The ITR filing deadline (for non-audit cases) for Assessment Year 2025-26 has recently ended. Now, most taxpayers are curious about their income tax refund status. Some want to know when their income tax refund will be credited, while others are worried why their ITR status on e-filing portal is still showing ‘under process’ despite being filed 45 days to 60 days ago. The ITR filing deadline this year was extended twice and finally ended on September 16.
In this story, we’ve brought you the top 10 income tax refund FAQs 2025, which explain your most common doubts in simple language.
Q1. How long does it take for an income tax refund to be credited to your account after filing your ITR?
After you file and verify your ITR, the process starts immediately as everything is automated now. If your ITR has everything in order — such as income details, TDS claims, and bank details — you can expect your tax refund typically credited within 30 to 45 days. However, some taxpayers may experience income tax refund delays, especially if verification or scrutiny is required. In contrast, some taxpayers have received their refunds within a few hours.
Q2. How and where can I check my income tax refund status?
To check your refund status, follow these steps:
First, log in to the e-filing portal and select the “View Filed Returns” option. Here, you will see the complete status of your ITR—processed, refund issued, refund failed, or under processing. Alternatively, you can check your income tax refund status 2025 by entering your PAN and assessment year on the Protean (formerly NSDL) website.
Q3. My ITR is showing as processed, but why hasn’t my income tax refund been credited to my account yet?
Sometimes, the status shows “processed,” but the money hasn’t been credited to my account. This problem occurs when your bank account pre-validation hasn’t been completed or the ECS mandate isn’t active. In this case, you’ll need to go to the income tax portal and verify and re-validate your bank account details.
Q4. What should a taxpayer do if the income tax refund failed error appears?
If your portal displays an income tax refund failed error, the most common reason is an incorrect or inactive bank account. In this case, you’ll need to submit a “Refund Reissue Request” on the portal. You can select the updated bank account, and the department will initiate the refund again.
Q5. Are large refunds (above Rs 50,000) always delayed, and why?
Many taxpayers find that their income tax refunds above Rs 50,000 don’t arrive on time. The truth is, refunds involving large amounts undergo additional verification by the department. The money is released only after cross-checking. Therefore, there may be a delay, but if the ITR is correct, the refund is guaranteed.
Q6. If an income tax refund is delayed, does the taxpayer receive interest?
Yes, under section 244A, the department levies interest on delayed refunds. The interest calculation is based on the period between the filing date and the processing completion date. It’s important to note that this interest is also considered part of your income, and you must declare it in the following year’s ITR and pay tax.
Q7. If the taxpayer files a revised ITR, will a refund be available, and after how long?
If there was an error in the original ITR and you filed a revised ITR, a refund may be available on that as well. However, keep in mind that the revised ITR may take additional time to process. The refund will be available only after the revised ITR is accepted and processed by the department.
Q8. Why is an income tax refund sometimes adjusted, but not the full amount?
If you have an outstanding income tax demand, the department may adjust the refund. This process is called a “refund offset.” Before issuing a refund, the department sends you an intimation and informs you of any adjustments.
Q9. Why is refund processing taking so long even though I filed my ITR before the deadline?
The processing time for each ITR can vary. If your TDS claims are mismatched, there’s a discrepancy between your income and Form 26AS, or there’s some kind of discrepancy, the department performs manual checking. This is why some taxpayers receive their refund quickly, while others have to wait longer.
Q10. What steps should a taxpayer take if their income tax refund hasn’t arrived yet?
If the refund hasn’t been credited for a long time, you can register a grievance by visiting the e-filing portal. You can also file a refund delay complaint in the “e-Nivaran” section. Alternatively, you can email or call CPC Bangalore to inquire about the status.