Pending 2020 eFiled Return

[Adam21117]

I filed my 2020 taxes electronically as of 2/1/21.  It’s now in a pending status. I know the IRS began accepting forms on 2/12/21.  Is TurboTax releasing the pending forms based on when they were filed?  I haven’t received notification the files were transmitted to the IRS yet. 

[SForrestLO]

It varies, but normally it takes 24-48 hours. Also, the identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS in recent years may account for longer wait times. Eventually, you will receive an email letting you know whether or not your return has been accepted or rejected.

TurboTax FAQ "What does Pending mean? "states, "Pending simply means that your e-filed return is on its way and that the government hasn't accepted or rejected it yet. If you e-filed your return in January, it'll stay in Pending status until the IRS starts processing the backlog of returns. After January, e-filed returns generally sit in Pending status for 24-48 hours before coming back as either Accepted or Rejected. Sometimes state returns stay in Pending for several days or even longer. If you contact the government or try to look up your refund status while your return is still pending, don't be surprised if they tell you "no record found." This is normal; until the government starts reviewing and processing your return, they won't have any record of it."

This Turbo Tax FAQ will provide more information. What does pending mean?

[JimR1959]

I e-filed my return on January 30th and status is still pending.  I e-filed my brother's return on February 2nd and the IRS accepted his return on February 11th.  Why is my return still Pending on February 16th?  Returns are obviously NOT being processed based upon when they were submitted.

[TerukoL]

Since all returns are not the same, some people will receive their refunds quicker than others, even if they have been submitted their tax returns sooner than or at the exact same time. 

TurboTax has no control over IRS processing and no information about why some tax returns take longer than others to be accepted or processed.

[Adam21117]

Thank you.  I am waiting patiently. Never had this happen before. Normally my Federal return is accepted within 2-3 hours after filing (in years past).  Thought it would be accepted by now (since the IRS started accepting files on 2/12 I believe).  

[Cass0317]

Most tax refunds won't be processed until after the official start date, which was February 12th and even in normal circumstances it can take up to 48 hours before a tax return is accepted or rejected. I would not be concerned especially with Covid19 and limited staffing.

Please see the links below for more information:

• 2021 tax filing season begins Feb. 12; IRS outlines steps to ...
• When will the IRS start accepting e-filed returns?

[Adam21117]

Thank you. When should I get concerned (or should I be concerned) if the status of my filing continues to say “Pending”?  

Have  files that are “Pending” been sent to the IRS on the day I submitted or are they being “held” by TurboTax?

[TerukoL]

Pending simply means that your e-filed return is on its way and that the government hasn't accepted or rejected it yet. Sometimes returns stay in Pending for several days or even longer, especially with the IRS filing delay and backlog this tax season. 

Please click What does "Pending" mean? to learn more.