Checking your income tax e-filing status is crucial to ensure your return has been successfully submitted, processed, and verified. Many taxpayers file their returns but forget to check whether the Income Tax Department has accepted them. Tracking your ITR status helps you avoid penalties and stay updated on any required actions.
Why Should You Check Your ITR Filing Status?
Failing to track your ITR filing status can lead to unnecessary fines or delays in refunds. Here’s why you should always verify your e-filing status:
Avoid Penalties and Late Fees
If your ITR is not processed correctly or gets rejected due to errors, you might have to file it again. Checking the status helps you take corrective action before the deadline.
Ensure Refund Processing
If you are eligible for a tax refund, tracking the income tax e-filing status helps you know when the refund is processed and credited to your account.
Check for Notices or Rejections
Sometimes, the Income Tax Department may issue a notice for missing details, incorrect calculations, or mismatched information. Monitoring your status ensures you don’t miss any important updates.
Methods to Check Income Tax e-Filing Status
You can check your ITR status through the official e-filing website of the Income Tax Department. There are multiple ways to do this:
1. Using Your PAN and Acknowledgment Number
If you have your PAN and acknowledgment number, you can track your ITR e-filing status without logging in.
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal
- Click on “ITR Status” under the quick links section
- Enter your PAN, acknowledgment number, and captcha code
- Click “Submit” to view the status of your tax return
This method is useful when you don’t want to log in and simply check whether your return has been processed.
2. Logging into the e-Filing Portal
To get more detailed insights, you can log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal using your credentials.
- Go to Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Click on Login and enter your PAN/Aadhaar and password
- Navigate to ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘View Filed Returns’
- Here, you can check the status of all your past and current ITR filings
This method provides more details, such as processing status, refund updates, and any notices issued by the tax department.
3. Checking via SMS
You can check your ITR status via SMS by sending an SMS to 567678 or 56161 in the following format:
Type: ITR<space>ACKNOWLEDGMENT_NUMBER
Send it to 567678 or 56161
You will receive an SMS update on whether your return has been processed or is still under verification.
4. Using the AIS Mobile App
The Income Tax Department provides a mobile app called AIS for Taxpayers, where you can check your income tax e-filing status.
- Download and install the AIS for Taxpayers app from the Play Store or App Store
- Log in using your PAN/Aadhaar and OTP verification
- Navigate to ‘ITR Filing Status’ to view your e-filing updates
This is a convenient method for mobile users to track their tax return status on the go.
Common Income Tax Return Statuses and Their Meanings
Once you check your ITR status, you might see different messages. Here’s what they mean:
1. Return Submitted and Verified
This means your ITR has been successfully filed and verified by the department. No further action is needed.
2. Return Processed
Your ITR has been processed, and no discrepancies were found. If you are eligible for a refund, it will be credited soon.
3. Defective Return
Your return has some missing or incorrect details. You need to respond to the notice under Section 139(9) to correct the errors.
4. Under Processing
Your ITR is still being reviewed by the Income Tax Department. No action is needed at this stage.
5. Refund Issued
If you claimed a tax refund, this status means the refund has been processed and credited to your bank account.
6. Refund Failure
Your refund was issued but failed due to incorrect bank details. You need to update your bank account details and request a re-issuance.
7. Notice Issued
If there are discrepancies in your return, the department might send a notice under Sections 143(1), 147, or 245. You should respond promptly to avoid penalties.
8. Return Rejected
Your ITR was rejected due to errors in filing. You need to revise and refile your return before the deadline.
How to Resolve Common ITR Status Issues?
If you notice an issue in your income tax e-filing status, follow these solutions to resolve them quickly.
1. ITR Verification Pending
If your return is submitted but not verified, complete the e-verification using any of these methods:
- Aadhaar OTP: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal, go to “e-Verify ITR,” and select “Verify using Aadhaar OTP.”
- Net Banking: Log in through your bank’s net banking portal and select “e-Verify.”
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate): If applicable, upload your DSC to verify.
- Physical Verification: If you cannot e-verify, send a signed copy of ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru within 120 days of filing.
2. Return Processed with Demand Notice
If you receive a demand notice under Section 143(1), it means there’s a mismatch between your declared income and department records. You should:
- Log in to the e-Filing Portal and navigate to ‘Pending Actions’ > ‘Response to Outstanding Demand’
- Compare the details with your tax records
- If correct, pay the demand online through the tax portal
- If incorrect, file a rectification request under Section 154
3. Refund Not Credited
If your refund status shows “Refund Failure”, follow these steps:
- Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Navigate to ‘Refund Re-issue Request’
- Update your correct bank details
- Submit the request for refund re-issuance
Ensure your PAN is linked to the bank account to avoid refund failures.
4. Notice for Defective Return
A notice under Section 139(9) means your return is incomplete or contains incorrect information. To correct this:
- Log in to the portal and go to ‘e-File’ > ‘e-Proceedings’
- Select the defective return notice and review the issue
- File a rectified return (Revised ITR) within the given timeframe
Ignoring this notice may lead to rejection of your return.
5. Return Under Processing for a Long Time
If your return remains ‘Under Processing’ for an extended period, you can:
- Raise a grievance on the e-Filing Portal
- Contact CPC Bengaluru at their helpline number
- Check for notices that may require your response
Important Deadlines for Checking ITR Status
Staying updated with tax deadlines helps avoid penalties:
- 31st July: Last date to file ITR for individuals and businesses not requiring an audit.
- 31st October: Deadline for businesses requiring tax audit.
- 120 Days Post-Filing: Time limit for verifying ITR to avoid rejection.
- 30 Days Post-Notice: Timeframe to respond to any tax notices received.
FAQs on Checking Income Tax e-Filing Status
1. How long does it take for the ITR to be processed?
Typically, it takes 30-45 days for processing after e-verification. Refunds may take additional time.
2. Can I check my ITR status without logging in?
Yes, you can check the income tax e-filing status using your PAN and acknowledgment number without logging in.
3. What if my ITR is rejected?
You need to correct errors and refile your return before the deadline to avoid penalties.
4. How do I track my tax refund?
Check the NSDL refund status at tin-nsdl.com or through the e-filing portal.
5. What should I do if I receive a tax notice?
Log in to the e-Filing Portal, check the notice under ‘e-Proceedings’, and respond accordingly.
Conclusion
Regularly checking your income tax e-filing status ensures smooth tax compliance, faster refunds, and timely responses to tax notices. Stay updated on your ITR status through the e-filing portal, SMS, or the AIS app to avoid unnecessary issues.
