EITC processing/approval before Mid-February?

[lastchance0613]

So,I know the IRS wont start sending out refunds with EITC until mid-February  but does anyone know if they process those returns earlier then mid -Feb and then just hold the deposit until then or do they wait to process the returns until around the time they can deposit those refunds? Just wondering so I know if I should even start checking to see if my refund has been approved before then or not. 

Much Thanks!

[SabrinaD2]

In general, the IRS may begin processing your tax returns as soon as they are received. The PATH Act mandates that the IRS hold the refunds of tax returns with EITC until mid-February. You can start checking the status of your refund at the Where's My Refund? tool, but it's likely the status may not be updated until at least February 22.

For more information, you can refer to:

• IRS guidelines on EITC refund timing
• TurboTax article on federal refunds delayed due to the PATH Act

[xmasbaby0]

Federal and state refunds come from completely separate entities.  There is no rule as to which one will come in first or how long it will be between their arrival in your account.

TurboTax gives you an estimated date for receiving your refund based on a 21 day average from your date of acceptance, but it can take longer.  “21 days”  is not a promise from TurboTax or the IRS. 

First, check your e-file status to see if your return was accepted: 

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

Once your federal return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control.  TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS. Your ONLY source of information about your refund now is the IRS.

You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount  (line 35a of your 2024 Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:   

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

To track your state refund:    

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/track-state-refund/L3jgO8PGs_...

If you chose to have your TurboTax fees deducted from your federal refund, that will take some extra time, while the third party bank handles the refund processing

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/refunds-take-longer-others/L1...

.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/irs-refund-taking-longer-21-d...

If you are getting earned income credit on line 27 or additional child tax credit on line 28 You are subject to the delay required by the PATH act.  Do not expect your refund earlier than early March

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/what-is-the-path-act-and-how-may-it-impact-your-...

Note:  “Accepted” is not the same as “approved”.  TurboTax tells you the e-file was accepted if the IRS deems that there is enough information on the return for them to take it in for processing.   Only the IRS can approve of the refund, which is a later stage of processing.  If the IRS approves your refund they will provide a date for the refund to be issued.