GST refund status tracking guide
Once RFD-01 is submitted, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated, which can be used to track the claim's status under Services > Refunds > Track Application Status on the GST portal. The status updates as the claim moves through acknowledgment, provisional sanction (for zero-rated supply claims), scrutiny, and final order — each stage indicating a different point in departmental processing.
Where to track your refund status
On the GST portal, go to Services > Refunds > Track Application Status, and enter the ARN generated when RFD-01 was submitted (or search by filing date/period). This shows the current status and a log of the stages the application has passed through.
What the different status stages mean
Common statuses include "Submitted" (application received, pending acknowledgment), "Pending for Processing" (acknowledged, with the officer yet to act), "Provisional Refund Order Issued" (for zero-rated supply claims, where 90% has been provisionally sanctioned), and "Refund Sanctioned/Rejected" (final order issued). A "Deficiency Memo Issued" status means an RFD-03 has been raised and a fresh application is needed.
How long each stage typically takes
Statutorily, acknowledgment of a complete application is meant to happen quickly, provisional sanction (for eligible zero-rated claims) within 7 days of acknowledgment, and final sanction within 60 days of a complete application under Section 54. These are the outer limits prescribed by law, not a guaranteed turnaround — actual processing time can vary by jurisdiction and case complexity, so it's worth treating them as a ceiling to escalate against rather than an expected date.
Shunya's CA team handles GST refund filing end to end — eligibility check, RFD-01 filing, and follow-up until credited.
Talk to a CA →When and how to follow up
If the status hasn't moved for a period well beyond the statutory timelines, following up with the jurisdictional GST officer (contact details are usually available against the ARN or through the portal's grievance mechanism) is the standard next step. The GST portal also has a grievance redressal facility for cases where there's no response through regular channels.
Keeping records as the claim progresses
It's worth downloading and saving the acknowledgment, any provisional sanction order, and the final sanction/rejection order as they're issued, since these documents are needed if a deficiency memo is raised, if an appeal becomes necessary, or if interest on a delayed refund needs to be computed and claimed separately.
How soon after filing should I expect a status update?
There isn't a single fixed timeline that applies to every claim — the acknowledgment typically appears fairly quickly, and for zero-rated supply claims a provisional sanction is meant to follow within 7 days of acknowledgment under the statutory timeline, with final sanction due within 60 days of a complete application. These are the outer statutory limits rather than typical processing times, and actual movement on the portal can vary, so checking the ARN status periodically rather than expecting a fixed date is the more reliable approach.
This article is for general information only. For your specific situation, consult a practicing CA.
Get your refund, the easy way
Shunya's CA team handles GST refund filing end to end — eligibility check, RFD-01 filing, and follow-up until credited.
Get Started →