How to Check Your Income Tax Refund Status
Filed your return and waiting on a refund? Here's exactly how to check your income tax refund status on the e-filing portal, what each status means, why refunds get delayed, and what to do if yours is stuck.
Refund stuck? Ask a CATo check your income tax refund status: log in to the e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in), go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns, pick AY 2026-27, and open the Refund Status section. A refund is issued only after your return is e-verified and processed, and credited to a pre-validated bank account.
When do you get a refund?
A refund arises when the tax you've already paid is more than your final tax liability for the year.
+ self-assessment tax
after deductions
the excess
The Income Tax Department returns the extra amount, and may add interest under Section 244A if the refund is delayed.
Check your refund status on the portal
The most detailed, up-to-date status is on the e-filing portal itself.
Log in to the e-filing portal
Go to incometax.gov.in and sign in with your PAN and password.
Open your filed returns
Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.
Select the assessment year
Pick AY 2026-27 from your year-wise list of returns.
Open the return details
Click View Details on the relevant return.
Read the Refund Status
Scroll to the Refund Status section to see the current stage.
No login? You can also check on the refund banker's site (NSDL / Protean) using your PAN and the assessment year — though the portal shows more detail.
What each refund status means
Under processing
Your return hasn't been processed yet. Wait — no action needed.
Refund issued
Approved and credited to your validated bank account.
Refund failed
Usually wrong or unvalidated bank details. Fix them and raise a reissue request.
Adjusted against demand
Set off against an earlier tax demand under Section 245.
No demand, no refund
Nothing is payable to you, and nothing is due from you.
Refund partially adjusted
Part met an old demand; the balance is refunded.
Two things that decide your refund — and why it stalls
E-verify within 30 days
An unverified return is treated as not filed — so it's never processed and no refund moves.
Pre-validate your bank account
Only a validated account (Profile → My Bank Account) can receive a refund. Wrong details = failed refund.
Common reasons refunds get delayed
- Return not e-verified within 30 days
- Return not yet processed by the department
- Bank account not pre-validated, or wrong details
- Mismatch with your AIS, Form 26AS or TDS
- An outstanding tax demand being adjusted
- Return marked defective and needing correction
Stuck, failed or adjusted — we'll sort it
A refund that's failed, delayed for months, adjusted against a demand you don't recognise, or held up by a notice usually needs a few precise steps — validating the bank account, raising a refund reissue request, reconciling AIS, or replying to the department. We diagnose why yours is stuck and fix it.
Get my refund unblockedAnd next year, file with us so your refund is clean and quick from day one.
Income tax refund status — FAQs
How do I check my income tax refund status?
Log in to the e-filing portal, go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns, select AY 2026-27, open View Details, and read the Refund Status section. You can also check on the refund banker's (NSDL / Protean) site using your PAN.
How long does an income tax refund take?
Once your return is e-verified and processed, refunds are often issued within a few weeks — sometimes just days — though it can vary with how complex your return is and how busy the department is.
Why is my refund delayed?
Common reasons are a return that isn't e-verified, one not yet processed, a bank account that isn't pre-validated, a mismatch with your AIS or 26AS, or an outstanding demand being adjusted.
My refund status says 'failed'. What do I do?
This usually means wrong or unvalidated bank details. Add and validate the correct account under Profile → My Bank Account, then raise a refund reissue request on the portal.
Do I get interest on a delayed refund?
Yes. The Income Tax Department pays interest under Section 244A on refunds that are delayed, subject to the conditions in the Act.
Can I get a refund if I haven't e-verified my return?
No. An unverified return is treated as not filed, so it is never processed and no refund is issued. Always e-verify within 30 days of filing.
Refund stuck? Let a CA chase it down
If your refund is delayed, failed or adjusted, send your details on WhatsApp — a Chartered Accountant checks the status, fixes the cause, and raises the reissue request so your money reaches you.
Help me get my refundThis guide to income tax refund status is for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) and is for general information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Portal steps, timelines and refund rules may change. Verify the current process on the official e-filing portal, or consult a Chartered Accountant, for your specific case.