e-Filing portal usually shows which one applies.
If you're stuck, file a grievance through the e-Filing e-Nivaran module — it's the fastest route to a CPC response.
Eligibility
- You filed an ITR claiming a refund.
- Your return has been processed by CPC (or is in queue).
- Your bank account is pre-validated and PAN-linked.
Required documents
PAN
To log in to the e-Filing portal.
Acknowledgement Number of the filed ITR
Used for refund tracking on TIN-NSDL too.
Pre-validated bank account
Refunds are credited only to a bank account pre-validated on the e-Filing portal and linked to PAN.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Log in to the e-Filing portal
Go to incometax.gov.in and log in with PAN + password.
incometax.gov.in ↗ - 2
Open 'View Filed Returns'
Choose 'e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns'. Find the relevant Assessment Year.
- 3
Click 'View Details'
The page shows the return status (Processed, Refund Pending, Refund Sent, Refund Failed) and the latest update.
- 4
Check the refund status banner
If refund has been issued, the banner shows the refund reference number, date, and bank account credited.
- 5
Also check on TIN-NSDL
For an alternate view, visit incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal and enter PAN + Assessment Year.
incometax.gov.in ↗ - 6
If status shows 'Refund Failed'
Re-validate your bank account on the e-Filing portal under 'Profile → My Bank Account'. Then raise a refund re-issue request from the 'Services → Refund Re-issue' menu.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
incometax.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Filing without pre-validating the bank account — refund cannot be credited and shows as 'failed'.
- Mistaking 'Processed with refund issued' as 'received' — sometimes there's a 4–10 day gap between issue and bank credit.
- Closing the bank account before the refund hits — refund fails. Pre-validate the new account and request re-issue.
- Filing again instead of requesting re-issue — duplicate filing creates problems. Use 'Refund Re-issue' for failed refunds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the refund take?▾
CPC processing time varies — anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. Status is visible at every stage on the e-Filing portal.
Why is my refund 'on hold'?▾
Common reasons: pending demand from earlier years, return under scrutiny, PAN-Aadhaar not linked, or bank account not pre-validated.
Refund issued but not received in bank?▾
Wait 7–10 days. If still not credited, raise a refund re-issue request after verifying the bank account is pre-validated.
Can I update the bank account for refund credit after filing?▾
Yes. Update the bank account in your e-Filing profile, pre-validate it, and request refund re-issue.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.