You have to submit your returns, TurboTax does not file your returns for you. You can choose to receive your refund by check when you go through the final steps to e-file your return. You will have to come back and transmit your returns (Federal and State), TurboTax will let you e-file early but they will just hold your return until the IRS opens their e-file system, you would not be able to get it back or make changes. You should not e-file the IRS starts accepting returns.
The IRS is not accepting returns until January 23rd so no rush to file your returns.
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Beginning in 2017, a new law approved by Congress requires the IRS to hold refunds on tax returns claiming the EITC or the ACTC until mid-February. The IRS must hold the entire refund — even the portion not associated with the EITC and ACTC — until at least Feb. 15. This change helps ensure that taxpayers get the refund they are owed by giving the agency more time to help detect and prevent fraud.
