The IRS began accepting tax returns on Jan. 29 and do to the backlog of early filers they are having to play catchup. I recommend just checking back to see when it updates.
Accepted means your return was received and the basics (such as the correct social security number) seem to be in order.Once the IRS takes a deeper look, they will (hopefully) quickly approve your refund.
The IRS issues refunds in about 21 days. But it is a case by case basis, you can check the status of your federal return here: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
Keep in mind your federal refund can take longer than 21 days to process for the following reasons:
- You claimed an Earned Income Tax Credit and/or an Additional Child Tax Credit and filed before February 15, 2018. It takes until the week of February 27 to receive your refund at the earliest.
- The IRS processed a refund offset.
- There were errors, inconsistencies, or missing info on the return.
- The return is under review.
- The IRS suspects identity theft or fraud.
- There's a Form 8397 (Injured Spouse Allocation) on your return. It takes 11-14 weeks to process.
- You filed Form 1040-X (Amended Return), which can take 12-16 weeks to process.
TurboTax cannot research your refund and IRS representatives can only research your refund if it’s been at least 21 days since you e-filed, at least 6 weeks since you mailed your return, or if their Where’s My Refund? lookup tool tells you to contact them.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901303-why-is-my-irs-refund-taking-longer-than-21-days
