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May 22, 2025

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GST Refund Order Passed: Understanding RFD-05 Payment Advice

GST Refund Order Passed: RFD-05 Payment Advice Overview

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework of India was developed to create one unified tax system which simplifies both indirect taxes and their management procedures. Organizations end up paying additional taxes for three main reasons: input tax credit accumulation and zero-rated supplies, alongside inverted duty structures, and incorrect tax payments. The GST Refund Process contains RFD-05 as its essential stage, along with multiple forms and procedure steps to guarantee accurate refunds.

This blog explains RFD-05 Payment Advice within the GST Refund Order Passed: RFD-05 Payment Advice together with its essential features and processing method and vital points to consider. This guide provides all necessary details of RFD-05 together with its function within the GST refund system to both business owners and tax consultants and GST practitioners.

What is Form RFD-05 in GST?

Definition and Purpose

Form RFD-05 is a payment advice document issued by the GST officer after processing a refund application. The RFD-05 functions as the official command that allows banks to disburse authorized refund amounts directly to taxpayers.

The RFD-05 represents the conclusion of GST refunds by verifying issuance of a refund order while sending payment guidance to the bank networks including RBI or designated banking institutions which proceed with fund transfers into the registered bank account of the taxpayer.

Importance of RFD-05 in GST Refund

Why is RFD-05 Important?

1. Formal Approval: It is the official confirmation that the refund claim has been accepted and processed.

2. Payment Trigger: This form instructs the bank to transfer the sanctioned refund to the taxpayer.

3. Audit Trail: Serves as a record of refund transactions for both the taxpayer and the GST department.

4. Taxpayer Relief: After receiving RFD-05, taxpayers can expect the refund to be credited shortly.

Legal Basis

Accomplishing RFD-05 implementation follows Section 54 of the CGST Act, 2017 and Rule 91 to 97A of CGST Rules. These provisions cover eligibility, conditions, documentation, and timeframes for refund processing.

Key Documents in the GST Refund Process

Before understanding RFD-05, it’s crucial to understand where it fits in the broader GST refund process. Here’s a simplified process flow:

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1. Application for Refund (RFD-01): The Taxpayer submits a refund application online.

2. Acknowledgement (RFD-02): System-generated acknowledgement.

3. Deficiency Memo (RFD-03) (if required): Issued if documentation is incomplete.

4. Refund Sanction Order (RFD-04): Provisional refund order (if applicable).

5. Payment Advice (RFD-05): Final payment order — this is where RFD-05 comes into play.

6. Adjustment/Withholding Order (RFD-06): In case the refund is adjusted against pending demands.

7. Refund Rejection Order (RFD-08): If a refund is rejected.

8. Notice for Hearing (RFD-09): If further hearing is required.

Components of RFD-0

Format of RFD-05

A typical RFD-05 Payment Advice contains the following details:

1. GSTIN: Taxpayer’s GST Identification Number.

2. ARN: Application Reference Number linked to the refund application (RFD-01).

3. Refund Sanction Order Number: Reference to RFD-04, if applicable.

4. Date of Payment Advice: Date when the payment advice is issued.

5. Tax Period: The tax period for which the refund is claimed.

6. Amount of Refund Sanctioned: Breakup of IGST, CGST, SGST, and Cess refunds.

7. Name of Taxpayer: Legal name of the business.

8. Bank Account Details: Registered bank account where the refund will be credited.

9. Payment Advice Reference Number: A unique identifier for the payment advice.

10. Authorized Officer Details: Name and designation of the officer issuing the payment advice.

Example of Format

Field	Description
GSTIN	29XXXXXXXXXXXXX
ARN	AA2903210012345
Refund Order No.	RFD-04/2024-25/001234
Date	07 March 2025
Refund Amount	₹2,50,000 (CGST ₹1,25,000 + SGST ₹1,25,000)
Bank Account	XXXX-XXXX-1234 (ABC Bank)
Payment Advice No.	RFD-05/2025/0001
Officer Name	XX, Assistant Commissioner

When is RFD-05 Issued?

