How to Claim TDS Refund in India?
How to Claim TDS Refund in India?
Step-by-Step Guide for FY 2024–25 | AY 2025–26
If TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) has been deducted in excess from your salary, interest income, or any other source, and your actual tax liability is lower, you're eligible to claim a TDS refund.
But many people wonder:
“How do I claim my TDS refund?”
Here’s a complete, beginner-friendly guide to help you claim your TDS refund smoothly and quickly.
✅ When Can You Claim a TDS Refund?
You can claim a TDS refund if:
- Your total tax liability is less than the TDS already deducted and deposited by others (employer, bank, client, tenant, etc.)
- You fall under the basic exemption limit but TDS was still deducted (e.g., senior citizens on FD interest)
- You forgot to submit deductions (like 80C, 80D, HRA) to your employer, resulting in excess TDS
🛠️ How to Claim a TDS Refund – Step-by-Step
🔹 Step 1: Check Your TDS in Form 26AS or AIS
- Log in to https://www.incometax.gov.in
Go to “Services > View Form 26AS”
OR Check AIS under “Annual Information Statement” - Verify the TDS entries match your salary slips, bank interest, or Form 16
🔹 Step 2: File Your Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Choose the right ITR form (typically ITR-1 or ITR-2)
- Enter all income sources accurately (salary, interest, rent, etc.)
- Declare all deductions and exemptions (80C, 80D, standard deduction)
- Auto-import or manually enter TDS amounts shown in Form 26AS/AIS
- The system will calculate your tax liability and refund amount
🔹 Step 3: Pre-Validate Your Bank Account
- Go to: Profile > My Bank Account > Pre-Validate
- Enter bank details and link it with your PAN
- This is mandatory for refund credit
🔹 Step 4: E-Verify Your Return
You must e-verify your return within 30 days using:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- EVC
- Or send a physical ITR-V by post (only if digital modes not available)
🔄 Refund processing starts only after e-verification.
💰 When Will You Receive the Refund?
- Refunds are processed by CPC Bengaluru
- Typically credited to your bank within 7 to 45 days of ITR processing
- You’ll receive email and SMS updates from refunds@incometax.gov.in
🔍 How to Track Refund Status?
You can track it via:
1, Income Tax Portal
Login → e-File → View Filed Returns → Refund Status
2. TIN NSDL Refund Portal
https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatuslogin.html
❗ What If Refund Is Delayed or Fails?
- Check if your bank account is pre-validated
- File a grievance on the income tax portal
- You may also need to update IFSC or account number and request a refund reissue
Final Words
Claiming a TDS refund is a simple process—but only if you:
- File your ITR correctly
- Match your income with Form 26AS
- E-verify and validate your bank account
