What to Do After Income Tax Return Verification?
After successfully verifying your Income Tax Return (ITR), the primary step is to monitor the processing status and await further communication from the Income Tax Department. Verification confirms that your return has been formally submitted and is now ready for processing.
Monitoring Your ITR Status
Once your ITR is verified, it enters the processing stage. You should regularly check the status to track its progress.
How to Check ITR Status Online:
- Visit the Official Income Tax E-filing Portal: Navigate to the Income Tax Department's e-filing website.
- Login to Your Account: Use your PAN as the user ID, password, and captcha to log in.
- Go to 'e-File' Section: Click on "e-File" > "Income Tax Returns" > "View Filed Returns".
- Check Status: Here, you can view the status of all your filed returns. Common statuses include:
- "Verified": Your ITR-V has been successfully verified.
- "Processing": Your return is being processed by the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC).
- "Processed": Your return has been fully processed, and a "processing complete" intimation (143(1) intimation) is generated.
- "Refund Due": A refund has been determined and is awaiting issuance.
- "Refund Issued": Your refund has been dispatched.
- "Demand Determined": There is a tax demand (tax payable) based on the processing.
Follow-up Actions If There's a Delay or Issue
If you notice an unusual delay in processing, or if you haven't received an expected refund within a reasonable timeframe after your ITR-V is verified, you might need to take proactive steps.
For Current Year Refunds or Processing Issues:
If your ITR V is verified but there's no update on processing or you're waiting for a refund, you can follow up with the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC).
- Contact the CPC Helpline: You can reach out to the CPC on their dedicated helpline numbers. It's advisable to keep your PAN and Acknowledgement Number handy when calling.
| Contact Method | Details | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Helpline 1 | 1800 103 4455 | Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| Helpline 2 | +91-80-46605200 (charges may apply for international calls) | Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm |
For Refunds of Previous Years:
In situations where you are awaiting refunds from previous assessment years and have not received them, a different approach is required.
- Write a Letter to the Assessing Officer: You need to draft and send a formal letter to the Assessing Officer (AO) of your jurisdiction. This letter should clearly state the reasons for the delay or non-receipt of the refund.
- Include essential details: Your PAN, Assessment Year, Acknowledgement Number, and any relevant communication received regarding the refund.
- Jurisdiction: Your AO's jurisdiction is typically based on your address or income source and can often be found on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Common Scenarios and Next Steps:
- Intimation u/s 143(1) Received: This is the final processing report. Review it carefully.
- If refund is mentioned: Your refund should be credited to your bank account shortly. Check your bank statements.
- If demand is raised: You may need to pay the additional tax or file a "Response to Demand" if you disagree with the assessment.
- If no demand/refund: Your return is accepted as filed.
- Refund Status "Failed": This usually indicates incorrect bank details. You'll need to update your bank account details on the e-filing portal and submit a refund re-issue request.
- Correction Required: If you discover an error after verification but before processing, you might be able to file a revised return. If the return is already processed, you may need to file a rectification request u/s 154 or an updated return (ITR-U) if applicable.
Important Points to Remember:
- Keep Records: Always maintain copies of your filed ITR, ITR-V acknowledgement, and any communication from the Income Tax Department.
- Bank Account Validity: Ensure the bank account linked for refunds is active and pre-validated on the e-filing portal.
- Patience is Key: Processing times can vary, especially during peak filing seasons. Allow a reasonable period for the department to process your return before initiating follow-ups.
Income Tax Processing
