Where to check your tax refund status in India

The Income Tax Department's official website is the only place you need to check. Go to incometax.gov.in, find the "Refund Status" tool under the Services menu, and enter your Permanent Account Number (PAN) and assessment year. The system will show you whether your refund has been processed, is pending, or has been sent to your bank.

You can also check through the Income Tax mobile app, available on both Android and iOS. The app has the same refund tracker and works the same way — enter your PAN and the year you filed, and you'll see the current status immediately.

Some banks also show refund status in their own apps or online banking portals once the Income Tax Department has initiated the transfer to your account. However, the Income Tax website is the authoritative source and will tell you the status before your bank receives it.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your refund status on incometax.gov.in using your PAN and the assessment year you filed for.
  • The Income Tax mobile app provides the same refund tracker and updates in real time.
  • Refund processing typically takes 60 to 90 days after the Income Tax Department receives your return, though this varies by state and processing volume.
  • If your status shows "Refund Sanctioned" but you haven't received the money after 30 days, contact your bank to confirm they have the correct account details.
  • The refund tracker will show you the exact date the money was transferred to your bank, not the date it will arrive in your account.

What each refund status means

The Income Tax website displays several possible statuses, and each one tells you where your refund is in the process. "Refund Sanctioned" means the Income Tax Department has approved your refund and sent it to your bank. This is the status you want to see — it means the money is on its way.

"Refund Not Sanctioned" means the department has reviewed your return and decided not to issue a refund. This can happen if you owe taxes, if there are discrepancies in your filing, or if the department needs more information from you. If you see this status, check your email for any notice from the Income Tax Department explaining the reason.

"Refund Pending" or "Under Process" means your return is still being reviewed. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. The review period typically lasts 60 to 90 days, though it can take longer if the department has questions about your return or if there is a high volume of filings.

"Refund Sent to Bank" means the Income Tax Department has transferred the money to your bank account. The exact date of transfer will be shown. Your bank may take an additional 3 to 5 business days to credit the amount to your account, depending on your bank's processing speed.

How long refunds typically take

The Income Tax Department aims to process refunds within 60 days of receiving your return, but the actual time varies. If you filed your return early in the financial year (April to June), processing is usually faster because the department has fewer returns to handle. If you filed closer to the deadline (July to September), expect closer to 90 days.

Some returns take longer than 90 days if the department flags them for verification. This happens when your income, deductions, or tax paid do not match their records, or when your return shows a large refund relative to your income. You will receive a notice by email or post if this happens, and you will need to respond with supporting documents.

Once the status changes to "Refund Sent to Bank," the money is no longer with the Income Tax Department. Your bank controls how quickly it appears in your account. Most banks credit refunds within 3 to 5 business days, but some take up to 7 days, particularly if the transfer arrives on a Friday or before a holiday.

What to do if your refund status shows "Not Sanctioned"

First, check your email and registered mobile number for any notice from the Income Tax Department. The department sends notices when it denies a refund, and the notice will explain the reason. Common reasons include mathematical errors in your return, missing or incorrect information, or a mismatch between your reported income and the department's records.

If you received a notice, follow the instructions in it. Most notices ask you to respond within 30 days with clarification or supporting documents. You can respond online through the Income Tax portal or by post. Gather documents like bank statements, investment proofs, salary slips, or receipts that support the figures in your return.

If you did not receive a notice but your status shows "Not Sanctioned," log into your Income Tax account on incometax.gov.in and check the "Notices" section. Sometimes notices are uploaded to the portal before they are sent by email. If you still cannot find the reason, you can contact the Income Tax Department's helpline or visit your local Income Tax office with your PAN and return documents.

Checking refund status if you filed through a CA or tax preparer

If someone else filed your return on your behalf, you can still check the status yourself using your PAN. The refund tracker does not show who filed the return — it only shows the status of the refund for that PAN and assessment year. You do not need your CA's login or permission to check.

However, if your status shows "Not Sanctioned" or "Under Process" and you want to understand why, it helps to contact your CA. They have access to your complete filing history and can explain what the Income Tax Department is asking for or why the refund was denied. If they filed the return, they may also have received notices that you did not see.

If you want to change your refund bank account after filing, you will need to contact your CA or the Income Tax Department directly. The refund tracker does not allow you to update bank details online — you must file a revised return or submit a request through the Income Tax portal with proof of the new account.

What to do if money doesn't arrive after "Refund Sent to Bank"

Once the status changes to "Refund Sent to Bank," the Income Tax Department has completed its part. If 7 to 10 business days have passed and the money has not appeared in your account, contact your bank. Provide them with the date shown on the Income Tax website when the refund was transferred.

Ask your bank to check whether the transfer was received and whether there are any issues with your account details. Sometimes refunds are delayed because the account number or IFSC code in your return does not match your bank's records exactly. If this is the case, your bank can help you update the details and request that the Income Tax Department resend the refund.

If your bank confirms they never received the transfer, go back to the Income Tax website and take a screenshot of the "Refund Sent to Bank" status showing the date and amount. Contact the Income Tax Department's helpline or visit your local Income Tax office with this screenshot and your bank details. They can investigate whether the transfer was actually sent and resend it if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's refund status with their PAN?

No. The Income Tax refund tracker requires you to enter a PAN and then asks for additional verification. You can only check the status of a PAN if you have access to the associated email address or mobile number, because the system sends a one-time password to verify your identity. You cannot check another person's refund status without their permission.

Why does my refund status say "Under Process" for more than 90 days?

The Income Tax Department may be verifying information in your return, particularly if your refund is large, your income is high, or certain deductions seem unusual. You should have received a notice asking for clarification or documents. Check your email, registered mobile number, and the Notices section of your Income Tax account. If you find a notice, respond within the deadline given.

What if I filed my return but the refund tracker shows no record of it?

The tracker may take 24 to 48 hours to show a newly filed return. If more than two days have passed, log into your Income Tax account and check the "My Returns" section to confirm the return was actually submitted. If it shows as submitted but does not appear in the refund tracker, contact the Income Tax Department's helpline with your PAN and filing date.

Can I change my refund bank account after I've filed my return?

You cannot change it through the refund tracker. If your refund status is still "Under Process," you can file a revised return with the correct bank details. If the status is already "Refund Sent to Bank," contact your bank immediately and ask them to help you request a reversal or redirect. The Income Tax Department can also resend a refund to a different account if you submit a written request with proof of the new account.

Do I need to do anything after my refund arrives in my bank account?

No. Once the money is in your account, the refund process is complete. You do not need to confirm receipt or file any additional documents. Keep your bank statement as proof of receipt for your records, but no further action is required.