# Income Tax Refund Status: How to Check and Why It Gets Delayed

> Check your income tax refund on the e-filing portal under View Filed Returns. Refunds are usually delayed because the return is not e-verified, the bank account is not pre-validated, income or TDS does not match AIS, an old demand is adjusted, or PAN and Aadhaar are not linked. Fix the cause and respond to pending actions.

URL: https://itrfilingonline.in/guide/income-tax-refund-status-delay
Updated: 28 Sep 2026

Filed your return but the refund has not arrived? You are not alone. Most refund delays have a simple cause that can be fixed from home.

Here is how to check your refund status and what each common problem means.

## How to check your refund status

- Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal at incometax.gov.in.
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.
- Open the return for the year and check its status and refund details.You can also check the refund issued by the Refund Banker through the NSDL/Protean refund status page using your PAN and assessment year.

## Why is my refund delayed?

### The return is not e-verified

A return is not processed until it is verified. E-verify with Aadhaar OTP or net banking within the allowed time after filing.

### Bank account is not pre-validated

Refunds are paid only to a pre-validated bank account linked to your PAN. Check under Profile → My Bank Account.

### Mismatch with AIS or Form 26AS

If the income or TDS you reported does not match what the department sees, processing can stop or the refund can be reduced.

### Outstanding demand from an earlier year

The department may adjust your refund against an old demand. You will usually get an intimation first — respond to it.

### PAN–Aadhaar not linked

An inoperative PAN can hold refunds. Link PAN with Aadhaar on the portal.

Note: Refunds on returns that match AIS and have a validated bank account are usually processed faster.

## What to do if the refund is still stuck

Check the status message carefully, respond to any pending action on the portal, and raise a grievance if needed. If you have received an intimation under section 143(1) with a lower refund, compare it with your return line by line.

### How long does an income tax refund take?

After e-verification, many refunds are processed within a few weeks, but it depends on the return and any mismatches.

### Why did I get a smaller refund than I claimed?

Usually because of a mismatch in TDS or income, or an adjustment against an earlier demand. The 143(1) intimation explains the difference.

### Is interest paid on delayed refunds?

Yes, interest under section 244A is generally paid on refunds, subject to conditions.