You can file your federal return when you have all your 2020 tax info (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) and all the tax forms and schedules in your return have been finalized (most should be ready by late January).
If you E-File before February 12, 2021, TurboTax will submit your return automatically on February 12, 2021.
The IRS will start processing the backlog of e-filed returns on February 12, 2021. Returns will be processed in the order received.
FYI, under the PATH Act, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds and claims from being issued, including to identity thieves.
The IRS anticipates a first week of March refund for many EITC and ACTC taxpayers if they file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns. This would be the same experience for taxpayers if the filing season opened in late January. Taxpayers will need to check Where's My Refund for their personalized refund date.
Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct deposit if there are no issues with their tax return. The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns wherever possible.
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