When you get a refund
A refund arises when the tax deducted or paid during the year is more than your final tax. Common reasons are TDS on FD interest when your income is low, excess TDS by an employer, or advance tax paid on an estimate that turned out higher.
How to check the status
- Log in to the e-filing portal with your PAN.
- Open the section for filed returns and select the relevant year.
- Check the processing status and the refund line in the timeline.
- You can also see refunds issued in Form 26AS.
What each status means
| Status | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Refund issued | Sent to your bank | Check your statement; contact the bank if not credited |
| Refund failed | Bank account invalid or name mismatch | Validate a correct account and request reissue |
| Processed, no refund due | Department computed no refund | Read the intimation; file rectification if it is wrong |
| Adjusted against demand | Used to clear an older demand | Check the demand; respond if it is incorrect |
| Under processing | Not yet processed | Wait, and check pending actions on the portal |
Why refunds get stuck
- The return was filed but not e-verified
- The bank account is not pre-validated or the name does not match PAN
- TDS claimed in the return is missing from Form 26AS because the deductor did not file or made an error
- Income in AIS is missing from the return, so the department reduced the refund
- An old demand was adjusted against the refund
How to fix common problems
Failed refund
Add or re-validate your bank account on the portal, making sure the account is in your name and linked to PAN. Then submit a refund reissue request.
Lower refund than claimed
Compare your return with the intimation. If the department made an error, file a rectification request. If you left out income or claimed TDS that was not in Form 26AS, a revised return may be needed within the time allowed.
TDS missing from Form 26AS
Ask the deductor, such as your employer or bank, to correct their TDS return. Once corrected, the credit appears in Form 26AS and the refund can be processed.
Refund timelines are not fixed by law and vary. Interest may be added to refunds in specified cases, and such interest is taxable.
Frequently asked questions
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Sources
Information is for general guidance and not a substitute for professional advice. Rules, rates and due dates change; confirm with us before acting.