How to Check ITR Status and Refund Online in India

Filing your Income Tax Return is just the initial step toward fulfilling your tax obligations. After filing the ITR, you must keep your eyes on the status, along with any refund that might apply to you. Luckily, the Income Tax Department of India provides the electorate with an easy and secure way to check ITR-Refund status online—read further for a discounted step-by-step guide to keeping yourself updated.

Why Check ITR Status and Refund?

After an ITR is submitted, it is verified and processed. The refund, if applicable—that is to say, if you have paid excess tax to the Government—would be credited to your bank account after completion of processing. Keeping track of the status ensures you are informed about:

• Whether or not the return is verified and processed.
• Whether any errors or notifications have been received.
• When the refund, if any, will be paid. 

How to Check ITR Status Online

1. Through the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

• In the first place, go to the official Income Tax eFiling portal.
• Then do the usual login activity, entering PAN (as User ID), password, and captcha.
• To navigate to the dashboard, or in some instances, to 'e-File' > 'Income Tax Returns' > 'View Filed Returns.'
• Here, you will find a list of filed ITRs. By clicking 'View Details,' you can check its present status.
• The status may be "Verified," "Processing," "Processed with refund," or "Processed with no demand."

2.How to Track Income Tax Refund

• Go to the TIN NSDL website.
• Enter PAN, select the assessment year, and fill in the captcha.
• Click on 'Proceed'.
• You will be shown the current refund status- 'Refund credited', 'Refund failed', or 'Refund not determined'. 

Besides, refund status can also be checked through the e-Filing portal under "View Filed Returns".

Common ITR Status Explanation

• Return Submitted and Verified: This status means the ITR was submitted and successfully e-verified.
• Processed: The status means CPC Bengaluru has processed the ITR.
• Refund Issued: The refund has either been credited or is in the process of being credited.
• Defective Return: A mistake has been noticed, and corrective action needs to be taken.
• Under Processing: It is still in the process of review by the IT Department.

Tips for Ensuring Smooth Refund Process

• Make sure the correct bank account is pre-validated and linked with PAN.
• Regularly check emails/SMSs from the Income Tax Department.
• Keep the acknowledgement number of ITR safely for future tracking.
• If any notice or communication is received, respond promptly. 

And Finally

It is very fast and easy to track ITR and refund status online via government portals, giving you a chance to stay informed, avoid penalties, and have your rightful tax refund on time. Do remember to check your ITR status twice or thrice post the filing within a couple of weeks; it keeps you one step ahead.