How do I get a refund? (2024)

FAQs

How to get a refund from an online purchase? ›

First, reach out to the company that sold the product or service to you. Explain the issue—for example, the product you received was defective or wasn't what you ordered. Ask the company to refund the money or undo the charge. The seller might fix the problem.

ITR refunds are a way to ensure that you receive back any extra tax that you have paid. The government has made this process easy through online income tax refunds. After you have filed your IT returns and verified the same, income tax refund time taken is usually 20-45 days after ITR has been processed.

If you think you're entitled to a refund, then in the first instance, you should go back to the store or contact the online retailer. Depending on what's wrong, you may be asked for proof or purchase, which could be the original till receipt, or a copy of the transaction on your bank or credit card statement.

If you paid via credit card, you can force a refund if it's legitimate. This is called a chargeback. To begin the chargeback process, you'll usually contact your bank. Sometimes they have ways to initiate the chargeback online.

Debit cards and chargeback

Debit card payments and purchases aren't covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. But if you don't get something you have paid for by debit card, and the firm is refusing to refund you, you can ask your bank to 'reverse the transaction' and get your money back via chargeback.

Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.

Where's My Refund? has a tracker that displays progress through 3 stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved and (3) Refund Sent. You will get personalized refund information based on the processing of your tax return.

Reasons why you haven't received your refund can range from simple math errors on your return to identity theft and tax fraud. Or it might simply mean an unusually high processing volume at the IRS.

How do I insist on a refund? ›

You'll have legal rights if the item you bought is: broken or damaged - this is known as not of satisfactory quality. unusable - this is known as not fit for purpose. not what was advertised or doesn't match the seller's description.

If you can't get the support you need from the retailer in the form of a refund, repair or replacement, you can file a complaint with the company. If that still doesn't help, you can contact the Consumer Ombudsman.

Most retail stores allow you to return things you buy within a reasonable time for a full refund, credit, or an exchange. When a store clearly displays a limited or no-refund policy, however, refunds and exchanges are not required by law. So don't assume a store will allow you to return an item if you change your mind.

Many will allow you to change your mind and get a full refund, but always check before you buy. The rules are different when shopping online – you DO have a legal right to change your mind. For most items, you have up to 14 days to notify them of a return, then up to 14 days after that to send it back.

Since most online retailers accept unused items, make sure you've only tried items like clothing or shoes briefly and indoors so there is no sign of wear. Revisit the store's return policy—some businesses offer a step-by-step guide and specific instructions on how to ship the item back.

It's best to email or write to the trader - you can use a template letter. Keep a copy of anything you send, in case you need to check it later. If you can't contact the trader or they won't help, you can then ask your card provider or PayPal.

If you have a complaint about a product you bought online, try to resolve it by contacting the seller or website first. If contacting the seller or website does not work, file a complaint with: Your state's consumer protection office.