How to Check Income Tax Refund Status in 2025: Complete Guide

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an annual responsibility — but the process doesn’t end once you click “Submit.” Many taxpayers eagerly wait for their income tax refund, especially when excess TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or advance tax has been paid.

However, delays, mismatched bank details, or errors in filing can affect how soon you receive your refund. To ensure smooth processing, it’s important to know how to check your income tax refund status, understand the different refund stages, and know what to do if your refund is delayed or failed.

This comprehensive guide explains how to track your refund status on the Income Tax e-filing portal and NSDL website, interpret refund messages, and resolve common refund-related issues in 2025.

What Is an Income Tax Refund?

An income tax refund arises when the tax paid (through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax) exceeds your actual tax liability for the financial year.

The Income Tax Department (ITD) verifies your return, processes it under Section 143(1), and issues a refund if applicable.

Example:
If your total tax payable for FY 2024–25 is ₹50,000 but your employer has already deducted ₹60,000 as TDS, you are eligible for a refund of ₹10,000.

Who Is Eligible for an Income Tax Refund?

You are eligible for a refund if:

 

1. 1. Excess TDS has been deducted by your employer or payer.

1. 1. You paid advance tax higher than your final tax liability.

1. 1. You have double taxation relief under the DTAA.

1. 1. You had investments or deductions (u/s 80C, 80D, etc.) not considered during TDS calculation.

1. 1. You had foreign income taxes that qualify for credit adjustment.

How Is Income Tax Refund Processed?

After filing your ITR and verifying it, the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) of the Income Tax Department in Bengaluru processes your return.

Here’s how the process works:

 

1. 1. Return Verification:
      Once you e-verify your ITR (through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC), the CPC begins processing.

1. 1. Return Processing under Section 143(1):
      Your return is checked for accuracy — income, deductions, and TDS credits are matched against the IT department’s records.

1. 1. Refund Calculation:
      If excess tax is identified, a refund is approved.

1. 1. Refund Credit by SBI:
      The refund amount is credited directly to your bank account by the State Bank of India (SBI), which handles refund disbursement on behalf of ITD.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Income Tax Refund Status (2025)

You can check your refund status in two ways — through the Income Tax e-Filing Portal and the NSDL Refund Tracking Portal.

Let’s look at both methods in detail.

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

 

1. 1. Visit the official website:
      Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in.

1. 1. Login to your account:
      Enter your PAN (as User ID), password, and captcha to log in.

1. 1. Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.

1. 1. Select the Assessment Year (AY 2024–25 or relevant AY).

1. 1. Click on “View Details.”

1. 1. Under the “Status” column, you’ll see the current stage of your refund:
      1. “Processed with refund”
      1. “Processed without refund”
      1. “Refund issued”

       

      1. 1. “Refund failure”

1. 1. Click on the acknowledgement number for detailed refund information — including refund issue date, amount, and mode of payment.

Method 2: Check Refund Status via NSDL (TIN-NSDL)

 

1. 1. Visit https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatuslogin.html.

1. 1. Enter your PAN and Assessment Year.

1. 1. Click on “Submit.”

1. 1. The website will display your refund status, including whether it’s processed, paid, or returned.

Note: The NSDL portal updates refund information daily, based on data received from the Income Tax Department and SBI.

Common Refund Status Messages and Their Meaning

Status Message	Meaning
Refund Paid	Refund has been successfully credited to your bank account.
No Demand / No Refund	Your return has been processed; no refund or tax payable.
Refund Failure	Refund could not be credited due to bank issues (e.g., incorrect IFSC or account number).
Refund Returned	Refund sent back to ITD due to incorrect bank details or account closure.
Processed with Demand	Your return shows a tax demand (verify details).
Processed with Refund	Refund approved; credited soon.

How to Update or Correct Bank Account Details

If your refund has failed due to incorrect bank details, follow these steps to revalidate your account:

 

1. 1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.

1. 1. Go to My Profile → My Bank Account.

