How to Check Income Tax Filing Status in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is a crucial responsibility for every taxpayer in India. It ensures compliance with the law and helps avoid penalties. Once you have filed your ITR, it is equally important to check the status of your filing to confirm that it has been processed correctly. This guide will walk you through the steps to check your ITR status online, explain the different statuses you might encounter, and highlight the benefits of mutual fund schemes investments in tax planning.

Understanding Income Tax Return (ITR) Status

Income Tax Return (ITR) status indicates the current stage of your tax return processing. After filing your ITR, the Income Tax Department processes it and updates the status accordingly. Here are some common statuses you might encounter:

1. Filed: Your ITR has been successfully filed but not yet processed.
2. Processed: The Income Tax Department has processed your return, and any refunds due will be issued.
3. Pending for e-Verification: Your ITR has been filed but is pending e-verification.
4. Defective: There is an error in your ITR, and you need to rectify it.
5. Refund Issued: Your refund has been processed and issued.
6. Refund Failure: The refund process failed due to incorrect bank details or other issues.
    

Knowing your ITR status is essential to ensure that your return has been processed correctly and to address any issues promptly.

Steps to Check ITR Status Online

Checking your ITR status online is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Income Tax Department Website: Go to the Income Tax Department’s official website (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in).
2. Log In to Your Account: If you already have an account, log in using your User ID (PAN), password, and Captcha code. If you don’t have an account, you will need to register first.
3. Navigate to the ‘View Returns/Forms’ Section: After logging in, go to the ‘My Account’ section and click on ‘View Returns/Forms’.
4. Select the Assessment Year: Choose the relevant assessment year for which you want to check the status.
5. Check Your ITR Status: The status of your ITR will be displayed on the screen.

Using the Income Tax Department Website

The Income Tax Department website is a secure and reliable platform for checking your ITR status. Here’s how to navigate the site:

1. Access the Website: Open your web browser and go to Incometax.gov.in.
2. Log In: Enter your PAN as the User ID, your password, and the Captcha code to log in.
3. Find the ITR Status Section: Once logged in, go to ‘My Account’ and click on ‘View Returns/Forms’.
4. Select the Assessment Year: Choose the assessment year you are interested in.
5. View the Status: The status of your ITR will be displayed.

Using the e-Filing Portal

The e-filing portal is another user-friendly platform for checking your ITR status. Here’s how to use it:

1. Visit the e-Filing Portal: Go to www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.
2. Register or Log In: If you are a new user, register by providing your PAN, name, and date of birth. If you are an existing user, log in with your credentials.
3. Navigate to ‘View Returns/Forms’: After logging in, go to ‘My Account’ and click on ‘View Returns/Forms’.
4. Select the Assessment Year: Choose the relevant assessment year.
5. Check the Status: The status of your ITR will be displayed.

Common Issues and Solutions

While checking your ITR status, you might encounter some common issues. Here are solutions to address them:

1. Incorrect Details: Ensure that you enter the correct PAN, password, and Captcha code. Double-check the details before submitting.
2. Server Issues: If the website is slow or unresponsive, try accessing it during off-peak hours.
3. Pending e-Verification: If your ITR status shows ‘Pending for e-Verification’, complete the e-verification process using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or sending a signed ITR-V .
4. Defective Return: If your ITR is marked as defective, rectify the errors and re-submit the return.

Importance of Regularly Checking ITR Status

Regularly checking your ITR status is crucial for several reasons:

1. Ensure Compliance: Confirm that your return has been processed correctly and address any issues promptly.
2. Avoid Penalties: Identify and rectify errors to avoid penalties and interest.
3. Track Refunds: Keep track of your refund status and ensure that it is credited to your account.

Mutual Fund schemes Investments and Tax Benefits

Investing in mutual funds schemes can be a tax-efficient way to save on taxes. Certain mutual funds schemes, such as Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. By investing in ELSS, you can reduce your taxable income and save on taxes.

ELSS are a type of schemes that primarily invests in equities and equity-related instruments. These funds are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This means that investments in these schemes can help reduce your taxable income by up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year if you are eligible as per applicable norms of Income Tax Act, 1961. Unlike other mutual funds schemes, ELSS come with a mandatory lock-in period of three years, which means you cannot redeem your investment before this period. (You are recommended to seek advice from financial advisor).

Conclusion

Checking your Income Tax Return status is a simple yet essential task to ensure that your tax filing is complete and accurate. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily check your ITR status online and address any issues promptly. Additionally, consider investing in ELSS as a tax-saving approach to optimize your tax planning.

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