RFD-05 is issued only after:

1. Verification of refund claims.

2. Completion of scrutiny or audit (if required).

3. Refund amount adjusted for any pending tax liability.

4. All relevant supporting documents are verified and found satisfactory.

The timeline for issuing RFD-05 depends on:

1. Normal Refunds: Within 60 days from the date of RFD-02 (Acknowledgement).

2. Provisional Refunds (for zero-rated supplies): Within 7 days of RFD-02.

Refund Processing Timeline Post RFD-05

Once RFD-05 is issued, the following happens:

1. Transmission to Bank: The GST system transmits the payment advice to the designated bank.

2. Bank Processing: The Bank processes the refund payment.

3. Credit to Taxpayer Account: The Refund amount is credited to the taxpayer’s bank account.

4. Email/SMS Notification: The Taxpayer is notified through email and SMS.

Normal Timeline

Stage	Expected Time
RFD-05 Issuance	0 Day
Bank Processing	2-3 Working Days
Refund Credit	3-5 Working Days

Common Issues and Delays in Receiving Refund Post RFD-05

Despite RFD-05 issuance, taxpayers often experience delays. Some common reasons include:

1. Bank Verification Issues: Mismatch between the GST-registered bank account and the refund payment details.

2. KYC Problems: The Bank’s internal checks for large refunds.

3. Technical Glitches: GST portal transmission issues.

4. Pending Dues Adjustments: Refund amount offset against existing tax liabilities (communicated via RFD-06).

For more help with Aadhaar and KYC, refer to: Aadhaar Authentication and e-KYC in GST Registration.

How to Track Refund Status Post RFD-05?

Taxpayers can track refund status using:

1. GST Portal Dashboard: Login > Services > Refunds > Track Application Status.

2. ARN Tracker: Enter ARN to view real-time updates.

3. Bank Statement: Check for refund credits (narrative may mention GST REFUND or similar).

Detailed Tutorial: Tracking GST Refund Application Status

Key Points for Taxpayers to Ensure a Smooth Refund Process

1. Ensure Bank Account Details Are Updated: Keep bank mandate and GST profile details up to date.

2. Respond to GST Notices Promptly: Avoid refund delays by replying to RFD-03 (Deficiency Memo) quickly.

3. Maintain Proper Documentation: Invoices, export documents, tax payment proofs, etc., must be readily available.

4. Seek Professional Assistance: For high-value or complex refunds, professional GST consultants can help expedite processing.

Conclusion

The RFD-05 Payment Advice represents a vital component of GST refund processing which indicates that submitted claims received official approval and clearance before the refund reaches the taxpayer’s bank account. Knowledge of RFD-05 Payment Advice structure alongside its purpose and internal process as well as prevalent issues allows businesses and GST practitioners to streamline refund management.

By maintaining proper records, ensuring correct GST compliance, and monitoring refund statuses proactively, taxpayers can ensure timely refunds and avoid cash flow disruptions.

FAQs

1. What happens after receiving RFD-05?

The refund processing system deposits money into taxpayers' bank accounts after a few days.

2. Can RFD-05 be revised or cancelled?

Once issued, RFD-05 cannot be revised. Any errors must be rectified via a fresh refund application or correction orders.

3. What if a refund is not received after RFD-05?

Taxpayers should check with their bank, review the GST portal status, and if needed, raise a grievance on the GST portal.

4. Is RFD-05 issued for all types of GST refunds?

Yes, RFD-05 is issued for all refund categories — export refunds, inverted duty structure refunds, excess cash balance refunds, and more.

5. Can I determine whether the authority approves my refund application?

After document and application verification by the GST officer, they will release RFD-05 Payment Advice to verify the refund approval and begin payment processing.

6. Can a refund be withheld after issuing RFD-05?

In rare cases, refunds can be withheld if discrepancies are discovered later, but typically, once RFD-05 is issued, the refund process is almost finalized.