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Level 2
February 18, 2025
Solved

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

  • February 18, 2025
  • 24 replies
  • 392 views

I need a straight answer to this because TurboTax is SHADY:

 

If I get a direct deposit date this Friday, and it tells me 2/26, is TurboTax sending me my refund that same day? On Friday? Because that’s 5 days early. If not, this entire offering was a SCAM. 

Also, why am I reading now that if you opted to pay fees with your federal refund, you’re not eligible for the 5 days early deal? TurboTax offered BOTH to me and never once warned me that paying from my refund could affect this, so I expect that they would work together. If not, again, HUGE SCAM. 

Best answer by RobertB4444

Expert Reviewed

Never using turbo tax again!!! 

I reached out numerous times to TT seeking the status for funds. The IRS confirmed that my refund was sent to cross river bank aka Turbo Tax on 2/20/2025. It's now 2/27/2025.

Why are my funds being withheld by TT? I also paid for the pay advance, what a joke! 


Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand you are encountering issues with cashing your TurboTax Up to 5 Days Early tax refund check. We are committed to ensuring you access your refund swiftly and smoothly. Please rest assured that your check is legitimate and contains several security features to facilitate a hassle-free deposit.

Tips to deposit (we recommend depositing your check to avoid delays) or cash your check:

  • Deposit at a bank: Depositing your check into your bank account is preferred over cashing it. Check-cashing locations may charge fees and be less likely to cash large checks like tax refunds.
  • Name Matching: For bank deposits, ensure the name on your check matches the name on the bank account where you intend to deposit it.
  • Bank Holds: Your bank may place a temporary hold on the funds until the check clears. This is a standard bank policy and is not an indication the check is fraudulent. We have no control over this process. 
  • Bank and check cashing limits: Many banks and check cashing locations have maximum limits on check amounts they will cash. Ask your bank or check-cashing location what their limit is prior to visiting to determine whether you can cash it there.
  • Check Cashing Tips: The person(s) whose name(s) are on the check must be present and present ID to cash the check. For example – if a check name says “John Doe and Jane Doe” on it, then both John Doe and Jane Doe need to cash the check together in person. Each person must bring a valid government-issued identification card – driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID card.
  • Enhanced Security: This check is issued with the highest security standards. If your bank or check-cashing service has any concerns, they can verify it directly with Intuit by calling 1-800-780-9247. A dedicated team is available to assist with verification.
  • Check Returns: If your check is uncashed after 90 days, we will void your check and return your refund to the IRS. You may then work directly with the IRS to receive your tax refund.

 

Your refund check contains security features to ensure a hassle-free deposit, including:

  • Magnetic ink that's only readable by special check cashing machines.
  • Reflective ink shows hidden words if the check is copied.
  • Images on the check that disappear if the check is copied.
  • Microtext printed on the check that is too small to see with the naked eye, and too small to be copied or scanned.
  • Check background printed with special ink that fades to white when copied and bleeds when it comes in contact with liquids.
  • Special test strips that react to check washing chemicals such as acetone.

 

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. 

 

Track your refund with TurboTax here.

 

Go here to figure out what direct deposit information you entered into your return when you filed.

 

[Edited 03/10/24   04:24 PM PST]

 

@LADY1101 

 

@LADY1101 

24 replies

Level 2
February 25, 2025

It's all a scam originally told out was free then charged me 140. Still didn't get refund even though it's the date.  Still didn't get my referral for friends signing up that's another 100. Looks like I won't be using this again jeez

Level 3
February 25, 2025

@alyssacha12 I know I couldn’t get the advance either. Everytime I call turbo every customer service rep is like so surprised that the IRS website says the 26th puts me on hold and comes back like there is a secret that they are keeping 

Level 2
March 6, 2025

I also am having the same problem I didn’t see where I was asked to pay 250 to TurboTax ether I thought it was supposed to be cheaper H&R Block done my taxes for me for that prices not me doing it for that price. I need to know where my money is it’s been 18 days an. Othing no day ima get it or nothing. The track my refund dosnt work I’m starting to get pissed. 

MarilynG
Level 15
March 8, 2025

This is the best place to check your Refund Status: Where's My Refund?

 

@Clark18 

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Level 2
February 23, 2026

where’s my refund says my deposit should be on my account by the 24th of feb. I did the 5 days early and nothing. I would like a refund 

CatinaT1
Level 15
February 23, 2026

Once your return is filed, TurboTax has no control over the processing or the timing when the IRS releases your refund. 

 

The IRS Where's My Refund site will not take into account the 5 days early, but if you signed up for the 5 Day Early product, you should receive your refund deposited 5 days prior to the date indicated by the IRS, assuming all conditions are met.

 

For more information click on the link below

5 Days Early Option

 

If you don't get your deposit 5 days early, there is a few reasons why that might happen.

 

  • Your refund was offset or differed from their estimated refund amount, bringing the refund amount below the minimum threshold or above the maximum. What is a refund offset?
  • Your bank wouldn't accept RTP (Real Time Payments) or Same Day ACH deposits, preventing Intuit from depositing your refund 5 days ahead of when the IRS would have deposited your refund.
  • The IRS didn't give Intuit 5 or more days of notice in advance. This stopped Intuit from meeting the 5 days early expectations.

If TurboTax is unable to deliver the refund 5 days early, your order will be canceled and you won't be charged the 5-Day Early fee. You will receive a follow-up email with a refund and timing update, and if any cancellation is applicable. 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
Level 2
February 23, 2026

Then don’t claim to offer something you clearly have no intention of providing. Ya know, since you don’t have control of anything. 

Sbtpg says my advance was repaid on 2/20. That tells me the service TT chooses to use is holding our money. They can hold it from thousands of people and collect some nice interest for days and days.  

this is why after many years of using Turbo Tax, I and choosing to use another provider for taxes. The last two years, customer service has declined to almost no. Existent and y’all get away with making claims for features that you never actually provide. You get away with it because each program in your system, TT, CK, SBTPG, all have varying dates. This way you can claim you met the requirements. 
not giving TT another dime in the future. 

Level 2
February 24, 2026

Literally the dame thing to me. And I just found out today when I called.  That because I paid turbo tax my fees out if my refund it makes me not eligible for the 5 days early.  But credit karma didn't tell me that.  It's Literally the imy reason I opened that stupid money account with them to deposit my refund into because id get it 5 days sooner. But now im not.  I'm so angry