1. Check where the refund actually is
On incometax.gov.in, see your ITR status: has the return been processed (intimation under Section 143(1) issued)? No processing, no refund — everything starts here.
2. Validate your bank account
The refund only goes to a pre-validated bank account linked to your PAN. Portal → Profile → My Bank Account: confirm the account shows "validated". Name mismatches between bank and PAN are the most common silent killer.
3. Use "Refund Reissue" for failed credits
If the status says refund failed/returned, submit a Refund Reissue request on the portal after fixing the bank validation — it is a standard, quick service request.
4. Respond to any Section 245 adjustment notice
If your refund was adjusted against an old outstanding demand, you will have an intimation under Section 245. If the demand is wrong, disagree online with evidence — silence is treated as agreement.
5. Raise a grievance on e-Nivaran
Portal → Grievances: file with your acknowledgement number, assessment year and a one-paragraph description. Grievances have tracking numbers and internal timelines.
6. Escalate beyond the portal
Still stuck: contact the CPC helpline, write to your jurisdictional Assessing Officer, and as a last lever, file an RTI asking for the status and reason for delay of your refund.