Comprehensive Guide to Check Your Income Tax Return (ITR) Status in India

Introduction

Checking Your Income Tax Return Status in India is a crucial step to ensure that your tax filing has been successfully processed by the Income Tax Department. Whether you are expecting a refund or need to address discrepancies, tracking your ITR Status helps you stay updated on the progress of your return. The Income Tax Department provides an easy online method to check your income tax return status, either by logging into the e-Filing portal or using basic details like your PAN and Acknowledgement Number. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of checking your ITR status, understanding different return statuses, and troubleshooting common issues to ensure a smooth tax filing experience.

Also Read: Benefits of Filing Income Tax Return

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Income Tax Return (ITR) Status
2. Prerequisites for Checking ITR Status
3. Methods to Check ITR Status
   • A. Without Logging into the e-Filing Portal
   • B. By Logging into the e-Filing Portal
4. Common ITR Statuses and Their Meanings
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Understanding Income Tax Return (ITR) Status

After filing your ITR, it’s essential to track its status to ensure that the Income Tax Department has received and processed it correctly. The ITR status provides insights into where your return stands in the processing cycle, whether any actions are required from your end, and when you can expect any refunds due.

Also Read: Can We Change Tax Regime While Filing ITR?

Prerequisites for Checking ITR Status

Before you proceed to check your ITR status, ensure you have the following information readily available:

• PAN (Permanent Account Number): Your unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department.
• Acknowledgement Number: A 15-digit number generated upon successful filing of your ITR.
• Valid Mobile Number: To receive any One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or notifications during the process.

Also Read: Documents Required for Income Tax Return

Methods to Check ITR Status

The Income Tax Department offers two primary methods to check your ITR status:

Without Logging into the e-Filing Portal

This method allows you to check your ITR status without the need to log into your account on the e-Filing portal.

Steps:

• Visit the e-Filing Portal:

1. 1. • Navigate to the official e-Filing portal of the Income Tax Department: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/

• Access ‘ITR Status’ Service:

1. 1. • On the homepage, locate and click on the ‘ITR Status’ option. This is typically found under the ‘Quick Links’ section.

• Enter Required Details:

1. 1. • Provide your PAN, Acknowledgement Number, and a valid mobile number.

• Complete Verification:

1. 1. • Click ‘Continue’ to receive a 6-digit OTP on your provided mobile number.
      • Enter the OTP within 15 minutes and click ‘Submit’.

• View ITR Status:

1. • Upon successful verification, your ITR status will be displayed on the screen.

By Logging into the e-Filing Portal

This method requires you to log into your account on the e-Filing portal to check your ITR status.

Steps:

• Visit the e-Filing Portal:

1. 1. • Go to the official e-Filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/

• Log In to Your Account:

1. 1. • Click on the ‘Login’ button.
      • Enter your User ID (PAN) and click ‘Continue’.
      • Complete the login process using your password and any required verification.

• Navigate to ‘View Filed Returns’:

1. 1. • After logging in, go to the ‘e-File’ menu.
      • Select ‘Income Tax Returns’ and then ‘View Filed Returns’.

• Select the Relevant Assessment Year:

1. 1. • A list of filed returns will appear. Locate the relevant assessment year for which you want to check the status.

• View Details:

1. • Click on ‘View Details’ to see the status of your ITR, including any pending actions or completed processes.

Also Read: How to File Income Tax Return in India?

Common ITR Statuses and Their Meanings

Understanding the various statuses your ITR might display can help you take appropriate actions if necessary. Here are some common statuses and their implications:

• Return Submitted and Verified: Your ITR has been successfully filed and verified. It’s awaiting processing by the Income Tax Department.
• Successfully e-Verified: Your ITR has been filed and electronically verified. Processing will commence shortly.
• Processed: The Income Tax Department has processed your ITR. Any refunds due will be initiated, or you will be notified of any discrepancies.
• Defective: There’s an issue with your ITR filing. You need to respond to the notice under section 139(9) to rectify the defect.
• Case Transferred to AO: Your case has been transferred to the Assessing Officer for further scrutiny. You might be required to provide additional information.
  

Also Read: How to Save Tax in India?

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While checking your ITR status, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:

• Invalid OTP: Ensure you’re entering the OTP within the stipulated time frame. If expired, request a new one.
• Mismatch in Details: Double-check the PAN and Acknowledgement Number entered for any errors.
• Technical Glitches: If the portal is unresponsive or showing errors, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. Alternatively, check back after some time.
  

Also Read: Income Tax Login

Conclusion

Regularly checking the status of your Income Tax Return ensures that you’re aware of its processing stage and can take prompt action if required. The Income Tax Department of India provides a simple and efficient online process to track your ITR status, whether through the e-Filing portal or without logging in. Understanding different ITR statuses, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring timely verification of your returns can help you avoid unnecessary delays in processing or receiving refunds.

By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can easily monitor your ITR status and ensure a smooth tax filing experience. If you encounter any discrepancies or issues, promptly responding to notices and keeping track of updates from the Income Tax Department will help in resolving matters efficiently. Stay proactive, maintain proper records, and utilize the online tools available to manage your tax filings seamlessly.

FAQs

1. How long does it take for the ITR status to be updated after filing?

Ans. Typically, it takes a few days for the ITR status to be updated post-filing. However, during peak filing seasons, it might take longer.

2. What should I do if my ITR status shows ‘Defective’?

Ans. You’ll need to respond to the notice under section 139(9) by providing the required information or rectifying the defect within the specified time.

3. How can I contact the Income Tax Department for queries related to ITR status?

Ans. You can reach out to the e-Filing and Centralized Processing Center at 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025 between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

4. Is it mandatory to e-verify my ITR?

Ans. Yes, e-verifying your ITR is essential for the processing of your return. Without verification, your ITR will remain pending.

5. Can I check the ITR status for previous years?

Ans. Yes, by logging into the e-Filing portal, you can view the status of ITRs filed for previous assessment years under the ‘View Filed Returns’ section.