Introduction

Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is a crucial responsibility for taxpayers, but equally important is the ability to track the status of your ITR after submission. Checking the ITR status helps you stay informed about whether your return has been successfully processed, if it has been verified, or if any additional action is required from your side. This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to check ITR status, explaining the process step-by-step and highlighting best practices, useful tools, and real-world examples to empower you with clear and actionable insights.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Necessary Details

Before you begin the process of checking your ITR status, ensure you have the following information at hand:

• PAN Card Number: Permanent Account Number used as an identifier.
• Assessment Year: The year for which the ITR was filed.
• Acknowledgment Number (ITR-V Number): This is the 15-digit number generated after filing your return.
• Date of Birth or Date of Incorporation: As per your PAN details.

Step 2: Visit the Income Tax Department’s Official Website

Access the official Income Tax e-filing portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal. This portal is the primary platform for filing returns and checking their status.

Step 3: Navigate to the ITR Status Page

Once on the homepage, look for the section labeled "ITR Status" or "View ITR Status". This is often located under the “Services” tab or prominently on the dashboard for easy access.

Step 4: Enter Required Information

On the ITR status page, you will be prompted to enter:

• PAN Number
• Assessment Year
• ITR-V Acknowledgment Number
• Date of Birth / Date of Incorporation

Fill in these fields carefully to avoid errors. Double-check the details before submission.

Step 5: Submit and Review Status

After entering the details, click on the “Submit” button. The system will retrieve the status of your ITR and display it on the screen. Common statuses include:

• Return Received: Your return has been successfully submitted.
• Verification Pending: The return is awaiting your verification.
• Under Process: The Income Tax Department is processing your return.
• Refund Processed: If applicable, your refund has been processed.
• Defective Return: The return has some errors and requires correction.

Step 6: Take Appropriate Action

Based on the status, you can decide your next steps. For example, if the return is defective, you may need to revise and re-submit it. If the return is pending verification, complete the e-verification process promptly.

Best Practices

Maintain Accurate Records

Keep a digital and physical copy of your filed ITR and acknowledgment receipts. These documents are essential for reference during status checks and for future audits.

Verify Your Return Promptly

Verification of your ITR is mandatory for the processing to begin. Utilize e-verification methods such as Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or sending a signed ITR-V to the CPC address as applicable.

Check Status Regularly

Make it a habit to check your ITR status periodically, especially after filing. This helps in early detection of issues and timely rectification.

Use Secure Networks

Always access the Income Tax Department website on a secure and trusted network to protect sensitive information like PAN and date of birth.

Update Contact Details

Ensure your contact information (email and mobile number) registered with the Income Tax Department is current, so you receive timely notifications about your return status.

Tools and Resources

Income Tax e-Filing Portal

The official portal (incometax.gov.in) is the primary tool for checking ITR status, filing returns, downloading forms, and related services.

Mobile Apps

Several mobile applications, including the official Income Tax Department app, allow users to check ITR status, file returns, and receive notifications on the go.

NSDL and TRACES Portals

Platforms like NSDL and TRACES provide additional services related to tax credit statements and can be useful for verifying tax payment details that impact your ITR.

Online Tutorials and Guides

Various government and educational websites offer tutorials, video guides, and FAQs which can assist in understanding the ITR filing and status checking process.

Real Examples

Example 1: Checking ITR Status for AY 2023-24

Mr. Sharma filed his ITR for Assessment Year 2023-24 on July 5, 2023. He logged on to the Income Tax e-filing portal, entered his PAN, assessment year as 2023-24, ITR-V acknowledgment number, and date of birth. Upon submission, the status showed “Return Received.” Two weeks later, he checked again and saw the status changed to “Under Process.” Finally, after one month, the status updated to “Refund Processed,” indicating a successful return processing.

Example 2: Handling a Defective Return Status

Ms. Patel submitted her ITR but noticed the status was “Defective Return.” Upon reviewing the communication on her registered email, she found a mismatch in income details. She corrected the errors and re-uploaded the return. After resubmission and verification, her status changed to “Return Received.”

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take for the ITR status to be updated after filing?

The status is usually updated within 24-48 hours after filing. However, complete processing may take several weeks depending on the workload of the tax department.

Q2: Can I check the ITR status without the acknowledgment number?

Generally, the acknowledgment number is required to check the status. If lost, you may retrieve it by logging into your account on the Income Tax e-filing portal.

Q3: What should I do if my ITR status shows “Verification Pending”?

You need to complete the e-verification process. This can be done online via net banking, Aadhaar OTP, or by sending a signed physical copy of ITR-V to the Central Processing Centre.

Q4: Is there a fee to check ITR status online?

No, checking the ITR status on the official Income Tax Department website is completely free of charge.

Q5: How can I track my refund status linked to my ITR?

The refund status is displayed along with your ITR status on the e-filing portal. Additionally, you can check refund status through your bank account or the official refund tracking system.

Conclusion

Monitoring your Income Tax Return status is an essential part of the tax filing process. It ensures transparency, timely action, and peace of mind by keeping you informed about your return’s progress. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above and adhering to best practices, you can easily check your ITR status online using official tools and resources. Regular status checks, accurate record-keeping, and prompt verification streamline your tax experience and help avoid complications. Stay proactive and informed to make the most of your tax filing journey.