Income Tax Refund 2025: Understanding Your TDS Refund Timeline and Status Updates

Mumbai, 27 May 2025: As the tax season for Assessment Year 2025–26 (Financial Year 2024–25) progresses, many taxpayers are eager to know when they can expect their Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) refunds. The Income Tax Department has further refined its systems this year, aiming to expedite the refund process for eligible individuals.

When Can You Expect Your TDS Refund?

For most salaried employees, the process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) begins after receiving Form 16, which employers are expected to issue by June 15. Once the return is filed and successfully e-verified, refunds are typically processed within 7 to 20 days, assuming the information submitted is complete, the bank account is correctly pre-validated, and it is linked to your PAN.

This efficiency reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to minimising delays and enhancing taxpayer convenience.

Interpreting Your TDS Refund Status

If you’re tracking your refund status online and come across various messages, here’s what they generally mean:

• ‘No e-filing has been done this year.’ This appears if you have either not filed or not verified your return. To resolve this, re-verification of the return is necessary.
• ‘Refund determined and sent out to refund banker.’ This indicates that your return has been processed, and refund instructions have been forwarded to the banking partner responsible for disbursement.
• ‘Refund unpaid.’ This status often arises when there is an error in the bank details provided such as an incorrect IFSC code. Rectifying the account information can help resolve this.
• ‘Refund paid.’ This confirms that the refund has been successfully credited to your registered bank account.
• ‘Not determined.’ Your return is still under review. This is usually seen when the return was filed relatively recently.
• ‘Sent for Refund.’ If your return was filed over a month ago, this message means the refund is now in the final processing phase.

If any other status appears one not covered above it may suggest that your refund has encountered a delay or an issue requiring further action.

How to Check Your TDS Refund Status

To verify your TDS refund status, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.
2. Log in with your user ID and password.

Note: If your PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, a notification will indicate that the PAN is inactive. You may either link it by selecting ‘Link Now’ or continue without linking.

1. Navigate to the e-File section, select Income Tax Returns, and click on View Filed Returns.
2. Select the relevant Assessment Year (2025–26 in this case).
3. Click on View Details to access the timeline and status of your return.

As tax compliance becomes increasingly digitised, understanding how the process works can help avoid unnecessary delays and confusion. Whether you’re awaiting a refund or checking for discrepancies, staying informed and reviewing your filings carefully remains key.

Disclaimer: This content is only for informational purpose. It does not make any recommendation to act or invest. Please read the offer documents carefully before investing. Investments are subject to market risks and other risks. There is no guarantee of the actual returns that will be given.