1. 1. Add a new bank account with correct details (account number, IFSC, and branch name).

1. 1. Click “Validate Account.”

1. 1. Once validated, request reissue of refund under ‘Refund Reissue Request’ section.

Important Things to Know About Refunds in 2025

 

1. 1. Refunds are credited only to pre-validated bank accounts linked with PAN and Aadhaar.

1. 1. Processing Time: Typically 20–45 days after ITR verification.

1. 1. Mode of Refund: Direct bank transfer via NEFT or RTGS by SBI.

1. 1. Intimation under Section 143(1): Issued on email; check your inbox for refund details.

1. 1. Interest on Delayed Refund (u/s 244A):
      

       

      1. 1. If refund is delayed beyond a certain period, you are eligible for interest @0.5% per month on the refund amount.

1. 1. Refund Adjustment Against Outstanding Demand:
      The department can adjust your refund against previous tax dues after notifying you under Section 245.

How to Claim Refund Reissue (if Failed)

If your refund fails, you can request reissue as follows:

 

1. 1. Log in to incometax.gov.in.

1. 1. Go to Services → Refund Reissue.

1. 1. Select the relevant assessment year and click “Create Refund Reissue Request.”

1. 1. Choose a validated bank account for refund credit.

1. 1. Submit the request — you’ll receive an acknowledgment once it’s processed.

Common Reasons for Refund Delay or Failure

 

1. 1. Incorrect Bank Details – Wrong IFSC or closed account.

1. 1. Mismatch in PAN and Bank Account Name.

1. 1. Return Not Verified – ITR not e-verified within 30 days.

1. 1. Outstanding Tax Demand – Refund adjusted against earlier dues.

1. 1. Processing Delays at CPC.

1. 1. Technical Errors on Portal.

How to Contact Income Tax Department for Refund Issues

If your refund is delayed or not received, you can contact:

 

• • CPC (Centralized Processing Centre), Bengaluru – For return processing-related queries
    

     

    • • Email: cpc@incometax.gov.in

 

• • Helpline: 1800 103 4455 / 080 46605200

• • SBI Refund Team – For refund credit or transaction-related issues
    

     

    • • Email: itro@sbi.co.in

 

• • Helpline: 1800 425 9760

When contacting, always mention:

 

• • PAN number

• • Assessment year

• • Refund amount (if available)

• • Date of ITR filing

Practical Tips to Ensure Smooth Refund in 2025

 

1. 1. Always pre-validate your bank account before filing your ITR.

1. 1. Double-check IFSC code and account type.

1. 1. File your ITR early to avoid refund delays.

1. 1. E-verify ITR within 30 days of submission.

1. 1. Respond promptly to any intimation or demand notice under Section 143(1) or 245.

1. 1. Keep your email and mobile number updated on the portal for timely alerts.

FAQs on Income Tax Refund Status

Q1. How long does it take to receive an income tax refund?
Usually 20–45 days after e-verification, depending on processing speed and accuracy of details.

Q2. How will I know if my refund is credited?
You’ll receive an SMS and email from ITD or SBI once the refund is processed.

Q3. Can I check refund status without logging in?
Yes, you can use the NSDL refund tracking portal with PAN and assessment year.

Q4. Will I get interest on my delayed refund?
Yes, under Section 244A, at 0.5% per month from 1 April of the assessment year till refund issue date.

Q5. What if my bank account is closed?
Add and validate a new account on the portal, then raise a Refund Reissue Request.

Conclusion: Stay Updated, Stay Compliant

Checking your income tax refund status regularly helps ensure that your return is processed correctly and any discrepancies are resolved early.

At PGACA, we assist individuals and businesses with:

 

• • ITR filing and verification

• • Refund tracking and reissue requests

• • Tax planning and assessment representation

• • Compliance and advisory services

Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, professional, or business entity, PGACA’s expert tax team ensures your filings are accurate, compliant, and refunds are processed without hassle.