TDS Refund

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is the tax deducted from your income by the payer, such as an employer or bank, before you receive it. If the total TDS deducted exceeds your actual tax liability for the financial year, you are eligible for a TDS refund. This typically occurs when:

• Your income falls below the taxable limit, but TDS was still deducted.
• Investments or deductions were not declared to the deductor, leading to higher TDS.
• TDS was deducted at a higher rate due to incorrect PAN details.

To claim a TDS refund, you must file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the relevant assessment year.

How to Check TDS Refund Status Online

You can check your TDS refund status through the following methods:

1. Income Tax e-Filing Portal

This is the official portal provided by the Income Tax Department.

Steps:

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
2. Log in using your PAN, password, and captcha code.
3. Navigate to e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Filed Returns.
4. Select the relevant Assessment Year.
5. Click on View Details to see the refund status and other details.

This section will display the status of your refund, such as “Refund Issued,” “Refund Failure,” or “Refund Adjusted Against Outstanding Demand.”

2. TIN-NSDL Portal

The TIN-NSDL portal provides refund status for returns processed up to March 31, 2023.

Steps:

1. Go to the TIN-NSDL Refund Status Page.
2. Enter your PAN and select the relevant Assessment Year.
3. Enter the captcha code and click on Proceed.
4. The current status of your refund will be displayed.

Note: For refunds processed after March 31, 2023, use the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.

Understanding Refund Status Messages

Here are common refund status messages and their meanings:

• Refund Issued: The refund has been processed and credited to your bank account.
• Refund Failure: The refund could not be credited due to issues like incorrect bank details.
• Refund Returned: The refund was returned by the bank.
• Refund Adjusted Against Outstanding Demand: The refund amount has been adjusted against existing tax dues.
• No Demand No Refund: No refund is due as per the processed return.
• Refund Sent to Refund Banker: The refund has been sent to the bank for processing.

If your refund status indicates failure or return, ensure your bank account is active, pre-validated, and linked with your PAN.

How to Request a Refund Reissue

If your refund has failed or was returned, you can request a reissue through the e-Filing portal.

Steps:

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
2. Go to Services > Refund Reissue.
3. Select the relevant Assessment Year and click on Create Refund Reissue Request.
4. Update or confirm your bank account details.
5. Submit the request.

Ensure your bank account is pre-validated and linked with your PAN for successful refund processing.

Timeframe for Receiving TDS Refund

After filing and verifying your ITR, it typically takes 30 to 45 days for the refund to be processed and credited to your bank account. Delays may occur due to discrepancies in bank details, unverified returns, or outstanding tax demands.

What to Do If Refund Is Delayed

If you haven’t received your refund within the expected timeframe:

• Verify Bank Details: Ensure your bank account is active, pre-validated, and linked with your PAN.
• Check for Outstanding Demands: Log in to the e-Filing portal and check for any outstanding tax demands that may have been adjusted against your refund.
• Contact CPC: Call the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) helpline at 1800 4250 0025 for assistance.
• Raise a Grievance: If issues persist, you can raise a grievance through the e-Filing portal under the e-Nivaran section.

By following these steps, you can effectively track and manage your TDS refund status, ensuring timely receipt of any due refunds.