If you’ve filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) this April and are eagerly waiting for your refund, this article will clear all your doubts about when you’ll receive your refund, how the processing works, and how to check the refund status.
Every taxpayer in India is required to file their ITR annually. Although the government provides a deadline, returns can still be filed later with a late fee. Once filed, the next big question is: How soon will the refund arrive?
In general, if your return is accurate, error-free, and verified, your refund is processed within 20 to 45 business days. For returns filed in April, processing typically begins in May, and refunds may start arriving by the end of that month.
However, in cases involving adjustments (like under Section 245), or if previous taxes are due, delays may occur.
Here’s the typical flow:
Return Filing: File your ITR on the Income Tax portal
E-Verification: Verify the return digitally (via Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, etc.)
Processing at CPC: The Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru processes your return
Refund Approval: If no dues or discrepancies are found, the refund is approved and credited to your bank account
There are two easy ways:
Visit: www.incometax.gov.in
Log in → Go to "e-File" → "Income Tax Returns" → "View Filed Returns"
You’ll see the status of your refund there
Visit: tin.tin.nsdl.com
Enter your PAN, assessment year, and CAPTCHA
You’ll see refund status, dispatch date, and bank info
Refund delays can happen if:
Incorrect bank account details are provided
Return hasn’t been verified
Past tax dues exist
Processing issues or clarifications are pending from your end
If you’ve already filed your return in April, your refund may arrive within a few weeks—as long as your return is verified and there are no issues. Keep checking your status and ensure your bank and Aadhaar details are updated.
