How to Claim TDS Refund While Filing ITR in 2025
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Have you ever glanced at a payslip or a bank statement and wondered, “Why is tax being deducted before I receive my full income?” That’s because of the TDS, or Tax Deducted at Source. TDS is a system wherein the government collects tax in advance from the person or organization making the payment, i.e., from your employer, your bank, etc., by asking them to deduct a certain percentage before passing the money to you. It is because taxes are generally supposed to be paid on time, but sometimes tax is deducted twice or thrice along the way, and at the time of the return filing, one faces payment, theoretically or practically, of an extra amount of tax.
The good thing about this system is that you still have a way of getting back your excess TDS amount from the income tax department by way of claiming a refund while filing your Income Tax Return (ITR). refund status And yes, joining this force is somewhat easier than you think—no tough calculations; no standing in long queues at the tax office!
On this blog, we shall, however, walk you through the entire procedure of claiming a TDS refund while filing your ITR refund status for the AY 2025-26. Whether you are a salaried person, a freelancer, or an interest income earner, we will get you to reclaim your rightful money without a fuss. Shall we dig in?
What Is an Income Tax Refund?
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Before heading into status-checking steps, we should understand the concept of an income tax refund.
If total taxes paid by you (via TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax) exceed your real tax liability, the Income Tax Department will be liable to make the refund over that amount to you. This excess amount is called a tax refund.
Simple example:
If your total tax payable is ₹30,000 and your employer withheld ₹35,000 under TDS, you’re due for a refund of ₹5,000.
Income Tax Refund = Total Taxes Paid – Total Tax Liability
When Can You Claim a Refund?
You can claim a TDS refund while filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year in which the excess TDS was deducted. For example, if extra TDS was deducted during FY 2024–25 (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025), you can claim the refund while filing your ITR refund status for AY 2025–26, which usually starts from April 1, 2025 and goes up to July 31, 2025 (unless extended).
Picture a situation where more TDS than necessary is whisked away from your earnings. You don’t fret; the extra amount is sitting with the tax department, patiently awaiting the paperwork that will bring it back.
When the dust settles on FY 2024-25, maybe after another long season of receipts and spreadsheets, you sit down and tally your total income. If the TDS already deducted dwarfs the actual tax you owe, the ITR form you submit for AY 2025-26 becomes the official request for the refund. Until the deadline in late July, possibly later if authorities grant an extension–you plug in the figures and let the system compute the surplus.
How to Check Refund Status?
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Wondering “How do I check my ITR refund status ?”
You can check your Income tax refund status through two main platforms:
1. Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Here’s how to check refund status via the official e-filing website:
- Visit: https://www.incometax.gov.in
- Log in with your PAN, Aadhaar, and password.
- Go to ‘View Filed Returns’ under the ‘e-File’ tab.
- Select the Assessment Year (e.g., AY 2025-26).
- Click on ‘View Details’.
You’ll see the refund status, amount, mode of payment, and issue date.
2. NSDL TIN Portal
Another way to check e-filing refund status is through the NSDL portal:
- Visit: https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refund-status-pan.html
- Enter your PAN number.
- Choose the appropriate Assessment Year.
- Enter the CAPTCHA.
- Click on ‘Submit’ to see the refund status.
Types of ITR Refund Status Messages (and What They Mean)
Once your income tax return has been filed and the TDS refund claimed, you then wait to see your money hit your bank account. But upon checking the refund status on the income tax portal, you are greeted with messages like “Refund Sent,” “Refund Failure,” or “Refund Under Process.” Confused about what they mean? You are not alone!
These refund status messages might seem like technical jargon, but they help you know what’s going on with your refund under the hood. In this section, we will demystify all ITR refund status messages in lay terms so that you will know where your money is and what you need to do about it (if anything). Let’s decode them!
Status Message | What It Means |
---|---|
Refund Paid | Refund has been credited to your bank account. |
Refund Failed | Incorrect bank details or the bank account not validated |
Refund Sent to Bank | Refund has been sent, but not yet credited. Wait for a few days |
Refund Adjusted Against Outstanding Demand | Refund adjusted against the previous year’s pending tax dues. |
No Demand No Refund | You neither owe tax nor are eligible for a refund. |
Refund Expired | The refund wasn’t collected within the validity period. |
ITR Processed | Return has been processed, refund in progress. |
Income Tax Refund Time: How Long Does It Take?
