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New Member
posted Feb 20, 2025 9:13:36 AM

My filing has been accepted but hasn't been approved yet why is it taking so long this year?

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2 Replies
Level 15
Feb 20, 2025 9:34:47 AM

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_US_en_US?uid=lt447ebr

 

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/L14YlqFrH_US_en_US?uid=lexdr7zh

.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/irs-refund-taking-longer-21-days/L2vRAJbdU_US_en_US?uid=lexe7lst

 

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 before early March

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/what-is-the-path-act-and-how-may-it-impact-your-taxes/L2fkZJmNC

 

 

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.

 

 

Expert Alumni
Feb 20, 2025 10:16:26 AM

There are a number of things the IRS might be doing.

 

1. reconciling the forms you supplied with the copies they received (if there is a mismatch, expect a letter from the IRS asking you to clarify).

2. double and triple checking certain credits like EITC and Child Tax Credit.

3. looking for symptoms of identity theft (this also often generates a letter). and so on.

 

As xmasbaby0 pointed out, we at TurboTax do not know what the IRS is doing with your return. 

 

If you have a taxpayer assistance office near you, you might call them and ask what's happening with your return.