ITR Refund Status 2025: How to Track Your Income Tax Refund Easily

If you’ve filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26), you may be waiting for your refund. In this guide, we’ll explain in simple steps how to check your ITR refund status, why refunds get delayed, and what to do if your refund fails. Everything is written in easy-to-understand language, perfect for every taxpayer in India.

1. What Happens After You File Your ITR?

Once you file and verify your ITR, the Income Tax Department checks your return and processes the refund if any extra tax has been paid. Here’s how the process works:

• ITR Verification: You must e-verify your ITR to start processing.
• Data Matching: The system checks your income, TDS, and Form 26AS/AIS details.
• Bank Details: Your bank account must be correct and pre-validated.
• Refund Credit: If everything is okay, the refund is sent to your bank account.

2. Top Reasons Why Refunds Get Delayed

Waiting too long for your tax refund? Here are some common reasons for delay:

• ITR not e-verified within 120 days.
• Wrong bank account number or IFSC code.
• Mismatched income or TDS in Form 26AS or AIS.
• You selected the wrong ITR form.
• Your return has been marked as “defective.”
• Refund adjusted against previous year’s tax dues.

3. Easy Steps to Check Refund Status on Income Tax Website

Here’s how you can check your refund status on the official Income Tax website:

1. Visit incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN and password.
2. Click on “e-File” → “Income Tax Returns” → “View Filed Returns”.
3. Select AY 2025–26 and click on “View Details”.
4. Check the refund status – it could show as Initiated, Processed, Adjusted, or Failed.

4. What Do These Refund Status Terms Mean?

Status	Meaning
Refund Initiated	Your refund is approved and being sent.
Refund Processed	The refund has been successfully credited to your account.
Refund Adjusted	Refund used to clear tax dues of earlier years.
Refund Failed	Wrong bank details – you need to fix it.

5. Alternate Option: Check Refund on NSDL Portal

NSDL also offers a way to check refund without login:

1. Go to NSDL Refund Page.
2. Enter your PAN, select AY 2025–26, and enter captcha.
3. You’ll see refund status, amount, and date of credit (if any).

6. Need Help? Contact SBI – The Refund Banker

• Phone: 1800-425-9760
• Email: sbi_refund_help@incometax.gov.in
• Tip: Keep your PAN and ITR acknowledgment number ready.

7. Will I Get Interest for a Late Refund?

Yes! If your refund is delayed beyond the normal time, the tax department pays 6% annual interest on the refund amount. You don’t have to apply separately. It will be added to your refund amount automatically.

8. Common Problems and How to Fix Them

• Refund failed? Re-validate your bank account and update IFSC.
• Return defective? Go to the portal and fix errors under “e-Proceedings”.
• No refund received? File a grievance online via “e-Nivaran.”
• Demand adjusted? Check if refund was used to clear old dues.

9. Best Tips to Get Your Refund Faster

1. File early, don’t wait till the deadline.
2. Always e-verify your return within 120 days.
3. Check TDS in Form 26AS and AIS before filing.
4. Pre-validate your bank account on the e-filing site.
5. Use the correct ITR form for your income type.

10. Quick Refund Timeline Overview

Step	Expected Time
File ITR	Before Sept 15, 2025 (extended)
E-Verification	Within 120 days of filing
Refund Processing	4–6 weeks after verification
Interest (if delayed)	6% per year added to refund

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

12. Final Thoughts

Checking your ITR refund status in 2025 is very simple if you follow the right steps. Log in to the income tax portal, verify your return, check refund status, and make sure your bank account is correct. If you face any problem, raise a complaint online or contact SBI. Stay updated and file early to avoid delays!

Still waiting for your refund? Don’t worry — follow the steps above and your refund will be on its way!