Submitted your tax return and asked for a refund? Now the main question is—“When can I expect my money?” If you get into the habit of checking your bank account regularly, that’s no reason to feel ashamed. The time passed during the wait may seem much greater than it is. Here, we will explain when you can expect your refund and what things can make the process quicker or slower. It’s time to clear up certain issues!
Filing Type | Average Refund Time |
---|---|
ITR refund status filed with e-verification | 7–20 working days |
ITR refund status filed but not verified | No refund unless verified |
Manual verification (paper-based) | 30–45 working days |
Pro Tip: Use Aadhaar OTP or net banking for quick e-verification to speed up the refund process.
How to See the TDS Claim Status?
To check your refund due to trouble with TDS deduction, you can go to Form 26AS or AIS (Annual Information Statement).
What You Can Check by Referencing Form 26AS
Access the website at incometax.gov.in.
Visit ‘My Account’, then choose the form ‘Form 26AS’.
Obtain and study the TDS report once you have downloaded it.
Ensure the amount is like what you see on your Form 16 or on your interest declaration.
Should Form 26AS reflect your TDS deductions, but you do not receive the refund in full, make a grievance on the official website.
Reasons a Refund Is Sometimes Delayed
Be patient if your refund happens later than you had assumed. This is why such incidents take place most often:
There are mistakes in the account identifier.
- I updated my new address, and still, my ITR refund status hasn’t been processed yet.
- ITR return status remained unverified even after filing all the required papers.
- The service provider adjusts the refund amount by taking into account any dues that you have paid before.
- The reporting of the tax an employee pays is different from the tax withheld.
- In case of an error, open your e-filing account and head to “My Bank Account” to check the details.
What to Do If Refund Fails?
If your refund status says “Refund Failed” or “Refund Expired”, here’s what you can do:
Revalidate Your Bank Account
Log in to incometax.gov.in
Go to ‘My Profile’ → ‘My Bank Account’
Revalidate or add a new bank account
Raise a Refund Reissue Request
Go to the e-filing portal
Click ‘Services’ > ‘Refund Reissue’
Submit a request with updated bank details
Documents You May Need to Track a Refund
The following documents will be requires as listed below:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Number
- Bank account details
- ITR-V acknowledgment
- Form 16/16A
- Form 26AS or AIS
- Keep these handy when checking or following up on refund status.
Conclusion
Now, checking what is owed to you in your ITR Return status has become easier and takes very little time. Ensure your ITR refund status is filed properly, checking that your bank details match the ones used and your verification is timely.
So, whenever you don’t know where your refund is, use the steps we’ve mentioned to check on your e-filing and TDS claim status and know exactly the current location of your money.
Main Points
The Department can only refund money after your income tax return has been verified.
- You can get your status by logging into the Income Tax portal or by visiting the NSDL TIN website.
- Update your bank information and send the tax form on time to get your refund earlier.
- Inform us about any trouble in case your refund was not processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my income tax refund status?
You can check your income tax refund status through two portals:
The Income Tax e-Filing portal under “View Filed Returns.”
The NSDL TIN portal by entering your PAN and assessment year.
How long does it take to receive an income tax refund?
Typically, it takes 7 to 20 working days after ITR verification for the refund to be processed and credited. Delays may occur if your bank account isn’t pre-validated or if your ITR has discrepancies.
Why is my income tax refund delayed?
Common reasons include:
- Incorrect or non-validated bank account details
- ITR not verified
- Mismatch in TDS or income details
- Refund adjusted against outstanding demand from previous years
What does "Refund Failed" mean on the status tracker?
It means the refund could not be credited to your bank account, usually due to invalid or unverified bank account details. You’ll need to revalidate your bank account and request a refund reissue.
Can I get interest on delayed income tax refunds?
Yes. Under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, the department pays 0.5% interest per month on delayed refunds, calculated from the date of filing to the date of refund payment.