If your Income Tax Refund is delayed, stuck in “processed but not credited”, showing failure messages, or hasn’t reached your bank even after weeks — you’re not alone. Refund delays happen for multiple reasons: incorrect bank details, unverified returns, CPC processing backlog, or bank-side validation failures.

This guide explains every step clearly — how to track your refund, understand each status, fix failures, revalidate your account, contact CPC, escalate, and ensure your refund is finally credited without confusion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log into the Income Tax Portal.
   Visit the official income tax portal and sign in using your PAN + password. If you forgot your password, use the quick reset option with Aadhaar OTP or e-mail OTP.
2. Go to “e-File” → “Income Tax Returns” → “View Filed Returns”.
   Select the assessment year and open the most recent ITR. You will see two things: Processing Status and Refund Status.
3. Click on “Refund Status” to check CPC dispatch details.
   The system will show refund amount, expected bank, and any failure reason if applicable.
4. Cross-verify your bank account details.
   Refunds can be credited only to a pre-validated, EVC-enabled bank account. A single error — wrong IFSC, wrong account number, or incorrect name — immediately causes refund failure.
5. Check the refund at TIN-NSDL portal.
   Even if the IT portal is slow to update, the NSDL (now Protean) refund status page often shows real-time tracking. It also displays reasons for refund failure such as “Account Closed”, “Name Mismatch”, “Invalid IFSC”, “Dormant Account”, etc.
6. If refund failed, revalidate your bank account.
   Go to “Profile” → “My Bank Accounts” → select bank → click “Revalidate”. Bank usually verifies within minutes or hours depending on the institution.
7. Request re-issue of refund.
   After bank validation succeeds, return to the refund section and click “Submit Refund Reissue Request”. Choose the correct account and confirm.
8. If refund shows processed but no credit received, contact your bank.
   Sometimes banks place the credit on hold due to name mismatch or inactive accounts. Request them to check inward NEFT/RTGS entries for your PAN.

Required Documents

• PAN card
• Bank account number + IFSC used in the ITR
• Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP
• Filed ITR acknowledgement
• Refund failure message (if any) from NSDL/CPC
• Bank statement to check inward refund entry

Fees (If Applicable)

There is no fee for tracking refund status, revalidating your bank account, or requesting refund reissue. All actions are free on both the Income Tax Portal and NSDL refund portal.

Status Meaning Explained

• Processed: Your ITR has been validated and refund is approved.
• Refund Sent: CPC has released the refund to your bank via NEFT/RTGS.
• Refund Credited: The amount has reached your bank successfully.
• Refund Failed: Bank rejected the credit due to incorrect details or inactive account.
• No Refund Due: Refund amount is zero or adjusted against previous dues.
• Refund Determined: Refund approved but yet to be sent to the bank.
• Refund Issue Pending Bank Validation: System waiting for your bank to confirm account details.
• Refund Reissue Requested: Your request is accepted; refund will be re-sent after validation.

Common Reasons for Delays

• Incorrect account number entered
• Wrong or outdated IFSC code
• Account closed or dormant due to inactivity
• Name mismatch between PAN and bank records
• Unverified ITR (ITR not e-verified within time)
• Bank not pre-validated for refund
• Refund adjustment against outstanding demand
• CPC processing backlog (common during peak months)
• NEFT/RTGS delays from bank side
• Refund withheld for manual review

Solutions for Each Problem

• Revalidate your bank account immediately.
  Most refund failures are solved instantly once the correct account is validated. Use a major bank like SBI/HDFC/ICICI for faster validation.
• Ensure name on PAN matches bank account name.
  Even a small mismatch like initials can cause refund rejection. Banks update names easily with Aadhaar; complete this before reissue request.
• If IFSC changed due to branch merger, update immediately.
  Many banks merged recently (e.g., Canara, Bank of Baroda, SBI branches). Use your bank’s updated IFSC.
• Reactivate dormant or frozen accounts.
  Banks freeze accounts with no activity for 12–24 months. Visit your branch with Aadhaar/PAN to reactivate.
• If refund was adjusted against “outstanding demand”, check details.
  Log into “Pending Actions → Response to Outstanding Demand” to confirm the adjustment. You can disagree if the demand is incorrect.
• For NEFT delays, ask bank to check inward credit logs.
  Banks sometimes receive the credit but keep it on hold due to mismatch. Request them to search by your PAN & refund amount.
• If portal shows no refund, re-check ITR details.
  Many users mistakenly expect refunds even when tax was not overpaid. Review your Form 26AS and AIS for accuracy.
• If CPC marked the case for manual review, wait 2–8 weeks.
  Reviews are common when large refunds are involved or mismatches exist in AIS/26AS.

Offline Alternatives

If online troubleshooting doesn’t solve the issue, visit your bank branch with the following:

• PAN card
• Latest bank statement
• Aadhaar for KYC
• Refund failure code (from NSDL portal)

Ask the bank to check if the refund was rejected or held. If rejection code exists, correct the issue and then submit a refund reissue request on the income tax portal.

How to Escalate Complaints

• CPC Bangalore Helpline: 1800-103-4455 / 080-46605200
• Email: support@incometax.gov.in
• Raise Refund Reissue Request: Use the portal for official correction.
• Submit Grievance on e-Nivaran: “Grievances” → “Submit Grievance”. Attach screenshots and bank revalidation proof.
• CPGRAMS Complaint: If issue remains unresolved beyond 30 days.
• Visit Bank Branch Escalation Desk: Ask them to check inward NEFT/RTGS entries using your PAN.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a refund normally take?
   Most refunds are issued within 5–45 days after ITR processing.
2. IT portal shows “Refund Sent” but my bank has no credit. Why?
   Your bank may have rejected it, or the NEFT is pending. Check NSDL refund status for exact reason.
3. My refund failed due to wrong account number — what now?
   Revalidate the correct bank account → then submit Refund Reissue Request.
4. Can refund go to a different account?
   Yes, as long as it is pre-validated. Select it during reissue.
5. Why is my refund amount reduced?
   IT department adjusted it against an outstanding tax demand. Check the “Pending Actions” section.
6. What if I changed banks recently?
   Update new account details, validate, then request refund reissue.
7. What if refund is stuck for months?
   File a grievance on e-Nivaran or contact CPC directly.
8. Can I get refund to a joint account?
   Yes, if your name appears as a primary or joint holder and the account is validated.
9. What if ITR is not processed yet?
   Refund will not start until processing is completed. Keep checking “ITR Processing Status”.
10. Is there any fast-track option?
    No official fast-track exists, but correct bank details + revalidation usually gets your refund within days.