Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your Tax Filing Status Online Easily and Securely

In today’s digital era, checking your income tax filing status online has become a standard and convenient practice across most developed and developing nations. Taxpayers can easily track whether their returns have been received, processed, or refunded using official government portals. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check your tax filing status online in multiple countries, including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, along with direct website links and clear step-by-step instructions.

1. India – Income Tax Department (e-Filing Portal)

In India, the Income Tax Department provides a user-friendly online platform for filing and tracking your Income Tax Returns (ITR).

Official Website: https://www.incometax.gov.in

Steps to Check Tax Filing Status:

1. Visit the Income Tax India e-Filing portal.
2. Click on “Income Tax Return (ITR) Status” under the Quick Links section.
3. You can check the status in two ways:
   • Using Acknowledgement Number: Enter your 15-digit acknowledgment number and registered mobile number to verify.
   • Using PAN and assessment year: Log in using your PAN, password, and captcha.
4. Once logged in, go to “View Filed Returns” to see the status:
   • Submitted
   • Verified
   • Processed
   • Refund Issued/Rejection

The portal also allows you to check refund status by redirecting you to TIN NSDL website.

2. United States – Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the U.S. allows taxpayers to check their return and refund status through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app.

Official Website: https://www.irs.gov

Steps to Check Status:

1. Go to the IRS homepage and click on “Where’s My Refund?”.
2. Enter the following:
   • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
   • Filing status (Single, Married, etc.)
   • Exact refund amount in whole dollars
3. You’ll see one of these statuses:
   • Return Received
   • Refund Approved
   • Refund Sent

You can start tracking your return 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.

3. United Kingdom – HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

In the UK, HMRC allows individuals to file self-assessment tax returns and check the status of those filings through the GOV.UK platform.

Official Website: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services

Steps to Check Status:

1. Log in to your account via Government Gateway.
2. Navigate to “Self Assessment” and select “View Your Tax Return”.
3. The status options include:
   • Not yet submitted
   • Submitted and being processed
   • Accepted or rejected with details

You will also be able to view payment deadlines, outstanding dues, and tax calculation breakdowns.

4. Canada – Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Canadian residents can use My Account with CRA to manage and view the status of personal income tax filings.

Official Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html

Steps to Check Status:

1. Sign in via CRA My Account using:
   • CRA Login (with username/password)
   • Sign-In Partner (using bank credentials)
2. After logging in, go to the “Tax Returns” section.
3. View the current year’s return to see:
   • Received date
   • Processing status
   • Any refunds issued

CRA also provides real-time updates, payment status, and notices of assessments online.

5. Australia – Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

The ATO provides access to tax return status through the myGov platform, linked to your Australian Taxation Office account.

Official Website: https://my.gov.au

Steps to Check Status:

1. Create or log in to your myGov account.
2. Link the ATO as a service if not already done.
3. Click on “Tax” and then navigate to “Income Tax”.
4. Select the appropriate financial year and check:
   • Received and in progress
   • Assessed
   • Refund issued or amount payable

The ATO updates the status usually within 7–10 business days after filing.

Best Practices While Checking Your Tax Filing Status

Whether you are accessing tax information in India or abroad, the following tips will help ensure security and accuracy:

• Always use official government portals (avoid third-party links).
• Keep your login credentials private and do not share with others.
• Enable two-factor authentication for additional security.
• Check regularly during the tax season to ensure your returns are processed in time.
• Save or print confirmation pages for your records.

Final Thoughts

Digital tax administration has revolutionized the way individuals interact with revenue departments worldwide. Today, it takes only a few clicks to verify your filing, receive refunds, or respond to notices. From India’s ITR portal to the IRS in the U.S. and HMRC in the UK, modern systems have made tax filing and tracking transparent and stress-free.

By staying informed and using these digital tools wisely, you can ensure timely tax compliance, avoid penalties, and keep your financial records in order—no matter which country you reside in.