By CA Mayur Kapoor
When tax paid is higher than the actual tax liability – the additional tax paid is returned to the taxpayer- that’s called Income tax Refund. After your IT return is processed and Income tax department determines that you have paid excess tax and you deserve refund an intimation under section 143(1) is sent to you. Receiving back money may bring a smile to you but its delay can leave you hassled up. Why is there a delay? What can you do? Let’s ease your tension and understand how you can check the status of your refund.
For you to get your refund it’s important that your IT return gets processed. You can check this from two websites-
1-Income tax e-filing portal
Or
2- NSDL website
Steps to follow on Income tax e-filing portal
Step 1: Visit the income tax e-filing portal- www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
Step 2: Log into your account by entering user id, password, and captcha and click on Login.
Step 3: Click on View Returns/Forms
Step 4: Enter Income Tax Returns against Select an Option and clicks on Submit.
Step 5: Click on Acknowledgement number
6. A pop will appear that will show the timeline of filing return- such as when was your return filed, verified, processed, date of issue of refund as well. You will be able to find out the status of your refund.
The income tax refund status appears in the below screenshot
You will come to know if your ITR is processed or not. If it’s not processed then a taxpayer can file a grievance petition to CPC/assessing officer. But do keep in mind that an income tax officer has one year time from the end of assessment year to process the return, so you have to allow that much time before you file your petition
Steps to follow on NSDL Portal
Step 1: Go to NSDL website for checking refund status
Step 2: Go to the status of Tax Refunds under the services tab, then refund tracking.
Step 3: Click on taxpayer refund tab and fill your details like PAN, Assessment Year and the image appearing in screen and then click on submit
Step 4: Once details filled, the below screen appears which shows the status of income tax refund
So don’t keep waiting for refund but if there is a delay then follow these steps and check the status.
