By BillCut
Last updated: 31 October 2026
To know how to check income tax refund status, log in to the e-Filing portal, go to View Filed Returns, pick the assessment year and open the details. This guide walks through each step on the official Income Tax portal, explains the statuses you may see, and lists the usual reasons a refund fails.
Before you start: what should be in place?
- Your return must be filed and e-verified. The Income Tax Department says processing starts only after e-verification.
- Your PAN should be linked with Aadhaar. The portal warns that a refund fails if the PAN is inoperative.
- The bank account in your return should be pre-validated.
On timing, the portal says the time limit to e-verify is 30 days from the date of filing the return. If a return is never verified, the same page says it is treated as invalid.
How do you check refund status after logging in?
The portal’s refund status user manual gives these steps.
- Open the e-Filing portal and log in with your user ID and password.
- If a pop up says your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, choose Link Now or Continue.
- Go to e-File, then Income Tax Returns, then View Filed Returns.
- Select the assessment year and click View Details.
The details page also shows the life cycle of the filed return. Its related guide on knowing your ITR status adds that you can download the intimation order from the same View Filed Returns screen.
Can you check without logging in?
The portal has a pre-login option for ITR status. You click Income Tax Return Status on the home page, enter your acknowledgement number and a valid mobile number, and then enter the 6 digit OTP. The OTP is valid for 15 minutes and you get 3 attempts.
The portal’s refund status page also has a button that takes you to the Tax Information Network site maintained by NSDL, where status is displayed. It says the status shows whether the refund was sent by Speedpost or credited directly to your bank account.
What do the refund statuses mean?
| Status shown | What to do |
|---|---|
| Refund issued | Check your bank account and statement |
| Refund partially adjusted | Read the intimation to see which demand was adjusted |
| Refund fully adjusted | Read the intimation, as the refund was set against a demand |
| Refund failed | Find the cause in the next section and fix it |
Why does a refund fail?
The refund status manual lists these reasons.
- The bank account is not pre-validated, which it calls compulsory now.
- The account holder name does not match the PAN details.
- The IFSC code is invalid.
- The bank account named in the return has been closed.
- The PAN is inoperative because it is not linked with Aadhaar.
How do you pre-validate your bank account?
The portal’s My Bank Account manual says you can add a bank account and pre-validate it. The account must be linked with your PAN, and you need a valid IFSC and account number. To receive a refund, the account must be a validated one that you nominate for refund. Do this before you file, not after a failure.
How long does a refund take?
The refund status manual says refunds usually arrive in 4 to 5 weeks after processing starts. If it takes longer, check the return for discrepancy intimations and check your email for notices from the department. Respond to any notice on the portal. Do not assume a delay means a rejection.
Who do you call if the refund is delayed?
The portal lists the e-filing and Centralized Processing Center helpline numbers 1800 103 0025 and 1800 419 0025, available 08:00 to 20:00 hrs on Monday to Friday. Keep your acknowledgement number and PAN handy. Be careful with callers or links that offer to release your refund for a fee. Our note on fake refund UPI scams explains the pattern.
What if a refund is not enough to clear your dues?
Illustrative example only: a refund of Rs 12,000 may help with one EMI, but it will not fix several high interest dues. Do not plan a payment around a refund that has not arrived. For help with the filing side, see filing income tax online in India and using UPI for tax and government fees. If you carry several dues and want to see how one structured EMI could look, Check your options with BillCut.
How BillCut can help
BillCut is a balance transfer and debt reduction platform. It works with lending partners to help eligible borrowers move high interest dues, such as credit card balances and personal loan EMIs, into one structured EMI. BillCut earns from helping borrowers refinance, so it has an interest in this option. Approval and terms depend on the partner lender.
Frequently asked questions
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 the assessment year and click View Details.
What are the refund statuses on the portal?
The refund status manual lists Refund issued, Refund partially adjusted, Refund fully adjusted and Refund failed.
Why did my refund fail?
Common reasons on the portal are a bank account that is not pre-validated, a name mismatch with PAN, an invalid IFSC, a closed account or an inoperative PAN.
How long does a refund take?
The portal says refunds usually arrive in 4 to 5 weeks, and processing starts only after e-verification. Check for notices if it takes longer.
Can I check ITR status without logging in?
Yes. Use Income Tax Return Status on the home page with your acknowledgement number and mobile number, then enter the OTP.
Who do I call for refund queries?
The portal lists 1800 103 0025 and 1800 419 0025, from 08:00 to 20:00 hrs, Monday to Friday.
Can BillCut speed up my tax refund?
No. BillCut is not connected with the Income Tax Department. It works with partner lenders to help eligible borrowers move dues into one EMI, subject to approval.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not tax advice. Portal screens and rules can change, so confirm each step on the official Income Tax portal. For your own return, speak to a qualified tax professional.
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