How has my return already been accepted if filing doesnt open until the 23rd

[VolvoGirl]

The IRS pulls some returns early to test.  You got lucky.  But they won't process it until the 23rd.

[DoninGA]

Your tax return was pulled by the IRS as part of a test batch which they do ever tax season.  The IRS will not start processing your tax return until on or after January 23.