TDS Refund Not Received? How to Track & Claim Your Refund

If more TDS was deducted than your actual tax liability, you are entitled to a refund. This refund is claimed when you file your Income Tax Return (ITR). If your TDS refund has not been received even after filing ITR, this guide will help you track it, understand the reasons for delay, and take corrective action.

How TDS Refund Works

1. Your employer or bank deducts TDS on your income during the year
2. You file ITR and claim the TDS credit
3. If TDS deducted > actual tax liability, the excess amount is refunded
4. The Income Tax Department processes your ITR and issues the refund to your bank account

How to Check TDS in Form 26AS

Before tracking your refund, verify that TDS has been correctly reported:

1. Login to Income Tax e-Filing Portal
2. Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Form 26AS
3. Check all TDS entries — employer TDS, bank TDS (on FD interest), and other deductors
4. Ensure the amounts match your Form 16 and Form 16A certificates
5. Also check the Annual Information Statement (AIS) under Services for comprehensive data

How to Track TDS Refund Status

Method 1: Income Tax e-Filing Portal

1. Login to Income Tax Portal
2. Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns
3. Select the relevant assessment year
4. Check the status — it will show "Refund Issued" or "Under Processing"
5. If refund is issued, it shows the date, amount, and mode (ECS/cheque)

Method 2: NSDL Refund Status

1. Visit NSDL TIN Refund Status
2. Enter your PAN and select the assessment year
3. Click "Submit" to view refund status

Method 3: Check Bank Account

• Refunds are credited via ECS (direct bank transfer) to the bank account linked with your ITR
• Check your bank statement for credit from "ITDREFUND" or "Income Tax Refund"

Reasons Why TDS Refund is Delayed

Employer TDS vs Bank TDS

• Employer TDS (Section 192): Deducted on salary. Shown in Form 16 Part A and 26AS
• Bank TDS (Section 194A): Deducted on FD interest exceeding ₹40,000/year (₹50,000 for senior citizens). Shown in Form 16A and 26AS
• Both types must be claimed in your ITR to get the full refund

Refund Timeline

You also receive interest on delayed refunds at 0.5% per month under Section 244A.

How to File Rectification Request

If your refund is incorrect or not processed due to mismatch:

1. Login to Income Tax Portal
2. Go to Services → Rectification
3. Select the assessment year and type of rectification
4. Choose "Tax Credit Mismatch" if TDS in 26AS doesn't match ITR
5. Submit the corrected details
6. Track the rectification status under the same section

How to Raise Refund Reissue Request

If refund was issued but not credited (bank account closed, wrong account):

1. Login to Income Tax Portal
2. Go to Services → Refund Reissue Request
3. Select assessment year
4. Update correct bank account details (pre-validated bank account mandatory)
5. Submit the request

Important Tips

1. E-verify your ITR immediately after filing — unverified returns are not processed
2. Pre-validate your bank account on the Income Tax portal for faster refund credit
3. File ITR early (July itself) to get refunds faster — late filing leads to longer queues
4. Check for outstanding demands — refunds may be adjusted against pending tax demands
5. Keep Form 16 and 16A for all TDS deductions to cross-verify with 26AS

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long does it take to get TDS refund after filing ITR?

Typically 2-5 months. If your ITR is e-verified and there are no mismatches, refunds can come within 30-60 days of processing.

Q2. Why is my refund status showing "No records found"?

This usually means your ITR has not been processed yet. Ensure you have e-verified your ITR. Processing begins only after verification.

Q3. Can I get refund if I forgot to claim TDS in ITR?

You can file a revised return (before the deadline) or a rectification request to claim the missed TDS credit.

Q4. What if TDS is deducted but not showing in 26AS?

Contact the deductor (employer/bank) and ask them to file or correct the TDS return. TDS will reflect in 26AS only after the deductor files the quarterly TDS return.

Q5. Is there interest on delayed refund?

Yes. Under Section 244A, you get interest at 0.5% per month on the refund amount if there is a delay from the IT department's side.

Q6. Can my refund be adjusted against previous year's demand?

Yes. The Income Tax Department can adjust your refund against outstanding tax demands from previous years under Section 245. You will receive an intimation before adjustment.

Q7. How do I update my bank account for refund?

Login to Income Tax Portal → Profile → My Bank Account → Add and pre-validate your bank account. Only pre-validated accounts can receive refunds.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Income Tax Department or any government body. Information is based on official sources and may change. Always verify on the official Income Tax portal.