With the ITR filing deadline over, most of the taxpayer’s concern is regarding the refund status. The income tax department says it can take between 15-45 days to process an income tax refund from the date of e-verification of the ITR. For cases of offline verification of ITR, the timeline is extended further. However, as a taxpayer, you can check your income tax refund status online and see the updates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help residents, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) track their income tax refund status online.
How to Check Income Tax Refund Status Online for NRIs/OCIs: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Access the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing Portal
The first step is to visit the official e-Filing portal of the Income Tax Department of India. You can access it via the below-given link:
Income Tax portal link: https://www.incometax.gov.in.
Step 2: Log in to Your Account
To proceed, you’ll need to log in to your account on the portal. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to register by providing your PAN (Permanent Account Number), email ID, and mobile number. Once registered, log in using your PAN as the User ID, along with the password you created.
Also read: Missed Your ITR Filing? Here’s What You Can Do
Step 3: Click on the ‘Refund/Demand Status’ Tab
Once you’re logged in, go to the ‘Refund/Demand Status’ tab. Here’s how:
- Go to the “My Account” section.
- Click on ‘Refund/Demand Status’ from the dropdown menu.
This section will display the status of your refund for the assessment years you’ve filed returns.
Also read: Revised Income Tax Slabs for FY 2024-25
Step 4: Understand Your Refund Status
In the ‘Refund/Demand Status’ section, you’ll see different statuses depending on the progress of your refund. These statuses include:
- Refund Paid: Your refund has been processed and paid. Details such as the mode of payment (cheque or direct deposit) will be shown.
- Refund Determined and Sent Out: Your refund has been determined and dispatched to you.
- Refund Adjusted Against Outstanding Demand: Your refund has been adjusted against any pending tax liabilities from previous years.
- No Demand No Refund: This indicates that there is no refund due, nor any pending demand for taxes.
- Refund Status Not Determined: This usually appears if the refund process is still in progress or if there are issues with the return filing.
Also read: How will the New Capital Gain rules after Budget 2024 affect Real Estate?
Step 5: Cross-Check with Bank Account
If the status shows that the refund has been paid, but you haven’t received it, check your bank account for any credited amounts. If you opted for a cheque refund, ensure that the postal address on record is correct.
Step 6: Resolving Refund Issues
If you face any discrepancies or issues with your refund, you can raise a service request through the e-Filing portal. Additionally, NRIs/OCIs can also contact the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) of the Income Tax Department or their respective Assessment Officer for further assistance.
Also read: New Rules for NRI Taxation in India FY-2023-24
Important Tips for NRIs/OCIs:
- Link Your PAN with Aadhaar: Although NRIs are exempt from linking Aadhaar with PAN, OCIs who have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the preceding 12 months should link their Aadhaar with PAN to avoid any issues in processing refunds.
- Ensure Updated Contact Information: Make sure that your contact details, including your international mobile number and email ID, are updated on the e-Filing portal.
- Double-Check Bank Details: Always ensure that your bank details, including the IFSC code, are correct. NRIs should also be aware of which accounts (NRE or NRO) they’re using for refunds.
Also read: What is Sec 87A of the Income Tax Act? Can NRIs avail it?
How long does it take for Income Tax Refund to be processed?
The processing time for an income tax refund can vary based on several factors. Generally, it takes between 20 to 45 days from the date of e-verification or submission of the ITR-V. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:
- E-filing Date: The countdown begins from the date you e-file your ITR.
- E-verification: If you e-verify your return using Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or net banking, processing starts immediately. If you choose to send the ITR-V physically, the processing starts after the CPC receives and verifies it.
- Processing: The Income Tax Department processes your ITR and determines the refund amount.
- Refund Issuance: Once processed, the refund is issued directly to your bank account via NEFT or ECS.
Also read: New Rules for NRIs: NRIs Can Now Buy Agricultural Land, Read Here
Wrapping Up
For NRIs/OCIs, staying on top of your income tax refunds is crucial to managing your finances effectively. By following these steps, you can easily track your income tax refund status online from anywhere in the world. The process is user-friendly, and with the right information at hand, you can ensure that your refunds are processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Also read: How can NRIs e-Verify IT Return from Abroad?
Calculate your TDS Refund with SBNRI’s TDS Refund Calculator
A TDS refund is the process of reclaiming the excess tax deducted at source by the payer if the actual tax liability of the taxpayer is lower than the TDS deducted. This situation typically arises when the income tax calculated on the total income is less than the TDS already deducted. To claim a TDS refund, taxpayers need to file an income tax return (ITR). The Income Tax Department processes the ITR and verifies the details. If the tax department finds that the TDS paid is more than the actual tax liability, the excess amount is refunded to the taxpayer.
You can easily find out how much tax refund you can get by calculating your TDS Refund from this TDS Refund Calculator.
Access SBNRI’s Exclusive NRI Taxation Guide
NRIs and OCIs can now access SBNRI’s exclusive NRI Taxation Guide covering in-depth information about DTAA, Gift Tax, Rental Income Tax, ITR Filing, Types of ITR Forms for NRIs, Capital Gain Tax, Income Tax, and more. The report will help you understand India taxation on mutual funds, other asset classes and how to comply with the regulations.
Access NRI Taxation Guide here
Connect with SBNRI NRI Tax Expert CA Today!
Due to a complicated tax system and recurrent amendments, understanding tax laws can be confusing and NRIs may be subject to additional fees or miss claiming deductions and other benefits. At SBNRI, we understand this struggle. You can download SBNRI App to connect with our NRI Tax Experts to know more about new TDS/ TCS rules for NRIs. You will also get end-to-end assistance related to NRI tax filing.
SBNRI will also help you get a lower TDS Certificate. You can also click on the button below to ask any questions. Visit our blog and YouTube Channel for more details.
FAQs
How can I check the status of my income tax refund?
You can check your refund status by logging into the Income Tax e-filing portal, selecting ‘e-File’, ‘Income Tax Returns’, and then ‘View Filed Returns’.
What should I do if my income tax refund is delayed?
If your refund is delayed, verify your bank account details and ensure your return has been processed. You can also check for any mismatches in your Form 26AS, AIS, and TIS.
How long does it take to receive an income tax refund?
Typically, it takes about 20-45 days from the date of e-verification of the return to receive a refund if filed electronically.
What are the common reasons for delay in income tax refunds?
Common reasons include mismatches in tax forms, errors in bank details, or discrepancies in reported income.
How can I maximize my income tax refund?
Choose the correct ITR form, file on time, and claim all eligible deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, and 24(b). Ensure that all the necessary documents are collected and matched with your tax forms.
What notifications will I receive regarding my income tax refund?
You will receive an intimation under Section 143(1) via email once your ITR is processed.
How many days will an income tax refund be credited?
Typically, it takes about 20-45 days from the date of e-verification of the return to receive a refund if filed electronically.
