An income tax refund is issued when the tax you’ve already paid to the government—through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax—is higher than your actual tax liability. This excess amount is returned to you as a refund, and you can claim it while filing your income tax return.

How to Check Income Tax Refund Status for AY 2025-26

You can check your refund status for FY 2024–25 in two easy ways:

1. Through the Income Tax Portal

Log in to your account on the income tax e-filing portal and track your refund under ‘View Filed Returns.’

2. Through the NSDL (Protean) Refund Status Page

You can simply enter your PAN and Assessment Year (AY 2025–26) to check the status instantly.

Track your refund online anytime.

What Exactly Is an Income Tax Refund?

A refund arises when:

• You have paid more in TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax

• Than what you actually owe as per your final tax computation

The surplus amount is automatically refunded to your bank account.

Why Are Income Tax Refunds Delayed for FY 2024–25?

This year, many taxpayers are seeing delays. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Enhanced Verification & Stricter Processing

The Income Tax Department has introduced multiple new disclosures this year.
With more data to cross-check, processing naturally takes more time—especially if a deduction appears doubtful.

If you find an error in your ITR, you can revise it until December 2025.

2. Higher Refund Amounts

Refunds exceeding ₹50,000 or unusually high refunds compared to previous years often undergo deeper scrutiny.

3. Mismatch in ITR vs Form 26AS/AIS

If the data in your return doesn’t match Form 26AS or AIS, processing may stop.
If AIS shows incorrect information, submit feedback right away.

4. Return Filed Near the Due Date

Filing ITR close to the due date results in heavy portal traffic, causing delays in processing and refunds.

5. Incorrect or Unverified Bank Details

Refunds are credited only to a pre-validated, active bank account.
If you changed your bank account after filing, update it on the portal.

6. Pending Income Tax Notices

If you have an unresolved demand or reply pending, your refund may be withheld.

7. Return Not E-Verified

If you haven’t e-verified your return, it is considered incomplete.
Refund processing won’t start until verification is done.

For prolonged delays, you can raise a grievance on the income tax portal.

Example: How Income Tax Refund Is Calculated

Let’s take an example to understand how a refund arises.

Income & Deductions of Mr. A (FY 2024–25)

• Gross Salary: ₹20,00,000

• Savings Interest: ₹20,000

• Employer’s NPS Contribution (80CCD(2)): ₹50,000

• Taxes already paid: ₹1,90,000

Tax Calculation (New Regime)

So, Mr. A is eligible for a refund of ₹3,840.

How to Check Your Refund Status – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Portal

Log in using your PAN and password.

Step 2: Go to

e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns

Step 3: View the status of all your filed returns.

Step 4: Click ‘View Details’ to see the refund status and processing stage.

How Will You Receive Your Refund?

Refunds are issued through:

• Direct bank credit (primary mode)

• Refund cheque (rare; sent via Speed Post to your ITR address)

Make sure your bank account is pre-validated to avoid failures.