CassandraLO
Intuit Alumni

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

No, it is not a bad thing, this is normal. The IRS updates every 24 hours, so I would keep checking back. Processing means that the IRS has accepted the e-file but does not have any additional information at this time on the status of your refund.

Does your return contain either the EIC or Additional Child Tax Credit? If so, the IRS will begin issuing tax refunds on returns with the EIC or Additional Child Tax Credit on February 27, 2019.

If your return was accepted less than 21 days ago, hang in there. It can take anywhere from a few days to 3 weeks to go from acceptance to approval. This timeframe is unrelated to how, where, or when you filed and it isn't connected to how quickly you got your refund last year.

And it doesn't mean you're being audited — the 2018 "audit season" doesn't start until summer.

IRS representatives will be able to research the status of your refund if your return was accepted (received) more than 21 calendar days ago. Call them at 1-800-829-1040, but prepare for potentially long wait times.

For more info about Where's My Refund and other refund-related topics, visit the IRS web page Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.

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