E-File Status Still Pending

Forum|Forum|6 months ago
January 28, 2026
3 replies
48 views

What haven't my forms been e-filed yet? They are still saying Pending. When can I expect them to be transmitted?

xmasbaby0

Level 15

The IRS just opened on January 26 to accept/reject e-files. Millions of e-files been waiting on the servers in "pending." Start watching your emails now that the IRS is open. Many e-files are on the servers so it could still take a day or two. The IRS cannot accept all of them at the same time.

DID YOU E-FILE?

Did you e-file? Did you go through all three steps of the FILE section and click a big orange button that said “Transmit my returns now?”

When you e-file your return you will get two emails from TurboTax. The first one will say your return has been transmitted; the second one will tell you the IRS has accepted or rejected your federal e-file. If you filed a state return, there will be a third email (usually a day or two later) that tells you if the state e-file was accepted or rejected.

Check your e-file status:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

ErickaY

Community Manager

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CatinaT1

Level 15

Are you seeing this in TurboTax or at the IRS Where's my Refund?

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.

The IRS states that most federal tax refunds are issued within 21 days of acceptance, however, some may take longer if they require additional review. Also, by law, the IRS cannot issue EITC or ACTC refunds before mid-February. This applies to your entire refund, not just the portion related to those specific credits.

Here are a few FAQs to help you track your refund:
When will I get my federal tax refund?
How do I track my state refund?
Why does Where's My Refund say "approved" but TurboTax still says "accepted"?

Why do some refunds take longer than others?

What if my IRS refund is taking longer than 21 days?

If in TurboTax see the TurboTax FAQ What does "Pending" mean? for additional information.

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