How Children Can Claim TDS Refund After Parents’ Death: Step-by-Step Guide
Many people believe that a TDS refund is lost once a person passes away. In reality, the refund can still be claimed, legally and smoothly, by the family. The Income Tax Department has laid out a clear process that allows legal heirs to access this money by completing a few formal steps.
Who Can Claim the Refund?
The refund doesn’t vanish. It can be claimed by the legal heir, often children or close family members, by filing the deceased person’s Income Tax Return (ITR). However, this can only be done after becoming an authorised representative on the tax portal.
Step 1: Register as a Legal Heir
To begin, you must register yourself as a “Representative Assessee” on the income tax e-filing portal. Here’s how it works:
Documents You’ll Need
Keep these ready while applying:
Step 2: File the ITR on Behalf of the Deceased
After approval, you can file the ITR. Only include income earned from April 1 until the date of death. Also, ensure that the entire TDS deducted is correctly mentioned in the return.
Missed the deadline? You can still file a belated return and claim the refund.
Step 3: Get the Refund Credited
If the refund is not credited to the deceased person’s bank account, you can request it in your own account:
Claiming a TDS refund after a loved one’s passing may seem complicated, but the process is structured and manageable. With the right documents and a step-by-step approach, legal heirs can ensure that no rightful refund goes unclaimed.
Who Can Claim the Refund?
The refund doesn’t vanish. It can be claimed by the legal heir, often children or close family members, by filing the deceased person’s Income Tax Return (ITR). However, this can only be done after becoming an authorised representative on the tax portal. Step 1: Register as a Legal Heir
To begin, you must register yourself as a “Representative Assessee” on the income tax e-filing portal. Here’s how it works: - Log in to your account on the portal
- Navigate to “Authorised Partners”
- Choose “Register as Representative”
- Select “Deceased (Legal Heir)” as the category
- Upload required documents and submit
Documents You’ll Need
Keep these ready while applying: - Death certificate of the deceased
- PAN card of the deceased
- Your own PAN card
- Proof establishing you as the legal heir
Step 2: File the ITR on Behalf of the Deceased
After approval, you can file the ITR. Only include income earned from April 1 until the date of death. Also, ensure that the entire TDS deducted is correctly mentioned in the return. Missed the deadline? You can still file a belated return and claim the refund.
Step 3: Get the Refund Credited
If the refund is not credited to the deceased person’s bank account, you can request it in your own account: - Log in to the portal
- Go to “Services” and select “Refund Reissue”
- Enter the deceased’s PAN and assessment year
- Choose your bank account details and submit
Claiming a TDS refund after a loved one’s passing may seem complicated, but the process is structured and manageable. With the right documents and a step-by-step approach, legal heirs can ensure that no rightful refund goes unclaimed.
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