Skip to main content
Level 1
May 22, 2026
Question

How long does it take to process return after it’s accepted?

  • May 22, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views
No text available

1 reply

Level 15
May 22, 2026

The IRS says that most people who efile and choose direct deposit will receive their Federal refund within 21 days.  But sometimes it takes longer.  A significant number of returns require more processing for various reasons; some are chosen at random.   Here are some things you can check:

 

First, if you efiled, be sure your efiled return was accepted.   If using Online TurboTax, you can check at the Tax Home page.   Does the status there show as accepted, rejected, printed, started, ready to mail, or something else?

 

If that showed your return was accepted for processing, you can track your Federal refund at the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool.   Is there any message there?

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

 

The IRS refund tracker tool normally uses 3 stages:

  • Return received and is being processed.
  • Refund approved.
  • Refund sent and an expected deposit date.

 

If that tool shows your refund is still being processed, and if it has been longer than the usual 21 days, you can phone the IRS, if you wish, to see if they can tell you anything about the delay.

 

IRS: 800-829-1040 (7AM-7 PM local time) Monday-Friday

 

If you also expect a state refund, the FAQ below tells how to check on a state refund.  First, check at the Tax Home to be sure the state return was accepted (if efiled.)  At the FAQ you will see a link for your state.

 

FAQ:  How do I track my state refund?

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