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Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

 
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8 Replies

Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

Accepted only means the IRS received the tax return without errors on the return.

 

After the tax return has been Accepted by the IRS (meaning only that they received the return) it will be in the Processing mode until the tax refund has been Approved and then an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.
See this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

CatinaT1
Employee Tax Expert

Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

Once your return is filed, TurboTax has no control over the processing of your return or the release of your refund.

 

Here are a couple FAQs to track your refund:
When will I get my federal tax refund?
How do I track my state refund?
Why does Where's My Refund say "approved" but TurboTax still says "accepted"?

 

Why do some refunds take longer than others?

What if my IRS refund is taking longer than 21 days?

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Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

 

  “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.

 

 

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_...

 

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/L1...

.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/irs-refund-taking-longer-21-d...

 

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-...

 

**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.**

Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

Oh that makes sense. So is the 21 days it typically takes to receive the refund from the date it is accepted, or the date it is approved? 

Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

21 days from acceptance is the "average" --- do not take 21 days literally.   If you are getting earned income credit or additional child tax credit, you will not receive your refund until early March.

**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.**
JohnB5677
Employee Tax Expert

Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

Xmasbaby0 is correct, the average is 21 days, but just to be clear: 

 

If your taxes are Accepted it is a good thing.  

It means that their were no technical errors like Social Security Numbers that were wrong.  

It also means that TurboTax does not have any control of your  return.

If you are being told that it's still in process, the IRS has not finished checking it out.

 

The IRS has stated that the typical time to process a tax return is 21 days, but there may be delays for many reasons.

TurboTax can only project the time to get your refund.  The IRS has the real control.

 

You can check the status of your tax return.  You will need:

  • Social Security Number.
  • Tax return year.
  • Hilling Status.
  • Exact refund amount

 Please click here to enter your information  Check Your Refund .

 

If you wish to contact the IRS, you can call toll-free at 800-829-1040 or contact a Taxpayer Assistance Center Local IRS Office.

 

Be sure that your return status is Accepted

  • It should not show Pending, or Rejected
  • The return will also have to be processed.
  • Therefore there may be a time delay between Accepted and issuing the refund.

Other reasons your refund can be delayed

  • If you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.
  • In addition some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:
    • Contains errors or is incomplete
    • Needs further review in general
    • Is affected by identity theft or fraud
    • Was referred to the IRS by the bank due to suspicious activity
    • Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit. See Q&A below.
    • Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
    • And I'm sure a host of other issues
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Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?

TurboTax said my refund comes on the 7th but never came I checked where my refund it’s been only received?

Why does TurboTax say my refund is accepted, but the IRS website says it has not been approved yet?


@candyaakjjj wrote:

TurboTax said my refund comes on the 7th but never came I checked where my refund it’s been only received?


Only the IRS and your State control when and if a Federal or State tax refund is Approved and Issued.

 

If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds

If accepted by the state use this TurboTax support FAQ to check the state tax refund status - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

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