turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Attend our Ask the Experts event about Tax Law Changes & Forms (2024) on Mar 19! >> RSVP NOW!
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

I need a straight answer to this because TurboTax is SHADY:

 

If I get a direct deposit date this Friday, and it tells me 2/26, is TurboTax sending me my refund that same day? On Friday? Because that’s 5 days early. If not, this entire offering was a SCAM. 

Also, why am I reading now that if you opted to pay fees with your federal refund, you’re not eligible for the 5 days early deal? TurboTax offered BOTH to me and never once warned me that paying from my refund could affect this, so I expect that they would work together. If not, again, HUGE SCAM. 

x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Best answer

Accepted Solutions
RobertB4444
Employee Tax Expert
Intuit Approved! This answer has been verified for accuracy by an Intuit expert employee

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand you are encountering issues with cashing your TurboTax Up to 5 Days Early tax refund check. We are committed to ensuring you access your refund swiftly and smoothly. Please rest assured that your check is legitimate and contains several security features to facilitate a hassle-free deposit.

Tips to deposit (we recommend depositing your check to avoid delays) or cash your check:

  • Deposit at a bank: Depositing your check into your bank account is preferred over cashing it. Check-cashing locations may charge fees and be less likely to cash large checks like tax refunds.
  • Name Matching: For bank deposits, ensure the name on your check matches the name on the bank account where you intend to deposit it.
  • Bank Holds: Your bank may place a temporary hold on the funds until the check clears. This is a standard bank policy and is not an indication the check is fraudulent. We have no control over this process. 
  • Bank and check cashing limits: Many banks and check cashing locations have maximum limits on check amounts they will cash. Ask your bank or check-cashing location what their limit is prior to visiting to determine whether you can cash it there.
  • Check Cashing Tips: The person(s) whose name(s) are on the check must be present and present ID to cash the check. For example – if a check name says “John Doe and Jane Doe” on it, then both John Doe and Jane Doe need to cash the check together in person. Each person must bring a valid government-issued identification card – driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID card.
  • Enhanced Security: This check is issued with the highest security standards. If your bank or check-cashing service has any concerns, they can verify it directly with Intuit by calling 1-800-780-9247. A dedicated team is available to assist with verification.
  • Check Returns: If your check is uncashed after 90 days, we will void your check and return your refund to the IRS. You may then work directly with the IRS to receive your tax refund.

 

Your refund check contains security features to ensure a hassle-free deposit, including:

  • Magnetic ink that's only readable by special check cashing machines.
  • Reflective ink shows hidden words if the check is copied.
  • Images on the check that disappear if the check is copied.
  • Microtext printed on the check that is too small to see with the naked eye, and too small to be copied or scanned.
  • Check background printed with special ink that fades to white when copied and bleeds when it comes in contact with liquids.
  • Special test strips that react to check washing chemicals such as acetone.

 

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. 

 

Track your refund with TurboTax here.

 

Go here to figure out what direct deposit information you entered into your return when you filed.

 

[Edited 03/10/24   04:24 PM PST]

 

@LADY1101 

 

@LADY1101 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

View solution in original post

285 Replies

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/when-to-expect-your-refu...

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/early-tax-refunds/

 

Remember that the “”5 day early” date is based on the date given to you on the IRS refund site—-not the date the TT site shows in your account.   If your refund does not come in five days ahead of the IRS date, they are supposed to cancel the $25 fee.

 

 

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

 

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

That doesn’t answer my question at all—that is just the same regurgitated response that you give to every single person who posts here. If I get an 846 Refund Issued 2/26 on my transcript on FRIDAY, am

I getting my money on FRIDAY—since that is 5 DAYS EARLY? That would be a date from the IRS. I’m not talking about the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. 

If Turbo Tax couldn’t truly make this happen for anyone who was affected by the PATH Act, why did they still offer it? Bad business. I want actual answers from someone. 

CatinaT1
Employee Tax Expert

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

You have to use Where's My Refund. Your refund will come 5 days earlier than what is listed there. If the date on Where's My Refund says 2.26 then you should receive your refund on 2.21.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

The date used for the "5 day early" refund is the date on the IRS refund site.  NOT a date you are seeing on a transcript.

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/early-tax-refunds/

 

From the 5 day early offer page

 

To check if your refund has been approved, visit the IRS website and use their “Where’s My Refund?” tool for real-time updates. Additionally, if you file with TurboTax, you can track your refund status directly within the platform, providing you with peace of mind and up-to-date information.

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

WMR just updates after the transcript has updated anyway—and WMR doesn’t update until Saturday for weekly cycle code people…sometimes it never updates to “Approved” and I’ve always still gotten a refund…so basically Turbo Tax won’t be able to honor their guarantee? Transcripts are from the IRS and are always more reliable than WMR is. 

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

I smell SCAM by TT and no real

answers either 

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

I am not sure about those that are on Path and getting the 5 days early, but I know for those not on path it is working as my son got his in 3 days . Hope this helps a little 

aimhac
New Member

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

The 846 code on transcripts is what dictates what you see on WMR. Don't answer questions if you don't know how the tax system works. 

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

I agree there's been a few times I gotten my deposit before WMR updates Transcripts are my go to for dates. So mine says ( 846 Refund issued 02-24-2025) and I added the 5 days early direct deposit so shouldn't I have received my deposit yesterday being that Monday was a holiday??

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

According to my tax record refund issued is 2/24 I also paid for 5 days early and it still shows I selected 5 days early using my bank acct I should get mine today but nothing yet 

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

Same date for me I’m wondering the same if I’ll get it today 2/19 or 2/20 I paid for the 5 days earlier too since Monday was a holiday 

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

Same I have a refund date of 2/24, also did the 5 days early. But where’s my refund hasn’t updated. So if it doesn’t TurboTax wouldn’t see a date. Kind of a bummer. I need the money by the 21st. 

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

The date on the WMR for deposit is the same refund date on the transcript where it says Refund Issued. You can get your money before silly WMR even updates. 

PATH Act & “5 Days Early”

I am in the same boat I should have gotten mine Monday but I figured since it was a holiday that ok I will get it Tuesday. Well it’s Wednesday morning 5am getting ready for work and still nothing. And my where is my refund still says child act code . My transcripts however no longer have my negative amount under account balance so I wonder if I will get it today. Still however not five days early so I better not get charged that fee. 

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question