The good news? Checking your TDS return status is easy once you know the correct process.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• What “TDS pending” actually means

• Common reasons for TDS refund delays

• How to check your TDS return status step by step

• What to do if your refund is stuck

What Does “TDS Pending” Actually Mean?

When your TDS is marked as pending, it usually means:

• Your refund has not yet been credited to your bank account

• Your TDS details are not reflecting correctly in the tax records

• Your Income Tax Return (ITR) is still being processed

In most cases, this does not indicate tax evasion or a serious problem—it’s simply a delay caused by incomplete or mismatched information.

Common Reasons Why Your TDS Refund Is Still Pending

Before checking your status, it helps to understand why refunds get delayed:

1. ITR Is Not Processed Yet

Even if you filed your return on time, the Income Tax Department may still be reviewing it.

2. TDS Not Updated by the Deductor

Your employer or client may not have deposited the TDS or filed their TDS return correctly.

3. Mismatch in PAN or Income Details

Even small spelling errors or incorrect figures can stop refunds from being processed.

4. Bank Account Not Pre-Validated

Refunds are issued only to pre-validated bank accounts linked to your PAN.

5. Outstanding Tax Demand

Any pending tax demand from previous years may be adjusted against your refund.

How to Check Your TDS Return Status for Last Year (Official Method)

Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal

Visit the official Income Tax Department portal and log in using your PAN, password, and OTP.

Step 2: Check ITR Processing Status

Go to: Dashboard → Income Tax Returns → Filed Returns ITR acknowledgment is saved safely

Here, you can see:

• Date of filing

• Assessment year

• Current status (Processed / Under Processing / Refund Issued)

Step 3: Verify TDS Details in Form 26AS

Form 26AS is your complete tax credit statement. You can access it via:

• Income Tax Portal

• TRACES

• Net banking (for selected banks)

Check carefully:

• TDS entries by employer or client

• Amount deducted vs amount reported

⚠️ If TDS is missing in Form 26AS, your refund will be delayed.

Step 4: Track Refund Status

On the portal, visit the “Refund Status” section. The status may show:

• Refund Issued

• Refund Failed

• Refund Adjusted

• No Refund Due

How to Fix TDS Refund Delay Quickly

1. If TDS Is Missing in Form 26AS

• Contact your employer or deductor

• Ask them to file or revise their TDS return

2. If Your ITR Is Under Processing for a Long Time

• Processing can take several weeks or months

• Raise a grievance if the delay exceeds normal timelines

3. If There’s a Bank Account Issue

• Go to Profile → Bank Accounts

• Pre-validate or re-validate your account

4. If Refund Status Shows “Failed.”

• Update bank details

• Submit a refund re-issue request

How Long Does a TDS Refund Usually Take?

Typically, a TDS refund is issued within 30–45 days after ITR processing.

However, delays are common during:

• Peak tax filing season

• Data mismatches

• Manual verification cases

Pro Tip: Avoid TDS Refund Issues Next Year

Before filing your ITR, always ensure:

• Income matches Form 26AS

• PAN and Aadhaar are linked

• Correct bank account number and IFSC

• Early filing of return

Conclusion

A pending TDS refund doesn’t mean something is wrong—it usually means something is incomplete. By checking your ITR status, Form 26AS, and bank validation details, you can resolve most refund issues without visiting a CA.