topic $0 Refund - Accepted to Approved in After you file

$0 Refund - Accepted to Approved

gameflips — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:47:58 GMT

Hello,

Just filed my first tax return. It says that I won't be receiving a refund (nothing is in 35a on my 1040). TurboTax still says the status of my return is "accepted" but it's been a month and 5 days since then. Since I'm expected to get $0 as a refund, would my "accepted" status change to "approved" or will it be "accepted" for forever since I'm not getting a refund. Just want to make sure if I should be concerned that my return hasn't been approved yet. I was 100% self-employed in 2021 if that helps.

Re: $0 Refund - Accepted to Approved

VolvoGirl — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 23:54:08 GMT

Turbo Tax will always say Accepted. It is not updated when the IRS or State sends your refund. Accepted only means the IRS or state verified your identity and accepted your return FOR PROCESSING. Once they accept your return then Turbo Tax is done with their part and doesn't get any updates on your return or refund.

Did you have a Tax Due? How did you select to pay it? Direct Debit from your bank account or mail a check? I assume you have a tax due if you had self employment income.

Re: $0 Refund - Accepted to Approved

DavidD66 — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:08:14 GMT

Your tax return won't be given an "approved" status by the IRS. They don't do that unless you are submitting changes to a previously filed return. You can assume all is well with your return unless and until you get a letter from the IRS about your return.

Re: $0 Refund - Accepted to Approved

gameflips — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:40:24 GMT

Direct debit. They already took the taxes I owed.

Re: $0 Refund - Accepted to Approved

gameflips — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:42:24 GMT

Oh sweet. The IRS already took the taxes I owed out of my checking account, so I assume that everything is all done? @DavidD66

Re: $0 Refund - Accepted to Approved

PattiF — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:52:48 GMT

If your account was debited, the IRS did not find any problems with your return. A letter would have been sent to you if a discrepancy was found.